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New Game: What's the Word?


DarkRavie

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What's the Word? - VAINGLORIOUS

pronunciation: [veyn-GLAWR-ee-əs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, 15th century

 

meaning:

1. Feeling excessive pride or self-importance

2. Given to over-the-top demonstrations of boastful pride and vanity

 

Example:

"His coworkers didn’t think he deserved the promotion and were irritated by his vainglorious attitude." 

"His vainglorious assertions of success were revealed to be nothing but false claims."

 

About Vainglorious

Vainglorious is the adjective form of the noun vainglory. Vainglory is an empty show of vanity or boastfulness, probably undeserved. Vainglorious is the description of someone prone to this over-the-top pride.

 

Did you Know?

We can break down this majestic-sounding word into simple Latin parts. “Vanus” means empty or unsubstantial, and “gloriosus” means full of glory. A vainglorious attitude means the culprit probably doesn’t deserve the praise. They’re probably so vain they won’t even realize you’ve insulted them.

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What's the Word? - WILDER

pronunciation: [WIL-dər]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Unknown, early 17th century

 

meaning:

1. (with object) to cause to be lost

2. (without object) to be lost

 

Example:

"The guide was using an old map and quickly wildered his companions."

"It can be an adventure to wilder in a new city, as long as you find your hotel at the end of the day."

 

About Wilder

There’s no confusion present with this verb. Wilder is a regular verb, conjugated to wilders, wildering, and wildered.

 

Did you Know?

You might be more familiar with a derivative of wilder, the verb bewilder. The origin of wilder is unknown, but you won’t get lost by following the path to the words wild and wilderness.

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What's the Word? - ADROIT

pronunciation: [ə-DROYT]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: French, 17th century

 

meaning:

1. Showing skillfulness or cleverness in handling a situation

2. Dexterous or nimble with the use of hands

 

Example:

"When the wedding caterer cancelled at the last minute, the adroit mother of the bride organized a replacement."

"Watch out for adroit pickpockets while you’re traveling; they'll nab your wallet without you noticing."

 

About Adroit

Adroit can have a physical or a mental usage. Either way, you’re quick and skillful. You could be coming up with the perfect solution to a vexing problem, or you could be showing off your ease of movement. You could also use the adverb adroitly to describe something done in an adroit manner.

 

Did you Know?

Adroit is borrowed directly from French. The translation of the French word “adroit” is skillful. There’s also a German cousin, “adrett,” meaning neat and tidy.

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What's the Word? - JABBERWOCKY

pronunciation: [JAB-ər-wok-ee]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: English, 1871

 

meaning: 

1. Writing or speech that contains meaningless words

2. An imitation of language containing meaningless nonsense words; gibberish

 

Example:

"The silly poem she wrote to amuse her nieces was a piece of pure jabberwocky.

"Fantasy books are full of jabberwocky and other mythical creations."

 

About Jabberwocky

Jabberwocky is a noun, naming any type of made-up language or nonsense words. It’s also a proper noun, as the title of Lewis Carroll’s 1871 poem, and it can be used as an adjective to describe something meaningless or senseless.

 

Did you Know?

Jabberwocky is the title of a poem of nonsense words in Lewis Carroll’s sequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” “Through the Looking-Glass.” The poem is full of fantastical language, including bandersnatch, fruminous, mimsy, and snicker-snack. Some words (chortle and galumphing) became so popular that they gained the status of “real” words.

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What's the Word? - SVENGALI

pronunciation: [sfen-GAH-lee]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: English, 1894

 

meaning:

1. A manipulative person with sinister motives

2. Someone attempting to dominate another to do their bidding

 

Example:

"You thought she was your mentor, but she turned into a svengali and tried to keep you from a promotion."

"The business partnership went sour when the investor was revealed to be a svengali."

 

About Svengali

Svengali owes its invention to a literary work. The character Svengali is a proper noun, but anyone can turn into a common noun svengali. Just pull out some manipulative tactics, and you’ll be the next svengali.

