Elite Prep 251-275

metamorphosis

a transformation, as by magic; a marked change in apperance 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

staunch

strongly loyal

mortify

to humiliate; to fill with embarassement

blunder

to move carelessly

putrid

in a foul state, as of decaying flesh; rotten

illicit

unlawful; improper

motif

a recurring subjecto r 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

deserted, abandoned (of a building); negelectful of a duty (of a person)

cynical

distrusting others from a sense that everyone’s motives are selfish

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

ingrate

an ungrateful person