formal; strict; ceremonious; stiff
shy; diffident; retiring; reserved
manners; behavior; behaviour
head (of a household); proprietor (of a store); proprietress; (arch.) entertaining someone as one's guest
explanation (of a text, phrase, etc.); lecture; explanation (in a pompous fashion); (long-winded) lecture; (arch.) storytelling
weir; bonds; fetters; ties of obligation
to find out; to discover; to select; to pick out; to look out (from the inside); to be wide-eyed (in surprise, anger, etc.)
to polish; to shine; to brush (e.g. teeth); to refine (e.g. a skill); to improve; to cultivate
harmless and inoffensive; bland; tepid
demanding; difficult; strict
if it is not ...; if it does not ...
incoherent; inconsistent; illogical; disorderly; confused; nonsensical
clamour; clamor; uproar; tumult; furore; furor
to bawl; to cry; to scream
fault; defect; flaw; failure (in an examination); failing grade
to attack a routed enemy; to sink the boot into; to pour salt on a wound
delicacy; tact; considerateness; sensitivity; thoughtfulness
both ends; either end; both edges; double-mindedness; sitting on the fence
to grow up; to become an adult; to become big; to grow in size
admiration; being impressed; admirable; praiseworthy; astonishment; being appalled
to project; to show; to portray; to depict; to describe
program (musical, concert, theatrical, etc.); programme
several people; a few people
role; assignment; position (of responsibility); post; part (in a play, film, etc.); role
chairman; moderator; toastmaster; master of ceremonies; chairperson; host (of a TV show, etc.)
flour; meal; powder; dust
pointed end; tip; point; forefront; vanguard; spearhead
to scrape out; to rake out (e.g. ashes); to bail out (e.g. water)
magic; sorcery; incantation
easy; simple; simple (way of thinking, etc.); simple-minded; soft; lax
mixing; compounding; dispensing (e.g. prescription)
to go through the proper procedures; to follow the required steps
to raise; to lift; to boost; to enhance
gesture; movement; action; acting; performance
to go in the direction of; to proceed toward; to become; to face (facts, circumstances, etc.); (arch.) to abide by; (arch.) to agree to