perfunctory
Matter of fact; obligatory and without much thought or emotional investment.
utilitarian
Functional and possessed of a down-to-earth quality; indicating something that is practical rather than a luxury.
facade
Literally, a false front to a structure; metaphorically, a smokescreen intended to divert attention away from the reality behind the disguise.
implication
A meaning that is hinted at or suggested rather than directly stated or explained.
cynicism
A doctrine of perception toward the world marked by a pessimistic and scornful expectation that people are always acting upon the worst aspects of their character.
glamour
Especially alluring and attractive that rises to a height above the commonplace; conveying a sense of not just physical appeal, but a mysterious sense of style and fascination.
peevish
Irritable and in a sour mood, but not quite to the point of expressing anger.
accoutrement
An accessory or tool of one’s trade.
tableau
Frozen in place like a moment in time captured forever in a painting.
dumbwaiter
A cabinet for serving food that can be raised and lowered from one floor to another.
uncanny
Unexplainable and often conveying a possible supernatural explanation or answer.
resurrection
To be brought back from the dead.
riled
To get angry about something in particular.
gauche
Vulgar and in questionable taste.
amelioration
Intervening in an effort to make a situation less intolerable; working for the betterment of something.
