Lesson 42

a person believing in a religion that worships many deities, especially one that existed before the major world religions

She identified as pagan, celebrating the cycles of nature and the changing seasons.

an expression of tribute, praise, or thanksgiving

The retiring CEO received a heartfelt paean from the board.

a public and often outdoors performance of historical events in which people usually are dressed in elaborate and traditional clothes

the act of recalling something

a serious complaint about something

the period between the 14th and 16th centuries in Europe, marked by a rise of interest in Greek and Roman cultures, which is dominant in the art, philosophy, etc. of the times

The Renaissance period is known for its remarkable achievements in art, science, and literature.

a situation where something becomes popular again

to make the inside part of something face outside and the outside part face inside

to deliberately avoid facing or fulfilling something difficult, unpleasant, or obligatory

The company tries to evade taxes by exploiting legal loopholes in the tax code.

capable of becoming flawless

done quickly and with minimal effort or care

He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.

a person who suffers the consequences of others people's wrongdoings

the size, amount, or degree of one thing compared with another

The scale of the earthquake was so immense that it caused widespread damage across the region.

official procedures or rules that are unnecessary and time-consuming

The company has been struggling to get the necessary permits due to all the red tape involved in the process.

having an excessive emotional quality, often in a way that seems overly sentimental or self-pitying

The film's maudlin ending left some viewers feeling manipulated by the emotions.

a strong and circular current of water that can draw surrounding objects toward its center

an old story that is sometimes considered historical although it is not usually proved to be true

(physics) the universal force of attraction between any pair of objects with mass

Gravity is what keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun and the Moon in orbit around the Earth.

persuasive in a way that is deceitful

The politician was glib, promising reforms she had no intention of delivering.

a style of art, music, literature, film, etc. that has its own special features

Impressionism is a genre of painting known for its focus on light and color.