| A | B |
|---|
| abeyance | temporary or suspension of activity |
| absolve | to be set free from guilt or blame |
| acumen | sharpness and depth of perception |
| affectation | taking on a behavior not genuinely felt so as to impress others |
| altercation | a noisy heated angry dispute |
| antipathy | a definite dislike or distaste for |
| autonomous | self-governing, independent |
| cameo | a small theatrical role for a well-known actor/ress, a gemstone with elevated carving |
| circumvent | to get around, to deceive by trickery |
| compunction | anxiety arising from the awareness of guilt |
| crass | lacking higher values, unrefined |
| didactic | designed or intended to teach |
| dour | gloomily silent, marked by strictness |
| elusive | hard to comprehend or define |
| ensconce | to shelter or conceal, to arrange |
| execration | an expression of hatred or loathing |
| exigency | a situation requiring immediate attention |
| extenuate | lessening seriousness by presenting reasonable excuses |
| fatuous | foolish in a self-satisfied way |
| filch | to steal secretly or gradually |
