DarkRavie Posted November 25 Author Report Share Posted November 25 What's the Word: ETHNOGRAPHY pronunciation: [eth-NAH-ɡrə-fee] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, early 19th century Meaning: 1. The scientific description of the customs of individual peoples and cultures. Examples: "The required reading touched on the ethnography of the country, not just the history." "You can be a tourist, but you can also immerse yourself in a culture’s ethnography." About Ethnography The things you eat, the holidays you observe, the style in which you dress, the habits you perform — all are part of ethnography. Ethnography is some sort of scientific or written documentation of a way of life, either of an individual or a culture. A hundred years from now, the discovery of your Netflix queue might be a piece of your ethnography. Did you Know? You might be more familiar with ethnography’s close cousin, anthropology. Anthropology is the study of humans as a whole, but specific societies might be examined individually. Ethnography is concerned with how humans live and experience life, usually one culture at a time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 26 Author Report Share Posted November 26 What's the Word: PERGOLA pronunciation: [pər-ɡə-lə] Part of speech: noun Origin: Italian, mid-17th century Meaning: 1. An arched structure in a garden or park consisting of a framework covered with climbing or trailing plants. Examples: "The wedding took place under the pergola covered in ivy and white flowers." "The only thing left in the garden was the wooden pergola." About Ethnography In the 17th century, "pergola" was borrowed from the Italians, but the word was originally Latin — "pergula" meant "projecting roof." Did you Know? You might know your landscaping as the bushes, trees, and flowers around your yard, but what about hardscaping? As we shared a few days ago, hardscape is a human-made feature used in landscape architecture, such as a path or a wall. You can also have structures, including pergolas, arbors, or gazebos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 27 Author Report Share Posted November 27 What's the Word: DOCTRINE pronunciation: [DAHK-trən] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 14th century Meaning: 1. A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group. 2. A stated principle of government policy, mainly in foreign or military affairs. Examples: "Some old-fashioned doctrines need to be updated for modern times." "Presidents are often remembered for notable policies or actions, which can be called their doctrine." About Doctrine Today you go to the doctor for medical concerns, but in the original Latin, "doctor" meant "teacher." Drawing from that, "doctrina" meant "teaching." As the word moved from Old French into Middle English, "doctrine" turned into a set of beliefs stated by a church or political party. Did you Know? The Monroe Doctrine, announced by President Monroe during his 1823 address to Congress, was a cornerstone of American foreign policy for many decades. The basic premise of it was that the United States would not interfere with European affairs, nor accept European intervention in the Americas. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 28 Author Report Share Posted November 28 What's the Word: ÉLAN pronunciation: [ey-LAN] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, mid-19th century Meaning: 1. Energy, style, and enthusiasm. Examples: "She was a star employee, demonstrating skill and élan with her work." "She showed élan with her coordinated accessories and sophisticated fashion." About Élan Élan comes directly from the French word of the same spelling, but where the English sense means "energy or style," the root in French is "élancer," meaning "to dart," with "lancer" meaning "to throw." Did you Know? The accent on the "e" might be a giveaway, but this word for enthusiasm and spirit comes from French. "Élan" is a noun that means "vigorous enthusiasm." Things are often described as "done with élan" or "showing élan." You can do something with élan, but something is not AN élan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 29 Author Report Share Posted November 29 What's the Word: RIGORISM pronunciation: [RIG-ə-riz-əm] Part of speech: noun Origin: English, 18th century Meaning: 1. Extreme strictness in interpreting or enforcing a law, precept, or principle. 2. (In the Roman Catholic Church) Formerly, the doctrine that in doubtful cases of conscience the strict course is always to be followed. Examples: "The vice principal was known for her rigorism, and every student expected the full term of detention allowed after they were called to her office." "Despite my father’s rigorism around instructing me on proper behavior at the dinner table, he was always sure to sneak me a treat before bedtime." About Rigorism “Rigorism” was formed in English by combining the existing word “rigor” (meaning “strictness”) with the suffix “-ism.” Did you Know? The term “rigorism” can describe any tendency to great strictness in interpreting rules, but it was originally associated with a particular doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. In Catholicism, “rigorism” refers to the idea that in circumstances where it’s unclear which path is right and which is wrong, the safest path is to adhere to the response most closely associated with church teachings and rules. Another way of interpreting Catholic rigorism would be to say, “When in doubt about which choice is best, follow the rules to the letter.