Masticate v. To chew (as in food). To reduce to pulp by crushing, grinding or kneading. “The patient was unwilling to masticate or swallow his food.”

Didactic adj. (1) Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive. (2) In the manner of a teacher, particularly so as to treat someone in a patronizing way. “The didactic speech influenced the weaker members of the audience.”

Insolent adj. Showing a rude or arrogant lack of respect. “The child’s insolent behavior was unacceptable.”

Garrulous adj. Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. “A garrulous reprimand.”

Vacuous adj. Having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless: “a vacuous smile.”

Agnostic n. A person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena.

Juxtapose tr.v. 1. To place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast. “The exhibition juxtaposes Picasso’s early drawings with some of his later works.”

Pundit n. 1. Somebody who expresses an opinion: somebody who acts as a critic or authority on a particular subject, especially in the media. “The election results threw the political pundits into confusion.” 2. Somebody wise: somebody with knowledge and wisdom.

Vacillate v. Alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive. “Her tendency to vacillate made her a poor director.”