Uncommon

cultivated

[k-ult-iv-at-ed]

refined, educated, and cultured; also refers to land prepared for growing crops.

sycophant

[sik-uh-fuhnt, sik-uh-fant]

a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite

complainer

[k-ompl-ain-er]

a person who frequently expresses dissatisfaction or grievances.

bribe

[brahyb]

money or favors given to influence someone

succuss

[suh-kuhs]

medicine/medical; to shake (a patient) in order to determine if a fluid is present in the thorax or elsewhere

axiom

[ak-see-uhm]

a self-evident truth that requires no proof

aggrandize

[ag-ruhn-dahyz]

to make something appear greater

malaise

[ma-leyz]

a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify

descry

[dih-skrahy]

to see (something unclear or distant) by looking carefully; discern; espy

conundrum

[kuh-nuhn-druhm]

a confusing and difficult problem or question

neutralize

[noo-truh-lahyz]

to make (something) ineffective; counteract; nullify

snickersnee

[snik-er-snee]

a knife, especially one used as a weapon.

blue-green

[bloo-green]

a color between blue and green

contemplative

[kon-tem-pluh-tiv]

expressing or involving prolonged thought

tessellate

[tes-uh-leyt]

to form small squares or blocks, as floors or pavements; form or arrange in a checkered or mosaic pattern

counterfeit

[kown-ter-fit]

fake; false

disjointed

[dis-joyn-tid]

lacking order or connection

ambiguity

[am-bi-gyoo-i-tee]

the quality of being open to more than one interpretation

bereft

[bih-reft]

deprived

paean

[pee-uhn]

a song of praise, joy, or triumph

matter

[m-att-er]

a substance or material; also refers to an issue or topic under consideration.

depleting

[d-epl-et-ing]

reducing the quantity, strength, or value of something.

ephemeral

[ih-fem-er-uhl]

lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory

diffidence

[dif-i-duhns]

modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence