avid

(adj) 1. Having a strong desire for, to the point of greed. 2. Eager; enthusiastic.

brusque

(adj) Abrupt in manner or speech; gruff.

concise

(adj) Short and to the point.

demean

(v) To cause a lowering of self-esteem; to lower in reputation or character.

despicable

(adj) Deserving contempt or scorn.

emulate

(v) To try to equal; to imitate.

evoke

(v) 1. To call forth; to produce. 2. To bring to mind, often by suggestion.

excruciating

(adj) Very painful.

inaugurate

(v) 1. To install in office with a formal ceremony. 2. To begin officially or mark the opening of.

pervade

(v) To spread throughout.

proprietor

(n) An owner of a store or other business.

pseudonym

(n) A fictitious name used by an author; a pen name.

rebuff

(v) 1. To reject bluntly. 2. To drive back. (n) 1. A blunt rejection. 2. An abrupt setback in progress.

resilient

(adj) 1. Capable of recovering quickly from misfortune. 2. Returning quickly to an original shape or condition.

turbulent

(adj) 1. Chaotic; unruly. 2. Stormy; tempestuous.