1. Torpor
   Diffidence
2. Ennui
   Vitality

Stemming from vita, the Latin word for life, vitality refers to an energetic life-force. The term is applied to people who are feeling young, healthy and energetic. It can also be used to refer to places that are flourishing.

1. Tradition
   Committee
2. Aspect
   Psychology

The correct word is aspect, which refers to the nature or phase in which something is regarded. A less common definition of the word refers to the object-orientation of something, such as the direction a building faces.

1. Charisma
   Conjecture
2. Allegation
   Demeanor

The word charisma stems from the Greek word for gift. For a long time, it was used in a religious sense to refer to people blessed by the Holy Spirit. Today it is used to refer to someone who possesses an aura of charm that is pleasant and inspiring.

1. Crimp
   Ascent
2. Complication
   Gaston

Ascent is a mountain climbing term used to describe three different parts of climbing. It can be used to describe the process of gaining elevation, a particular upward slope on the mountain or the degree of elevation.

1. Boutique
   Discotheque
2. Bibliotech
   Ecole

Those students were hitting up the discotheque, which is the European catch-all to describe dance clubs. While the term originated during disco's heyday, it continues to be used today even if it isn't playing disco.

1. Fallacy
   Gaffe
2. Paragon
   Elation

If someone calls you a paragon, then you must be good at something. The word refers to someone who is the perfect example of a trait or skill. The word has roots in the old Italian "paragone," which was a black touchstone that was used to determine the quality of precious metals.

1. Existentialism
   Nihilism
2. Cosmology
   Materialism

Existentialism is a philosophical discipline originating in the 19th century that argues that human beings are born without inherent meaning and must create their own. Major existentialist philosophers include Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir.

1. Mausoleum
   Palatial
2. Aquifer
   Parodist

Those who are scared of ghosts should not hang out in mausoleums at night. The buildings are large stone tombs that are usually above ground and house deceased family members. The term was coined for the ruler Mausolus, whose tomb was so impressive that it was declared one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

1. Subterranean
   Canteen
2. Cottage
   Vintner

The miners retired to the canteen for drinks and dinner. While the term canteen can be used to refer to a portable vessel for carrying water, it is also the word to describe a bar in a company or military encampment.

1. Cricket
   Emulsifier
2. Candelabra
   Cadaver

Coming all the way back from ancient Rome, the word candelabra refers to a candlestick with multiple arms. You can carry the handle and walk with one, or keep them illuminated on a dinner table.

1. Rhododendron
   Rose
2. Violet
   Daffodil

Daffodils are bright yellow flowers that belong to the amaryllis family. These perennial plants grow from bulbs and raise every spring. Although yellow is the most common color, they can come in white or pink.

1. Acupuncturist
   Ocularist
2. Taxidermist
   Doula

Taxidermy is the practice of stuffing a dead animal and contorting it into a lifelike position. Taxidermists are the people who practice this hobby or profession, making everything from museum models to home decorations.

1. Mediocrity
   Novelty
2. Penchant
   Quiescence

The noun quiescence describes the state of being quiescent, which is a state of peacefulness and tranquility. It is the opposite of hustle and bustle of modern life in the city, which is good or bad depending on your disposition.

1. Welders
   Stevedores
2. Avionics
   Carpenters

If you watched the HBO drama "The Wire," you know all about the plight of Baltimore's stevedores. The term refers to those who load and unload cargo from ships. It stems from the Spanish word estibador.

1. Anecdote
   Reflection
2. Urging
   Endorsement

An endorsement is a gesture of approbation or approval. In the example sentence, one person is endorsing another they believe in, lending them credence and authority. Companies can also give paid endorsements to athletes or celebrities.

1. Foundation
   Resolution
2. Repercussions
   Reception

The safety inspectors were negligent in their responsibilities, leading to the undesirable consequence or repercussions of injury and environmental hazard. That is why it is always a good idea to think about the potential negative repercussions of any action.

1. Alacrity
   Dilettante
2. Connoisseur
   Potenate

A connoisseur is someone who has built up a great body of knowledge and experience in a particular field. The word comes from the French connaître, which means to know or be acquainted with.

1. Bohemian
   Luddite
2. Modern
   Luxuriant

The term bohemian is used to describe people who live an unconventional lifestyle and are associated with literature and the arts. The term originated from the region of Bohemia in current-day Czech Republic, which was falsely believed to be the homeland of gypsies.

