Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book E 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 tendancy

Leaven

1. A substance like yeast or a small amount of fermented dough that causes dough to expand or rise

2. A lightening or enlivening influence

3. To provide a lightening influence

Legerdemain

1. Sleight of hand ; magic tricks

2. Any trickery or deception

Leverage

1. The action of a lever that raises or lifts

2. 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

1. Extremely heavy ; massive

2. Unwieldly or awkward

3. Dull or tedious

Imponderable

Unable to be assessed or measured precisely

Preponderant

Superior in number , force , power , or importance

Echelon

1. A step-like formation of troops , ships , or aircraft

2. A level of command or authority

Transcendent

Going beyond the limits of ordinary experience