curtail
The definition for curtail is "To make less." Used in a sentence: Doreen decided to curtail her spending after she bounced a check.
derivative
The definition for derivative is "Lacking originality." Used in a sentence: Critics panned the movie as a derivative version of last year's Best Picture.
gruff
The definition for gruff is "Rough or stern in manner or speech." Used in a sentence: Heidi's grandfather was gruff, barking stern orders and hardly smiling.
pathos
The definition for pathos is "Sympathetic pity." Used in a sentence: The soldiers cherished the kindly Nurse Nightingale for her pathos.
ploy
The definition for ploy is "A contrived plan." Used in a sentence: Sarah thought George's ploy of borrowing her notes was a cowardly way to ask her out.