fumble = move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in
search of something); mishandle or drop a ball that is
in play; bungle; botch; spoil by mishandling; N.
misapprehension = error; misunderstanding; V. misapprehend
ameliorate = improve

tractable = docile; easily managed; (of something) easily
changed or molded; N. tractability
tantamount = equivalent in effect or value; Ex. This invasion
is tantamount to a declaration of war; CF. amount
abbreviate = shorten
superfluous = excessive; overabundant; unnecessary; N.
superfluity
unassuming = modest; Ex. the champion.s unassuming
manner
mannerism = distinctive behavioral trait; affected style in
art (according to a set of styles)
inalienable = not to be taken away; nontransferable; Ex.
inalienable rights
ephemeral = short-lived; fleeting
trough = long narrow container for feeding farm animals;
lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.); long narrow
depression as between waves
morbid = given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought;
moody; characteristic of disease; Ex. morbid curiosity;
N. morbidity; CF. disease
grandiose = affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown;
ridiculously exaggerated; impressive; great in size or
scope; grand; Ex. grandiose ideas
itinerant = wandering; traveling from place to place (to
perform work); Ex. itinerant preacher
onslaught = vicious assault; fierce attack; Ex. unexpected
onslaught of the enemy