PoochyB’s Wordstock

Jin Canrong, a professor at People’s University in Beijing, said it should allay the anger of many young Chinese complaining lately about “China bashing” by Western countries.

al·lay
tr.v.   al·layed, al·lay·ing, al·lays

1. To reduce the intensity of; relieve: allay back pains. See Synonyms at relieve.
2. To calm or pacify; set to rest: allayed the fears of the worried citizens.

It was more prosaic than poetic, though it was the Lakers’ fifth victory in as many playoff games.

pro·sa·ic
adj.  

1. 1. Consisting or characteristic of prose.
   2. Matter-of-fact; straightforward.
2. Lacking in imagination and spirit; dull.

The Dodgers won their fifth consecutive game by pounding 15 hits, including five by Rafael Furcal, and scoring as many runs as they did over the five games of their trip two weeks ago to Atlanta and Cincinnati, when their offense was at its productive nadir.

na·dir
n.  

1. Astronomy A point on the celestial sphere directly below the observer, diametrically opposite the zenith.
2. The lowest point: the nadir of their fortunes.