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 30 Author Report Share Posted November 30 What's the Word: ANDIRON pronunciation: [AND-ahy-ərn] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, 14th century Meaning: 1. A metal support, typically one of a pair, that holds wood burning in a fireplace. Examples: "The fireplace was missing its andirons, so burning logs sometimes fell directly against the grate." "Once the fire has burned down to coals, Johnny likes to balance skewers of marshmallows on the andirons to roast them." About Andiron “Andiron” is based on the Middle English “aundire,” from the Old French “andier,” meaning “heifer.” Did you Know? Fire has long been a source of heat and light, as well as a way to cook food. But when the blaze moved from the campfire to a contained fireplace inside homes, new vocabulary was needed to describe it. “Andiron,” a word describing a metal support to hold wood burning in the fireplace, was first noted in English in the 14th century. Many houses had some form of andirons — usually a pair — as part of their fireplaces. The word is based on “andier” — an Old French term meaning “heifer” — plus “iron,” the material used to make them. Andirons were often compared to animals; they were also called “fire dogs.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 1 Author Report Share Posted December 1 What's the Word: RHONCHISONANT pronunciation: [ron-KIH-soh-nənt] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. Making a snorting noise; snorting. Examples: "Emerging from the dusty barn, John cleared his throat with a loud rhonchisonant noise." "Raccoons can be surprisingly rhonchisonant with their piglike snorts." About Rhonchisonant “Rhonchisonant” was coined by combining the Latin roots “rhonchus,” meaning “snoring” or “a frog croaking,” and “sonare,” meaning “making a sound.” Did you Know? A large number of animals are capable of snoring — the original rhonchisonant sound. And while snoring during sleeping is done by mammals, it isn’t limited to terrestrial mammals — whales have been known to snore, too. Size isn’t the cause of snoring, either. Tiny mice snore, as do elephants. However, predators are more likely to be rhonchisonant in their sleep than prey, for the obvious reason that prey who sleep noisily tend to get discovered by hunters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 2 Author Report Share Posted December 2 What's the Word: PHALANX pronunciation: [FEY-leynx] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, 16th century Meaning: 1. A group of people or things of a similar type forming a compact body. Examples: "Getting off the plane, I passed a phalanx of families waiting to be reunited with loved ones." "Every Saturday just before lunch, a phalanx of parents with strollers makes the park nearly impassable." About Phalanx “Phalanx” comes from the same term in Latin, based on the ancient Greek “φάλαγξ” (“phalanx”), meaning “battle order.” Did you Know? The first phalanx was developed by militaries in ancient Macedonia: It was a military unit in a formation of closely arrayed soldiers overlapping their shields and crossing their spears, making themselves difficult to attack. However, even by the fourth century, the Latin term had expanded beyond its military meaning to describe any group of people gathered closely together. In modern use, “phalanx” often calls back to its military roots by evoking a hostile or demanding group, or a group that is difficult to pass. For example, a film star may find herself surrounded by a phalanx of fans asking for her autograph, and a kindergarten teacher giving out ice cream may be surrounded by a phalanx of hungry children. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 3 Author Report Share Posted December 3 What's the Word: DEVOIR pronunciation: [də-VWAR] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle English, 14th century Meaning: 1. A person's duty. Examples: "Harrison believes it’s his devoir to feed all the stray cats on his block." "During World War II, many Americans saw it as a devoir to grow their own vegetables in victory gardens." About Devoir “Devoir” has roots in both the Middle English “debvoir” and the Old French “deveir,” both of which are based on the Latin “dēbeō.” All of these roots mean “to owe.” Did you Know? “Devoir” developed as a word simultaneously in English and French, and in general it means the same thing in both languages: “duty” or “obligation.” However, in French, “devoir” is also a verb meaning “to have to,” and it is commonly used to describe things one must do, such as renewing a driver’s license. There is no equivalent for “homework” in French, describing work done away from school. Rather, French students do their “devoirs,” a plural noun that accentuates their duty to the work. In English, “devoir” may evoke lofty ideals of duty and service to one’s nation, community, or family. In French, “devoir” just refers to everyday tasks that everyone has to do. