1
seeking for information or knowledge (7)
_ n _ _ _ _ y
inquiry
a usually prolonged public dispute; an argument (11)
c _ _ t _ _ _ _ _ _ y
controversy
having exaggerated self-opinion; egotistical or overproud (8)
a _ _ _ _ _ _ t
arrogant
one who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions (5)
c _ n _ _
cynic
to weaken, sabotage, subvert, debilitate, destabilize (9)
u _ _ _ r m _ _ _
undermine
to engage in argument or debate; to argue vehemently; quarrel (7)
d _ _ p _ _ _
dispute
to anger or vex; to stir up or call forth (feelings, desires or activity) (7)
p _ _ _ _ k _
provoke
to challenge; confront, counter, deny, or oppose (10)
c _ _ t _ _ _ _ _ t
contradict
to become aware of by means of the senses; to recognize or understand (8)
p _ _ c _ _ v _
perceive
a feeling of disdain for anything considered mean or worthless (8)
c _ _ _ _ _ _ t
contempt
to come to a firm decision about, determine; to settle or solve (e.g. a question or a controversy) (7)
r _ _ _ _ v _
resolve
to engage in thought, especially conjectural thought (9)
s _ _ c _ _ _ t _
speculate
having many interrelated parts or facets; hard to understand, work, or make (9)
i _ _ _ _ c _ t _
intricate
a questioning or doubting attitude; doubt regarding religion (10)
s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ m
skepticism
to state positively; declare (6)
a _ _ _ _ t
assert
not identical, separate; different in nature or quality, dissimilar (8)
d _ _ _ _ _ t
distinct
dissenting, at odds with, alienating; creating dissension or discord (8)
d _ v _ _ _ s _
divisive
to expend by use; to use up (7)
c _ _ _ _ m _
consume
to wander away from the main topic or argument in speaking or writing (7)
d _ _ _ _ _ s
digress
to introduce (something new) (8)
i _ n _ _ _ t _
innovate
to make or become smaller, less, or less important (8)
d _ _ _ _ _ _ h
diminish
a sentimental longing for something in the past (9)
n _ s _ _ l g _ _
nostalgia
showing deep insight or understanding; originating in the depths of one's being (8)
p _ _ _ _ _ _ d
profound
persistence, strong character, perseverance (8)
t _ _ _ _ _ _ y
tenacity
to cause to be puzzled or bewildered; to confuse (7)
p _ _ _ _ _ x
perplex