1. Testimonial
   Gaffe
2. Mandate
   Paradox

The French seem to lend us a lot of terms to describe social blunders. Like a faux pas, a gaffe is a mistake or misstep in a social situation. Forgetting the name of the person who invites you to a party would definitely qualify.

1. Emporium
   Registrar
2. Hostel
   Yurt

If you don't want to fork out for an expensive hotel room, you can always stay in a hostel. The word has roots in Middle English when it referred to a lodging inn. They usually have dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms.

1. Bassoon
   Harpsichord
2. Didgeridoo
   Piccolo

The instrument described above is known as a harpsichord. The instrument was important in the works of many Renaissance and Baroque composers. While its heyday was the 15th through 18th century, the instrument has made a resurgence in both classical compositions and popular music.

1. Dropbears
   Mamalukes
2. Gophers
   Wombats

Wild wombats are common fare in Australia. The little stubby creatures look a lot like rodents, but actually belong to the marsupial family. Marsupials are distinct by their pouches and also include kangaroos.

1. Asgard
   Titans
2. Furies
   Harpies

The godfathers of the Greek pantheon were the Titans, who were children of Uranus and Gaea and part of the second generation of gods. The Greeks worshiped the 12 primordial deities, who themselves fathered the Olympians.

1. Juxtaposition
   Application
2. Diatribe
   Lassitude

A juxtaposition brings two separate things together, drawing attention to the contrast. The term can be used in art and photography, with different colors and lighting used for dramatic effect. It is also used to compare to other nouns, as in the example sentence.

1. Simpleton
   Conformist
2. Patriot
   Rarity

A conformist is someone who goes along with the prevailing trends, attitudes and beliefs of society. A conformist can accept those beliefs uncritically, or choose to follow along because it is the path of least resistance.

1. Grotto
   Stalactite
2. Simulacrum
   Pandemic

A grotto is an idyllic cave, often one that is artificially created. So picture the place where a pirate would hide their buried treasure on a Caribbean island, or the pool at Drake's house.

1. Humanist
   Anthropology
2. Economics
   Geography

Not to be confused with the upscale lifestyle brand, Anthropology is the study of human behavior and society. The discipline studies everything from the distant past to today's societies.

1. Satire
   Sagacity
2. Perfidy
   Avidity

The sagacity of the text shows wisdom and a refined interpretation of a body of knowledge. And while you would think it stems from the word sage, it actually comes from the Latin word sagire which means "to perceive keenly."

1. Duplicity
   Replica
2. Estrangement
   Disposition

The duplicitous employer said one thing but did the opposite. The word duplicity stems from the Latin duplex, which means double. While there is a legal definition for the word, it is most commonly used to describe deception.

1. Restriction
   Nebbish
2. Yonic
   Cabotage

The term cabotage refers to the right to trade in a certain body of water. It comes from the French word caboter, which refers to sailing along the coast of the country. The word originated around the time of famous Italian explorer John Cabot.

1. Chaplain
   Beatnik
2. Vagabond
   Misanthrope

Just as misogynists hate women, misanthropes hate all of humanity. The word stems from the Greek words misos, which means hatred, and anthrōpos, which means human. Moliere's play Le Misanthrope depicts the archetypal misanthrope.

1. Domination
   Subsidy
2. Preponderance
   Subservience

Whether the enterprise is legal or illegal, you can expect the person on top to get the lion's share or preponderance of the prize. The word refers to the numerically superior or majority of something.

1. Funicular
   Gyroscope
2. Mollusk
   Dojo

Next time you go on a ski vacation or hang out in a mountain town, check to see if they have a funicular for a fast way to get to the top of a mountain. The cable cars make a rapid ascent up the side of a mountain and are named after the Latin word for cord.

1. Antedilluvianism
   Occultism
2. Monomania
   Maceration

The all-consuming obsession or fixation with one thing or person is the definition of monomania. The term was popularly used in 19th century psychology but does not have as much use today.

1. Fuller
   Crier
2. Hobbler
   Haberdasher

If there was a medieval version of "Dirty Jobs," fuller would definitely be on there. This occupation was an important step in woolen cloth-making, and would involve scouring the fabric to remove excess dirt.