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 4 Author Report Share Posted December 4 What's the Word: RAFFINÉ pronunciation: [ra-fih-NEY] Part of speech: adjective Origin: French, 19th century Meaning: 1. Refined, sophisticated. Examples: "My favorite scene in the movie is when the crowd in the ballroom pauses to watch as the raffiné woman glides down the staircase." "At the party, I tried to think of worldly anecdotes that would make me seem raffiné." About Raffiné “Raffiné” is taken from the French, where it literally means “refined” (in all senses), but also “sophisticated.” Did you Know? When we use the word “raffiné” to describe someone or something extremely sophisticated, we’re reflecting a part of the history of the world economy. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the fashion industry became central to the French economy. France, therefore, had reason to remain on the cutting edge of style; its national economy depended on it. England and other countries looked to France for cues on how to be stylish, cultured, and refined, not only in modes of dress, but in language as well. Many loanwords, such as “raffiné,” remain in use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 5 Author Report Share Posted December 5 What's the Word: SOUGH pronunciation: [səf] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle English, 14th century Meaning: 1. A moaning, whistling, or rushing sound as made by the wind in the trees or the sea. Examples: "We could hear the gentle sough of the creek before we could see it." "The house was surrounded by cornfields, which emitted a sough every time the wind picked up." About Sough “Sough” is a Middle English word likely based on the Old English “swōgan,” meaning “to make a sound” or “to roar.” Did you Know? Before “sough” was a noun referring to a soft rustle or murmur, the word was a verb for making such a sound. As a Middle English verb, “sough” was closely associated with “swough” and based on the Old English “swōgan.” In the early days, when “sough” was a verb, the noun form of the word as we know it today was “swei,” based on the Old English “swēg.” Both words were associated with the verb “swoon” — also based on “swōgan,” which could be translated as “to make a sound” or “to suffocate.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 6 Author Report Share Posted December 6 What's the Word: RIPPER pronunciation: [RIP-ər] Part of speech: noun Origin: Unknown, mid-19th century Meaning: 1. (Australian) A thing that is particularly admirable or excellent. 2. A tool that is used to tear or break something. Examples: "Look at that ripper riding the waves!" "I need a seam ripper to remove these stitches." About Ripper It’s a cheeky bit of slang, but “ripper” can also refer to something that’s quite practical. It's a tool used to rip, break, or tear something. Any good sewer will have a seam ripper in their kit. Did you Know? As a bit of Australian English slang, “ripper” refers to someone who is particularly skilled, perhaps in surfing. Other words of “strine” — Australian slang — include “mate,” “arvo,” and “fair dinkum.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 7 Author Report Share Posted December 7 What's the Word: FICKLE pronunciation: [FIH-kəl] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Old English, 13th century Meaning: 1. Changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties or affections. Examples: "She was not a fickle fan — she supported the team, win or lose." "I'm just too fickle — I can't decide what I want for dinner." About Fickle In Old English, the original spelling was "fickol," with Germanic roots. The meaning of "changeable and capricious" is the modern definition and does not necessarily carry malicious intent. However, the original definition of "fickol" was "deceitful." Did you Know? The alliterative idiom "fickle fortune" can be traced back to Shakespeare. In "Romeo and Juliet," Juliet cries, "O fortune, fortune! All men call thee fickle." Fate remains a fickle friend. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 8 Author Report Share Posted December 8 What's the Word: CHAMBRAY pronunciation: [SHAM-brey] Part of speech: noun Origin: American English, early 19th century Meaning: 1. A linen-finished gingham cloth with a white weft and a colored warp, producing a mottled appearance. Examples: "He wore a blue chambray shirt with pearl snap buttons." "Chambray is a popular fabric for summer fashion." About Chambray Chambray is a specific type of fabric woven with a white weft and colored warp. If you're not a weaver, this might not mean much, but it produces a slightly mottled colored fabric. Did you Know? Fans of the "Canadian tuxedo" likely have a bit of chambray in their closet. Most modern chambray is a lightweight version of denim and will complete blue-jean ensemble quite nicely. