Educational

brumal

[broo-muhl]

wintry

allege

[uh-lej]

to assert without proof

antisocial

[ant-is-ok-ial]

avoiding social interaction or behaving in a way that is harmful to society.

disparage

[dih-spar-ij]

to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle

iconoclast

[ic-ono-ast]

one who attacks common beliefs or institutions

aberration

[ab-uh-rey-shuhn]

a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome

solipsism

[sol-ip-siz-uhm]

the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist

mnemonic

[ni-mon-ik]

assisting or intended to assist the memory.

elide

[ih-lahyd]

to suppress or omit; ignore or pass over

expectant

[ik-spek-tuhnt]

having expectations; expecting

overlord

[ov-erl-ord]

a person in authority, especially one who exercises control in a domineering way.

portend

[pawr-tend]

to indicate in advance; to foreshadow or presage, as an omen does

quisling

[kwiz-ling]

a person who betrays his or her own country by aiding an invading enemy, often serving later in a puppet government; a traitor

mercurial

[mer-kyoor-ee-uhl]

changeable; volatile; fickle; flighty; erratic

clangor

[klang-er]

a loud, resonant sound

beseech

[bih-seech]

to implore urgently

skittish

[skit-ish]

apt to start or shy

incendiary

[in-sen-dee-er-ee]

used or adapted for setting property on fire

intellect

[in-tuh-lekt]

the ability to think and reason

jubilant

[joo-buh-luhnt]

showing great joy, satisfaction, or triumph; rejoicing; exultant

exculpate

[eks-kul-payt]

to clear from blame or guilt

quip

[kwip]

a sharp, sarcastic remark; a cutting jest

cackle

[k-akl-e]

to laugh in a high-pitched, often unpleasant manner; also refers to the sound made by chickens.

bibliopole

[bib-lee-uh-pohl]

a person who buys and sells books, especially rare ones