 

Did you Know?

The word svengali comes from the 1894 novel by George du Maurier “Trilby.” In this book, Svengali is a hypnotist who manipulates the title character. This isn’t the book’s only cultural contribution. The narrow-brimmed trilby hat is named after the distinctive hat worn by Trilby.

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What's the Word? - RISIBLE

pronunciation: [RIZ-ə-bəl]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, 16th century

 

meaning:

1. Causing laughter

2. Pertaining to laughter

 

Example:

"I was in a grumpy mood, but the risible new Netflix cartoon show turned it around." 

"He was laughing for so long that the risible muscles in his cheeks started to ache."

 

About Risible

Risible is a funny word. It’s an adjective used to describe anything related to laughing. It could be something funny that causes laughter; it could be a person who is prone to laughing; it could describe something related to laughter. It’s all fun and games.

 

Did you Know?

The word risible comes from the Latin word “risus,” which is a conjugation of the verb “ridēre,” which means to laugh. But it’s often used to describe something laughable or ridiculous, not necessarily funny ha-ha.

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What's the Word? - AUGUST
pronunciation: [aw-GUHST]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, 17th century

 

meaning:

1. Inspiring admiration by displaying great dignity or grandeur

2. (Proper noun) The eighth month of the Gregorian calendar

 

Example:

"Her august appearance incited a standing ovation as soon as she walked on the stage."

"August is a busy month for us with birthday parties and barbecues every weekend."

 

About August

Impress folks by pulling out this majestic word. Everyone knows August as a month, but you’ll come across as informed if you share the regal definition of august.

 

Did you Know?

There’s a reason this majestic word is also used for the peak month of summer. The Latin word “augustus” means consecrated or venerable. In 8 B.C. the Roman Senate decided to honor the first emperor, Augustus Caesar, by renaming the month Sextilis to Augustus.

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What's the Word? - SUPERANNUATED
pronunciation: [soo-pər-ANN-yoo-ey-ted]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, 17th century

 

meaning:

1. Outdated, or obsolete

2. Too old to work; retired due to old age

 

Example:

"Every time Apple releases a new model, a wave of superannuated iPhones are discarded."

"After a few accidents at work, he was superannuated and invited to retire."

 

About Superannuated

The verb superannuate means to retire because of old age. The adjective form is a description of anything forced out of service due to age. Nowadays this could get your employer in big trouble. But you could still use the word to describe tools or appliances as well.

 

Did you Know?

To be superannuated isn’t really super. This adjective comes from the Latin word “superannuatus,” which means to be too old. It’s certainly not a Super Sweet 16.

 

Edited by DarkRavie
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What's the Word? - VERISIMILITUDE
pronunciation: [ver-ə-sə-MIL-ə-tood]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 16 century

 

meaning:

1. The appearance of truth or resembling reality

2. Something that only appears to be true

 

Example:

"The critics panned the new movie as lacking verisimilitude with over-the-top acting." 

"Her claim of being 45 years old was verisimilitude — her secret was that she was really 59."

 

About Verisimilitude

Use the adjective verisimilitude to describe a piece of art that feels real. It could be a play, a painting, or prose. In a modern twist, virtual reality headsets and video games are gaining popularity, thanks to their verisimilitude.

 

Did you Know?

Anyone seeking the quality of truth shouldn’t rely on the verisimilitude of a situation. Inspired by the Latin word “vērīsimilis,” it means having the appearance of truth. The outward appearance of truth could be revealed to be false.

Edited by DarkRavie
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What's the Word? - UXORIOUS

pronunciation: [uhk-SOR-ee-əs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, late 16th century

 

meaning:

1. Excessively affectionate toward one’s wife

2. Devoted to one’s wife

 

Example:

"His uxorious habit of giving flowers to his wife every Friday earned him some teasing at the florist." 

