posthumous Occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator posit To assume as a fact or put forward as a basis of argument poseur A person who pretends to be what they are not or to have feelings or attitudes which they do not actually possess, especially in a pretentious or affected way portentous Of or like a portent; ominous, foreshadowing something bad ponderous Slow and clumsy because of great weight pomp Ceremonial or splendid display politic Having sound or wise judgement, especially in practical matters or in managing public affairs. politesse Formal politeness or etiquette polemic A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something plutocracy Government by the wealthy; a state or society governed by the rich