Vocabulary and Synonyms

Faux pas is a French term meaning a social blunder or breach of good manners. It refers to an embarrassing or tactless act in social situations.

A feud is a prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute, often between families or groups. It implies hostility lasting over time.

Flank means the side of something, such as the side of an army (military context), the side of an animal, or the side area of a building. While 'border' and 'projecting edge' are related concepts, the primary and most direct meaning of flank is 'side' - it refers specifically to a lateral position or the right or left side of something.

Foment means to stir up, incite, or promote the growth of something - typically used in contexts like 'foment trouble' or 'foment revolution.' It means to instigate or agitate a situation. While 'to boil' is related to the original Latin root, the modern meaning is about stirring up trouble or unrest, not literally boiling liquid.

A fen is a type of wetland - specifically a marsh or swampy area, often with peat-forming vegetation. It's a low-lying area that is periodically flooded and supports water-tolerant plants. While related to wet ecosystems, it's not the same as a tropical jungle (which is forest-based) or a desert (which is extremely dry).

Fulsome means excessive, overabundant, or done to an exaggerated degree. It's often used in phrases like 'fulsome praise' meaning praise that is so excessive it seems insincere. The word has a negative connotation of going too far, being overly generous in a way that seems excessive rather than genuine. It doesn't mean 'kindly' or 'generous' in a positive sense.

[notorious]

Fete refers to a celebration, festival, or elaborate entertainment held in honor of someone or something. It can be a noun (a festival or celebration) or a verb (to honor or entertain someone lavishly). The word comes from French and is associated with festive occasions and celebrations.

Determination is a quality that makes one continue trying to do something even when this is difficult. It’s a quality of having a strong will in the face of difficulties.

The word buckle means to fasten something, usually belt or buckle of shoes, etc. However, the word is used figuratively here and it means to get crushed or give in under weight or pressure.

Merrily is an adverb that means ‘in a happy, cheerful way’.

A haughty person is arrogant (noun - arrogance). Haughty is adjective and its noun is haughtiness. It is a quality of behaving in an unfriendly manner towards other people because a haughty person believes he is better than others. It’s a negative quality and often does not pay.

Disaster nearly means the same thing as calamity. An event that causes great damage to lives, property, etc. is calamity.

Being unfortunate means having bad luck or regrettable.

Counsel is a piece of advice, especially given by elders or experts.