"After 50 years of marriage, he still felt as uxorious as he did on their wedding day."

 

About Uxorious

Being uxorious isn’t just about being a devoted husband. It usually implies an excessive amount of affection or even submissiveness. While we won’t call her domineering, the wife in a uxorious couple is probably the boss of the house.

 

Did you Know?

It’s about as straightforward a translation from Latin as you can get. In Latin, “uxor” means wife. Uxorious (adjective), uxoriously (adverb), and uxoriousness (noun) are all related to devotion and affection toward one’s wife.

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What's the Word? - MALAPROPISM

pronunciation: [MAL-əprop-iz-əm]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: English, 18th century

 

meaning:

1. The practice of unintentionally using the wrong word or phrase, usually to humorous effect

2. The act of using a malaprop

 

Example:

"English-language learners are likely to use some comical malapropisms as they practice their skills." 

"After bungling her introduction with a malapropism she was too embarrassed to go on with the speech."

 

About Malapropism

The word malapropism comes from an English play, but playwright Richard Sheridan likely got his inspiration from the French, “mal à propos,” meaning inappropriate. The noun can refer to the linguistic tic in general, or a specific instance of malapropism.

 

Did you Know?

This linguistic blunder comes from the 18th-century play “The Rivals.” In it, the character Mrs. Malaprop is known for unintentionally using the wrong words in hilarious contexts. For example, exclaiming, "He is the very pine-apple (pinnacle) of politeness!”

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What's the Word? - FRANKENFOOD

pronunciation: [FRANK-en-food]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: American English, 1990s

 

meaning:

1. Crops that have been genetically engineered

2. Food made from ingredients that have been genetically engineered

 

Example:

"You might be surprised to discover some common items at grocery stores are Frankenfoods and made from genetically modified components." 

"Her New Year’s resolution was to avoid all Frankenfoods and only eat organic items she cooked herself."

 

About Frankenfood

Genetically modified organism (GMO) food is also known as Frankenfood. While the term “GMO” often gets a bad rap, it’s not always a bad thing. Some genetic modifications make it possible to grow more crops in a wide variety of situations. Thanks to GMO foods, drought-stricken areas can grow crops that don’t need as much water.

 

Did you Know?

We can thank the 1818 book “Frankenstein” for this and many other Franken-words. In Mary Shelley’s horror classic, Dr. Frankenstein creates a disturbing creature from scavenged body parts. Now, anything considered unnatural or pieced together can be labeled “Franken-.” Keep an eye out for Frankenfood, Frankenshoes, Frankenstorms, and Frankenwords.

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What's the Word? - ABSQUATULATE

pronunciation: [ab-SKWACH-ə-late]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: American English, 1830s

 

meaning:

1. To flee

2. To take off with somebody or something

 

Example:

"When the back porch light turned on, the sneaky raccoons absquatulated." 

"Keep an eye out on the train for pickpockets trying to absquatulate with your wallet."

 

About Absquatulate

This verb is a pure Americanism. The slang term was created in the 1800s as a combination of "abscond," "squat," and "perambulate." When you break it down, you'll see that someone is picking up and running away quickly with their loot.

 

Did you Know?

Many English words are inspired by Latin, but Americans also love to make up their own concoctions. A trend in the 1800s involving creating classical-sounding words inspired "absquatulate," but also the verbs "bloviate" (to speak long-windedly and pompously) and "discombobulate" (to confuse).

 

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What's the Word? - APPURTENANCE

pronunciation: [ə-PERT-ən-ns]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 14th century

 

meaning:

1. A complementary, but not necessary, accessory

2. (Legal) A right or privilege that accompanies the principal property

 

Example:

"She decorated her new car with fun appurtenances such as fuzzy seat covers and a phone holder."

"The shed on the fence line was considered an appurtenance for the sale of the property."

 

About Appurtenance

You can trace this noun back to the French verb “apartenir,” which means to belong to. Go back even further and you'll arrive at the Latin “appertineō,” which means I belong. The English noun "appurtenance" holds this meaning as objects that belong to a certain category.

