Glossary

acquirement n.

Something achieved by continued effort.

amaranth n.

A type of plant used for food and for ornamental purposes. Its flower is long-lasting when cut and since ancient times has symbolized immortality.

ambiguity n.

Something that is unclear or could be interpreted in more than one way.

anthropologist n.

A scholar who practices anthropology—the comparative study of human culture, behavior, and biology, and of how these change through time.

benevolence n.

Generosity and kindness.

bloated adj.

Swollen or puffed up, especially as the result of gluttony and self-indulgence.

census records n.

Documents created in conducting a census -- an official count of the population in a particular area. U.S. census records include the names and addresses of individuals and their family members and may also contain information such as occupation, military service, and immigration status.

clownish adj.

Rude; ignorant.

constitutionally adv.

By one's fundamental nature or character.

contextualize v.

To situate something in the circumstances that surround it. (For example, time and place.)

contrary adj.

Opposite.

covetousness n.

Strong desire to own what belongs to someone else.

credible adj.

Believable.

cringing adj.

Timid and submissive.

cringing adj.

Timid and submissive.

deceitful adj.

Dishonest.

deficient adj.

Lacking or inadequate.

deformed adj.

Misshapen; having an unusual form.

deportment n.

General way of behaving; conduct.

devolve v.

To cause (a duty or responsibility) to fall upon a person.

disposition n.

One's usual mood or temperament.

disregard n.

Lack of thoughtful attention.

dominion n.

Territory or area under control; property under one's control.

emblem n.

Symbol.

eradicate v.

To get rid of completely.

germ n.

Seed.

imbue v.

To fill or inspire.

impertinent adj.

Improperly forward or direct; behaving without proper respect for superiors.

industry n.

Devotion to a task or duty.

ingenious adj.

Having inventiveness and creativity.

maternal adj.

Related to a mother or motherhood.

meager adj.

Thin or under-nourished.

negligence n.

Neglect; failure to pay proper attention.

nurse v.

To nurture or raise.

odious adj.

Deserving or causing hatred.

ordinance n.

A custom or practice established by an authority; ofter refers to religious ceremonies.

pander v.

To indulge the expectations and desires of others.

passively adv.

Without participating actively.

portal n.

A door, gate, or other entrance.

progeny n.

Offspring or descendents.

progeny n.

Offspring or descendents.

propriety n.

The standard of what is considered appropriate in behavior, speech, or conduct.

rear v.

To bring up, educate, or nourish.

regulation n.

The act of controlling according to rules.

repress v.

To keep down or restrain; to keep under control.

reverence n.

A feeling of profound respect and awe.

rhetorical strategies n.

Stylistic uses of language, including figures of speech, irony, and exaggeration.

scepter n.

A decorative wand held in the hand as a symbol of royalty. Often used figuratively, to indicate power or authority.

sentiments n.

Feelings; qualities.

sociologist n.

A person who studies human society and social behavior.

subordination n.

The condition of being dependent or under the control of another.

sustenance n.

Something (usually food) that maintains life.

taint v.

To place under suspicion or color in a negative light.

temperance n.

Moderation or self-restraint. Also refers specifically to avoidance of alcoholic beverages.

vice n.

Immoral behavior.

virtue n.

Moral righteousness; goodness.