sophistication [sə-ˌfi-stə-ˈkā-shən] [experience of the world and knowledge of fashion, culture and other things that people think are socially important.]
unflinching [ˌən-ˈflin-chiŋ] [remaining strong and determined, even in a difficult or dangerous situation.]
endearment [in-ˈdir-mənt] [a word or an expression that is used to show love.]
transact [tran-ˈzakt] [to do and complete a business activity.]
perk [ˈpərk] [(to cause a liquid, especially coffee) to percolate.]
genial [ˈjēn-yəl] [Friendly and cheerful.]
affable [ˈa-fə-bəl] [Receiving others kindly and conversing with them in a free and friendly manner; friendly, courteous, sociable.]
inconclusive [ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv] [Not conclusive, not leading to a conclusion.]
pooped [puːpt] [very tired, especially from doing a lot of work or physical activity.]
chicanery [shi-ˈkā-nə-rē] [Deception by use of trickery, quibbling, or subterfuge.]
dissimulate [(ˌ)di-ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt] [To practise deception by concealment or omission, or by feigning a false appearance.]
razor [ˈrā-zər] [A keen-edged knife of peculiar shape, used in shaving the hair from the face or other parts of the body.]
discernment [di-ˈsərn-mənt] [The ability to distinguish; judgement.]
steel [ˈstēl] [An artificial metal produced from iron, harder and more elastic than elemental iron; used figuratively as a symbol of hardness.]
slight [ˈslīt] [The act of slighting; a deliberate act of neglect or discourtesy.]
harbor [ˈhär-bər] [to hold especially persistently in the mind.]
grudge [ˈgrəj] [Deep-seated and/or long-term animosity or ill will about something or someone, especially due to a past misdeed or mistreatment.]
retaliate [ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt] [To do something harmful or negative to get revenge for some harm; to fight back or respond in kind to an injury or affront.]
orchestra [ˈȯr-kə-strə] [A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including some from strings, woodwind, brass and/or percussion; the instruments played by such a group.]
formidable [ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl] [Causing fear, dread, awe, or discouragement as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive feature; commanding respect; causing wonder or astonishment.]
competent [ˈkäm-pə-tənt] [Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.]
oboe [ˈō-(ˌ)bō] [A soprano and melody wind instrument in the modern orchestra and wind ensemble. It is a smaller instrument and generally made of grenadilla wood. It is a member of the double reed family.]
bassoon [bə-ˈsün] [A musical instrument in the woodwind family, having a double reed and playing in the tenor and bass ranges.]
bass [ˈbas] [A low spectrum of sound tones.]
viol [ˈvī(-ə)l] [A stringed instrument related to the violin family, but held in the lap between the legs like a cello, usually with C-holes, a flat back, a fretted neck and six strings, played with an underhanded bow hold.]
celesta [sə-ˈle-stə] [A musical instrument consisting principally of a set of graduated steel plates struck with hammers that are activated by a keyboard.]
clavichord [ˈkla-və-ˌkȯrd] [An early keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades (called tangents) attached to the inner ends of the keys gently striking the strings.]
gouache [ˈgwäsh] [A thick, opaque watercolour paint made with gum containing an inert white pigment to make it opaque.]
charcoal [ˈchär-ˌkōl] [Impure carbon obtained by destructive distillation of wood or other organic matter, that is to say, heating it in the absence of oxygen.]
trade [ˈtrād] [a particular business or industry.]
grumble [ˈgrəm-bəl] [to complain about someone or something in an annoyed way.]
wince [ˈwin(t)s] [an expression on your face that shows that you are embarrassed or feeling pain .]
audacious [ȯ-ˈdā-shəs] [Showing willingness to take bold risks; recklessly daring.]
dauntless [ˈdȯnt-ləs] [Invulnerable to fear or intimidation.]
slicker [ˈsli-kər] [a person who behaves in a way that is typical of people who live in big cities.]
poised [ˈpȯizd] [having a calm and confident manner and in control of your feelings and behaviour.]
congeniality [kən-ˌjē-nē-ˈa-lə-tē] [the quality of being friendly and pleasant.]
worldly [ˈwər(-ə)ld-lē] [Concerned with human or earthly matters, physical as opposed to spiritual.]
obtuse [äb-ˈtüs] [To dull or reduce an emotion or a physical state.]