[ab-hawr]

Verb

to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; detest utterly; loathe abominate.

I abhor going to swim practice.

[ham-per]

Verb

To hinder or obstruct.

A steady rain hampered the progress of the work.

[plas-id]

Adjective

Pleasantly calm or peaceful.

We sat perfectly stilll all night by the placid waters.

[noo-ahns]

Noun

A subtle difference or distinction in expression, meaning, response, etc...

To translate, one must have a style of his own, for otherwise the translation will have no rhythm or nuance.

[uh-beys]

Verb

To reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble; degrade.

I was abased by my parents after getting in trouble.