Adage

a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.

that old adage, “the early bird gets the worm”

saying, proverb

Contemplate

to think deeply or carefully about (something)

He contemplated the meaning of the poem for a long time

Ponder, debate, meditate

Disdain

a feeling of strong dislike or disapproval of someone or something you think does not deserve respect 

He regarded their proposal with disdain.

scorn, contempt, despite

Nostalgic

A bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations of the past.

 I was having nostalgic thoughts about my home in England the other day. I wish I could visit where I went to school.

sentimental, wistful

Cynical

 selfish and dishonest in a way that shows no concern about treating other people fairly

Cynical people say there is no such thing as true love.

pessimisstic, misanthropic

Somber

dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy

the night skies were somber and starless

dull, drab, dingy

Ardent

characterized by passion or desire

After a 35 game losing streak, even the Met's most ardent fans realized the wouldn't  finish first

enthusiastic, passionate

Arid

very dry, lacking moisture; unimaginative, unproductive

The arid farmland produced no crops

dry, parched, barren

 Aroma

pleasing fragrance; any smell or oder

The aroma in the bakery made her mouth water

smell, fragrance, odor

Articulate

well-spoken, lucidly presented

Joe's articulate argument was so persuasive that we all agreed with him

enunciate

Artifice

trickery, clever ruse

Ralph's use of rubber masks proved to be a brilliant artifice

innovation, creativity, inventiveness

Ascertain

to find out or discover by examination

an attempt to ascertain the cause of the accident

determine, discover, unearth

Assailable

able to be attacked or assulted by blows or words

Just a couple of months ago alonso's championship lead looked virtually unassailable.

defended, invulnerable

Astound

to overwhelm with amazement

The extent of his great knowlegdes never ceases to astound me

stupefy, stun, amaze

Astute

Shrewd and perspective; able to understand clearly and quickly

The novelist Judy Bume is an astute judge of human character

keen, crafty, discerning

Atrocity

a horrible act

During the indian bid for freedom from the British colonial rule, a British officer committed the atrocity of slaghtering a large congregation of peaceful indian demonstrators

horror, barbarity, outrage

Audacity

boldnes or daring, especially with disregard for personal safety

He had the audacity to ask the bank for a loan even though he had a bad credit history

boldness, daring, imprudence