Though Jim's apology seemed sincere, the fact that he begun laughing within moments made it difficult to believe that he was truly "_________

p.erennial
c.ontend
sub.vert
tortu.ous
perv.erse
e.xcerpt
expo.nd
medi.ate
sequ.ester
con.trite
abs.tain
aptitude
subju.gate
strin.gent
abh.or
discern
suff.rage
precise
an.alyze
reso.lute