Uncommon

contrived

[kuhn-trahyvd]

obviously planned or forced; artificial; strained

surly

[sur-lee]

bad-tempered and unfriendly

haboob

[huh-boob]

a thick dust storm or sandstorm that blows in the deserts of North Africa and Arabia or on the plains of India

motion

[m-oshun]

the act or process of moving or being moved.

ensorcell

[en-sawr-suhl]

to fascinate

attenuate

[uh-ten-yoo-eyt]

to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value

innate

[ih-neyt]

inherent in the essential character of something

count

[k-ount]

to determine the total number of items; also refers to considering or taking into account.

annexing

[an-ek-sing]

to add or attach something, especially territory

beguile

[bih-gahyl]

charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way

fragmentary

[fr-agm-ent-ary]

consisting of small, incomplete parts or pieces.

prophet

[prof-it]

a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of god

flimflam

[flim-flam]

a trick or deception, especially a swindle or confidence game involving skillful persuasion or clever manipulation of the victim

brawl

[br-awl-awl]

a rough or noisy fight or quarrel.

largesse

[lar- jes]

the generous bestowal of gifts, favors, or money

parallel

[par-uh-lel]

extending in the same direction, never meeting

assorted

[ass-ort-ed]

made up of different kinds, often arranged together; varied or diverse.

uitwaaien

[out-vahyn]

the Dutch practice of jogging or walking into the wind, especially in the winter, for the purpose of feeling invigorated while relieving stress and boosting one’s general health

feckless

[fek-lis]

lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible

moria

[môr′ē-ə]

dullness of mind; mental lethargy; a mental state characterized by frivolity, joviality, and the inability to be serious

inveigh

[in-vey]

to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently

battery

[ba-tte-ery]

a device that supplies power

palfrey

[pawl-free]

a docile horse used for ordinary riding, especially by women

camaraderie

[kah-muh-rah-duh-ree]

mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together