(N) A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand

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(adj) (of a state, quality, or emotion) Very great or intense

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(V) To make something more interesting by adding extra details, especially ones that are not true.

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(adj) (of a person or their behavior) Unconventional and slightly strange.

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(V) To proclaim that something is immoral or bad

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(V) To speak badly of; to belittle

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(adj) Feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder

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(V) To give something strong support or to make it stronger or better.

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(N) A period or state of inactivity or equilibrium

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(V) To steal something

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(N) The act or power of making one's choices or decisions; using one's will

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(adj) (usually something fortunate) Happening unintentionally or by chance

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(N) Extreme greed for possessions or money

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(N) A significant (and usually unjust) difference

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(adj) Unfortunate or unlucky

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(adj) Based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic

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(adv) To one side; out of the way (for future use)

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(adj) Not securely held into a position, prone to fall; hazardous

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(N) One who only seeks enjoyment and sees it as the most important thing in life

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(Historical Allusion) Sparta was an ancient city-state in Greece. Its citizens were referred to as Spartans; all surrounding states feared Sparta as the city was very strict on who they allowed to become citizens, cultivating strong, intelligent, and well-disciplined people. Now, the word spartan is used to describe something that is lacking of luxuries and comfort.

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(Historical Allusion) Svengali is a character in a book that uses hypnosis to control the main character in the book, Trilby. Svengali transforms her into a singer by means of manipulation and she is only able to sing whilst being controlled by him. Today, this is used to describe someone who manipulates or has control over another person, typically for a sinister reason.

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(Historical Allusion) The Battle of Waterloo was the final battle leading to Napoleon's defeat. In March of 1815, Napoleon returned from exile to his position of power. In June of the same year, the other European forces took on the French Army. The Prussians were able to get Napoleon and his troops to Waterloo, where the French were officially defeated. Today, Waterloo represents the final defeat of someone or something.

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(Mythological Allusion) Pyrrhic comes from King Pyrrhus of Epirus. His army suffered irreplaceable casualties when defeating the romans during the Pyrrhic War. In both victories the romans suffered more casualties, but because they had a larger pool of replacements, the casualties had less impact on them. Today, it refers to something that is won, but not worth it because all that is lost trying to achieve it.

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(Literature Allusion) Dickensian is based on the writer Dickens and the works he created. His novels feature plenty of examples of unpleasant social circumstances, largely due to capitalism and the mistreatment of workers. Today, Dickensian means relating to or similar to something described in the books of Charles Dickens, especially living or working conditions that are below an acceptable standard.

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(Historical Allusion) Named after Jonathan Swift, the author of novels and essays such as "A Modest Proposal" that made him known as the greatest satirist in the history of English literature. Today, Swiftian means to be described as similar to Swift's writings in tone or outlook, often times ironic, dry, caustic, or pessimistic.

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