awkwardly (adv)

in a worried or embarrassed way (He shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other)

stupidly (adv)

in a way that is silly or unwise, or shows little intelligence (I stared at them stupidly)

venture (v)

to risk going somewhere or doing something that might be dangerous or unpleasant, or to risk saying something that might be criticized (She rarely ventured outside, except when she went to stock up on groceries)

hush (exclamation)

used to tell someone to be quiet (Hush! You'll wake the baby!)

understudy (n)

an actor who learns the parts of other actors in a play, so that he or she can replace them if necessary, for example if they are ill (An understudy took over for the rest of the performance and the evening show.)

pervade (v)

When qualities, characteristics, or smells pervade a place or thing, they spread through it and are present in every part of it (The film movie is a reflection of the violence that pervades our culture.)

applaud (v)

to show enjoyment or approval of something such as a performance or speech by clapping the hands repeatedly to make a noise (you should have heard the audience applaud - the noise was fantastic.)

faint (adj)

not strong or clear; slight (I have a faint suspicion that you may be right!)

applause (n)

the sound of people clapping their hands repeatedly to show enjoyment or approval of something such as a performance or speech (So let's have a round of applause, please, for (= please applaud) a very talented young lady who is going to sing for us.)

shiver (v)

When people or animals shiver, they shake slightly because they feel cold, ill, or frightened (He shivered ---with- cold in his thin cotton shirt.)

persist (v)

If an unpleasant feeling or situation persists, it continues to exist (If the pain persists, consult a doctor.)

astonished (adj)

very surprised (The doctors were astonished at the speed of her recovery.)

gaze (v)

to look at something or someone for a long time, especially in surprise or admiration, or because you are thinking about something else (He spends hours gazing out of the window when he should be working.)

sigh (v)

to breathe out slowly and noisily, expressing tiredness, sadness, pleasure, etc. (She sighed deeply and sat down)