elite 3

metamorphosis

A transformation, as by magic; a marked change in appearance or function.

prestige

Fame or importance based on reputation or achievements.

duplicity

Deception; deceitfulness; double-dealing.

peruse

To read carefully.

disabuse

To free from error or falsehood.

transcribe

To copy over, usually into a different form.

somber

Dark and gloomy or dull.

debunk

To expose the falsehood of.

stauch

Strongly loyal.

mortify

To humiliate; to fill with embarrassment.

blunder (v)

To move carelessly.

blunder (n)

Such a movement; a significant error.

putrid

In a foul state, as of decaying flesh; rotten.

illicit

Unlawful; improper.

motif

A recurring subject or theme, esp. in a work of art or literature.

scrupulous

Conscientious and exact; having principles.

ruse

An action or device intended to deceive.

lineaments

Any of the features of the body, usually the face.

derelict (adj)

Deserted, abandoned (of a building); neglectful of a duty (of a person).

derelict (n)

A homeless person.

cynical

Distrusting others from a sense that everyone's motives are selfish.

ingrate

An ungrateful person.

caveat

A warning.

compound

A building or group of buildings enclosed by a barrier.

apprehension

Worry or unease.

banal

Dull or stale; commonplace.

rustic

Of or living in the country.

rejoinder

An answer, esp. to another answer.

venial

Easily excused or forgiven.

apt

Appropriate; having a natural tendency.

exert

To put forth or bring to bear.

exodus

The departure of a large number of people.

suffrage

The right to vote.

diverge

To depart from a set course or opinion.

blithe

Frivolous; casual; carefree.

indelible

Incapable of being removed or erased.

arbitrate

To settle a dispute or a fight between two parties.

pragmatic

Dealing practically with a situation or a thing; based on experience rather than theory.

averse

Opposed, reluctant; repelled.

dismal

Causing gloom or depression.

circumspect

Showing discretion and careful judgement.

underscore

To emphasize.

sedate

Calm; quiet.

saline

Of or containing common salt.

atheist

One who believes that God does not exist.

icon

An image; a symbol; a representation of a holy person, esp. in the Orthodox Christian churches.

fallacy

A false notion, esp. one based on incorrect reasoning.

analogy

A similarity between things that are otherwise dissimilar; a comparison based on such similarity.

abject

Of the lowest degree; brought low in condition.

aristocracy

A hereditary ruling class; a group considered to be superior to the others.

relegate

To assign to an obscure place or condition; to send away.

ubiquitous

Present everywhere.

defunct

Having ceased to exist or live.

circumscribe

To form or mark the limits of; to restrict or limit severely.

anarchy

The absence of government.

cornucopia

An abundance.

extant

Currently or actually existing.

vigilant

Alert and watchful, esp. for what is dangerous.

abstinence

The act of voluntarily doing without something.

brood

To be deep in thought; to think over mood.

chagrin

Feeling of embarrassment because of failure or disappointment.

infamous

Having a bad reputation.

season (v)

To make competent through experience; to accustom.

petulant

Impatient or irritable, esp. over a minor annoyance.

renege

To fail to carry out a promise.

hanger

A structure used for housing aircraft.

egregious

Outstanding for under undesirable qualities; remarkably bad.

polyglot (n)

One who speaks many languages.

polyglot (adj)

Speaking many languages.

acclimate

To make comfortable in a new environment; to adapt to.

incorrigible

Unable to be corrected or reformed.

frank

Open and sincere; straightforward.

lucrative

Producing wealth; profitable.

check

To restrain or block.

magnanimous

Generous; noble in mind.

protégé

One whose welfare, training, or career is promoted by another person.

pacify

To make peaceful; to restore calm.

insular

Narrow in outlook; provincial.

eon

A long period of time.

obdurate

Not easily moved to pity or sympathy.

deplore

To feel or express strong disapproval of.

larder

A place (e.g., a pantry or cellar) where food is stored.

remnant

A small amount left over after the rest has been used; a surviving trace.

novel (adj)

Strikingly new.

indigent

Poor; needy; destitute.

abeyance

A suspension of activity.

gripe

To complain constantly or naggingly.

mirth

Gladness, esp. when expressed as laughter.

mausoleum

A huge tomb.

forlorn

Appearing sad because abandoned; in pitiful condition; almost without hope.

tout

To solicit customers; to praise or recommend highly.

rhapsody

A state of great happiness; such a state expressed in speech or writing.

adjourn

To suspend until a later, stated time.

impassive

Not feeling emotion, not showing emotion.

accrue

To come as a gain; to increase.

martyr

One who chooses to die rather than to give up religious beliefs, or who suffers greatly to further a cause.

byline

A line at the head of a newspaper article carrying the author's name.

haggle

To argue, as over terms or price.

frugal

Careful in spending money or resources.

caste

A rigid and hereditary social class.