Uncommon

ramify

[ram-uh-fahy]

to divide or spread out into branches or branchlike parts; extend into subdivisions

quaint

[kweynt]

attractively old-fashioned or unusual

unctuous

[uhngk-choo-uhs]

of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy

foible

[foi-buhl]

a minor weakness or failing of character; slight flaw or defect

redoubtable

[ri-dou-tuh-buhl]

that is to be feared; formidable

fetching

[fech-ing]

charming; captivating

discerning

[dih-sur-ning]

having or showing good judgment or insight

pellucid

[puh-loo-sid]

clear and transparent

galvanize

[gal-vuh-nahyz]

to stimulate by or as if by a galvanic current

emanate

[em-uh-neyt]

to flow out, issue, or proceed, as from a source or origin; come forth; originate

cadenza

[kuh-den-zuh]

an elaborate flourish or showy solo passage, sometimes improvised, introduced near the end of an aria or a movement of a concerto

candid

[kan-did]

truthful and straightforward; frank

avert

[uh-vurt]

to turn away or prevent something undesirable

glumly

[gluhm-lee]

in a dismal, dreary, or gloomy manner.

assertion

[uh-sur-shuhn]

a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief

aggrandize

[ag-ruhn-dahyz]

increase the power, status, or wealth of

austere

[aw-steer]

(of living conditions or a way of life) having no comforts or luxuries; harsh or ascetic

caveat

[kav-ee-aht]

a warning or caution; admonition

torrid

[tawr-id]

ardent; passionate

furtive

[fur-tiv]

characterized by stealth; sly and secretive

provident

[prov-i-duhnt]

having or showing foresight; providing carefully for the future

hector

[hek-ter]

to act in a blustering, domineering way; be a bully

comminatory

[kom-uh-ney-tuh-ree]

a threat of punishment or vengeance

hegira

[hi-jahy-ruh]

any flight or journey to a more desirable or congenial place