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 9 Author Report Share Posted December 9 What's the Word: ASTROLATRY pronunciation: [ə-STRAH-lə-tree] Part of speech: noun Origin: English, late 17th century Meaning: 1. The worship of stars and other celestial objects. Examples: "My grandmother believed in astrolatry so much that she named all of her children after stars." "There's more to astrolatry than just following the phases of the moon." About Astrolatry Not astrology, but close. Where astrology looks to the stars for guidance, astrolatry takes it one step further and worships the stars. Did you Know? The "-latry" suffix comes from Greek and denotes worship of a certain thing. In addition to worshipping idols (idolatry) and stars (astrolatry), you can worship books (bibliolatry), Shakespeare (bardolatry), the sun (heliolatry), images (iconolatry), and animals (zoolatry). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 10 Author Report Share Posted December 10 What's the Word: ARBORIST pronunciation: [AR-bə-rəst] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid-18th century Meaning: 1. A tree surgeon. Examples: "We need to call an arborist to look at the elm in the backyard." "Talk to an arborist about those dead branches before they fall on the roof." About Arborist The Latin word for tree — "arbor" — has been used to create a variety of related words. In English, "arbor" refers to a shady alcove created by trees. Arborculture is the cultivation of trees, and an arboretum is a botanical garden devoted entirely to trees. An arborist, or a tree surgeon, helps these trees grow strong and healthy. Did you Know? If you have a problem with trees, you're going to want to call an arborist. An arborist, or a tree surgeon, will be able to diagnose a fungus, pests, or whatever else is ailing your tree. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 11 Author Report Share Posted December 11 What's the Word: MOLESKIN pronunciation: [MOHL-skin] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle English, 17th century Meaning: 1. The skin of a mole used as fur. 2. A thick, strong cotton fabric with a shaved pile surface. Examples: "I found a vintage coat lined with moleskin in exactly my size." "I need to buy three yards of moleskin to make my new comforter." About Moleskin While "moleskin" originally referred specifically to the fur from an actual mole, it now applies to a cotton fabric with a soft nap, similar to the animal's fur. It's also used in American English to refer to the soft adhesive fabric you put in a new shoe to avoid blisters. Did you Know? Say "moleskin" and people might think you're talking about Moleskine, an Italian stationery company. It produces notebooks, sketchbooks, and various writing accessories favored by writers and creative types across the world. Despite the name, Moleskine products are not made of moleskin. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 12 Author Report Share Posted December 12 What's the Word: BLARNEY pronunciation: [BLAR-nee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Irish, 18th century Meaning: 1. Talk that aims to charm, pleasantly flatter, or persuade. 2. Amusing and harmless nonsense. Examples: "She relied on blarney to persuade her co-workers to share details about their lives." "The kindergarten teacher playfully asked her class if they had an actual question or just more blarney." About Blarney The word "blarney" comes from Blarney Castle and its famous stone, which is supposed to give whoever kisses it the gift of blarney, or persuasive, charming, flattering speech. Did you Know? Have you ever been told that you have the gift of gab? In Ireland, a person who manages to reach and kiss the Blarney Stone is rumored to be blessed with the gift of persuasive speech that can charm and flatter any listeners. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 13 Author Report Share Posted December 13 What's the Word: CAMPANOLOGY pronunciation: [kamp-ə-NAH-lə-jee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid-19th century Meaning: 1. The art or practice of bell-ringing. Examples: "We knew he played the piano, but his expertise at campanology surprised us." "The art of campanology is kept alive during the holiday season." About Campanology Campanology developed from the modern Latin "campanologia" and late Latin "campana," which both mean "bell." Did you Know? One of the most enduring December sounds is the chime of the bell ringer stationed by donation boxes. This campanology is meant to remind people to donate, but the bell ringing is also a nostalgic, wintry sound. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 14 Author Report Share Posted December 14 What's the Word: POLLICITATION pronunciation: [pə-lis-ə-TAY-shən] Part of speech: noun Origin: Late Middle English, unknown Meaning: 1. The action of promising; a promise; a document conveying a promise. 2. (Also civil law) A promise not yet formally accepted, and therefore in certain cases revocable. Examples: "They formalized the agreement by signing a pollicitation." "Their contract hinged on a pollicitation." About Pollicitation Pollicitation is a more formal word for a promise — specifically, the action of promising or a document describing a promise. Did you Know? Have you ever wondered where the pinky promise, a childhood form of pollicitation, came from? Perhaps the first pinky promises were made by Japanese schoolchildren and called "yubikiri," or "finger cut-off." The unbreakable oath has since been adopted by children worldwide. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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