What is a mortgage?

A humble person stumbles upon the recipe to fame and becomes an overnight, internationally recognised celebrity. This person may try hard to __ publicity. (~avoid)

Synonym for "inhabitant"

There are different ways of declining a wedding invitiation from a close friend. Give examples of a possible blunt excuse, a tactful one, and one that would stretch the truth beyond belief.

What is the difference between "extravagant" and "ostentatious"?

What ideas/attitudes might help pave the way towards genuine change with regards to pollution and excessive consumption?

What kind of things/concepts might one "abjure"?