Vocabulary: List #7

1. aberration-(Noun)A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome; A person whose beliefs or behavior are unusual or unacceptable.
2. ad hoc-(Adjective)Formed, arranged, or done for a particular purpose only.
3. bane-(Noun)A cause of great distress or annoyance;Something, typically poison, that causes death.
4. bathos- ludicrous descent from the exalted or lofty to the commonplace; anticlimax;
5. cantankerous-(Adjective)Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
6. casuistry-(Noun)The use of clever but unsound reasoning, esp. in relation to moral questions; sophistry;The resolving of moral problems by the application of theoretical rules to particular instances.
7. de factor-(Adverb)In fact, whether by right or not; (Adjective)Denoting someone or something that is such in fact: "a de facto one-party system".
8. depredation-(Noun)An act of attacking or plundering.
9. empathy-(Noun)The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
10. harbinger-anything that foreshadows a future event; omen; sign: Frost is a harbinger of winter.
11. hedonism-the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the highest good; choosing pleasure as a way of life
12. lackluster-lacking brilliance or radiance; dull: lackluster eyes.
13. malcontent-not satisfied or content with currently prevailing conditions or circumstances. dissatisfied with the existing government, administration, system, etc.(Noun) A person who is dissatisfied and rebellious. (Adjective) Dissatisfied and complaining or making trouble.
14. mellifluous-(Adjective)(of a voice or words) Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.
15. nepotism-(Noun)The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, esp. by giving them jobs.
16. pander-Gratify or indulge (an immoral or distasteful desire, need, or habit or a person with such a desire, etc.).
17. peccadillo-(Noun)A small, relatively unimportant offense or sin.
18. piece de resistance-the principal dish of a meal; the most noteworthy or prized feature, aspect, event, article, etc., of a series or group; special item or attraction.
19. remand-to send back, remit, or consign again.
20. syndrome-a group of related or coincident things, events, actions, etc.;predictable, characteristic pattern of behavior, action, etc., that tends to occur under certain circumstances