Qua is a preposition used in formal speech or writing that means “in the capacity or character of (someone or something).” It is used synonymously with as to indicate that someone or something is being referred to or thought about in a particular way.

// The artist qua artist is less interesting to me than the artist as a human being.

not dense; few and scattered

Something considered inalienable is impossible to take away or give up.

// The American ethos is built on the belief that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights.

To purloin is to take something that belongs to someone else—that is, to steal it. Purloin is much more formal-sounding than steal, but is often—though not always—encountered in humorous contexts, suggesting that the theft is not serious.

// The puppy managed to purloin a few cookies from the plate when no one was looking.

// The studio stepped up security, fearing that someone might attempt to purloin a copy of the script for the show’s season finale.

A person may be described as brusque when they are talking or behaving in a very direct, brief, and unfriendly way. Brusque can also describe speech that is noticeably short and abrupt.

// We knew something was wrong when our normally easygoing professor was brusque and impatient with our class.

// She asked for a cup of coffee and received a brusque reply: “We don't have any.”

To discomfit someone is to make them confused or upset. Discomfit is a formal synonym of the also formal (but slightly less so) disconcert.

// Jacob was discomfited by the new employee’s forward, probing questions.

A vicarious emotion or experience is one felt by watching, hearing about, or reading about someone else rather than by doing something yourself.

// He felt a vicarious thrill as his daughter crossed the stage to accept her diploma.