vocab from classical roots lesson 5

bas-relief

sculpture whose ornament or figures are somewhat raised above the background

debase

to lower in quality, value, or dignity; to degrade

declivity

a downward slope; the slope of a hill

proclivity

a natural inclination or tendency

leaven

• a substance like yeast or a small amount of fermented dough that causes dough to expand or rise

• a lightening or enlivening influence

legerdemain

• sleight of hand, magic tricks

• any trickery or deception

leverage

• the action of a lever that raises or lifts

• power to influence; a position of strength

levitate

to rise or float, or cause to rise, seemingly despite gravity

levity

lightness in speech or behavior, especially unbecoming jocularity, frivolity

penchant

a strong inclination or liking

ponderous

• extremely heavy, massive

• unwieldly or awkward

• dull or tedious

imponderable

unable to be assessed or measured precisely

preponderant

superior in number, force, power or importance

echelon

• a step-like formation of troops, ships, or aircraft

• a level of command or authority

transcendent

going beyond the limits of ordinary experience