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elitist n/adj appealing to a small class or group that believes it is somehow more privileged or entitled than others. Usu. negative in connotation We have somehow got to get rid of the elitist notion that only children from the "best families" can attend Ivy League schools; the best students will always be those with the best minds.
endow v to give as a special gift or talent 1) The wealthy philanthropist endowed the university with a new library wing. 2) Having been endowed by nature with huge hands and a four foot vertical leap, he was destined almost from the start to be a great basketball player.
foment v to stir up or start trouble The revolutionists tried to foment a rebellion against the government, but it failed because all their supporters were at home watching "Wheel of Fortune."
impetus n the driving force or motivation behind an action Alberta was a relatively undistinguished student, but finding herself in the bottom third of the class was just the impetus she needed to start studying in earnest.
marginal adj on the edge, as in just barely surviving or existing / of little or no central importance, having little influence 1) The plant species in Siberia live a marginal existence, just barely hanging onto life in the frigid temperatures. 2) The world's major religions--Christianity, Judaism, and Islam--pay little or no attention to more marginal faiths such as Oogaboogalism.
proliferate v to spread rapidly by reproduction As soon as the sitcom "Friends" became popular on TV, "buddy" sitcoms started to proliferate all around the dial.
ratify v to approve officially, to affix one's signature to as a sign of approval--often said of contracts and official agreements After a six month strike, the steelworkers went back to work after union officials were able to ratify a new contract with management.
regression n a going back or return to an earlier state, often used psychologically or socially After six years of successful therapy, Wilbur suffered a regression to childhood after the tragic death of his bunny.
tenor n the general tone or attitude of a meeting, gathering, or presentation Though the CEO praised us a little for our dedication to the company, the overall tenor of his address was that he was disappointed in our lack of technical and marketing prowess.
turbulent adj very confused, shaken up, disturbed--as a wild and turbulent sea Aunt Katie had hoped for a peaceful family gathering, but sixteen children under the age of six turned her polite dinner party into a wild and turbulent nightmare.