 

Did you Know?

You can use "appurtenance" to describe specific objects or use it in a general sense to talk about equipment associated with a particular category. In a specific sense, these items are supplemental accessories. In a general sense, they’re more like qualifiers. These items designate a type of person or activity.

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What's the Word? CIRCUMLOCUTION

pronunciation: [sir-kəm-lo-KYOO-shən]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 16th century

 

meaning:

1. Using more words than necessary to express a thought

2. An indirect expression

 

Example:

"His drawn-out speech was not only boring, but it was pure circumlocution and made no real points."

"His attempt at circumlocution didn’t fool his mother when she asked where he was last night."

 

About Circumlocution

"Circumlocution" is a fairly direct translation from Latin: "circum" = around, and "locution" = talk. When a speaker is in the midst of circumlocution they’re circling around their point and using too many words. This could be a sign of deception or just a symptom of not knowing when to be quiet.

 

Did you Know?

Maybe you’re nervous, or maybe you’re trying to avoid giving a direct answer. Whatever the reason, if you’re “beating around the bush” you’re practicing circumlocution. Using that phrase would also be circumlocution — why use an idiom when there’s a perfectly good word?

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What's the Word? - FUNAMBULIST

pronunciation: [fyoo-NAM-byoo-list]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 19th century

 

meaning:

1. A tightrope walker

2. One who demonstrates mental agility

 

Example:

"The star of the circus was the funambulist dancing high above the crowd on a tightrope."

"He earned his reputation as a funambulist by winning the trivia competition 10 weeks in a row."

 

About Funambulist

The literal definition of "funambulist" is tightrope walker. In Latin, "funis" means rope and "ambulare" is to walk. In ancient Rome, tightrope walking was a popular sight at public markets and gatherings. Today, you could see a funambulist at the circus, or you could use the figurative meaning to describe anyone with skilled mental prowess.

 

Did you Know?

Funambulists aren’t just limited to the big top. Philippe Petit is a French high-wire artist who gained notoriety in the 1970s by walking wires stretched between the towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. This skilled funambulist was profiled in the Oscar-winning documentary “Man on Wire.”

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What's the Word? - APOTHEGM

pronunciation: [AP-ə-them]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Greek, 16th century

 

meaning:

1. A short, witty, instructive saying

2. A terse or brusque instruction

 

Example:

"My grandmother loved to give advice with an apothegm, such as, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.'"

"An apothegm may be clever and easy to remember, but it doesn’t always address a full problem."

 

About Apothegm

An apothegm is a short and sweet phrase that’s supposed to give some sort of life lesson. The life lesson here is to remember that the “G” is silent when you’re pronouncing it.

 

Did you Know?

This tricky word comes from the Greek “apóphthegma,” meaning to speak out. Watch out for well-meaning advice-givers looking to speak out and give you their opinion.

 

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What's the Word? - CORSAIR

pronunciation: [cor-SAYR]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Middle French, 16th century

 

meaning:

1. A fast ship used for piracy

2. A pirate, usually from the Barbary Coast

 

Example:

"The prize in his collection of model ships was a corsair."

"Historically, corsairs ran secret operations on ships along the coast of North Africa."

 

About Corsair

"Corsair" is quite a romantic synonym for pirate or pirate ship. This word has been used in many contexts, including titles for books, newspapers, music, video games, and even cars. Even the military can appreciate the history of a corsair. Several U.S. military aircraft models have been dubbed with the name corsair.

 

Did you Know?

Corsair comes from the Middle French word “corsaire,” meaning pirate. Barbary corsairs were rogue pirates, operating off the coast of North Africa, where a large population speaks French. But the French corsairs were privateers, sanctioned by the French government. They would capture other ships and cargo and receive a portion of the proceeds, with the rest going back to the government.

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What's the Word? - CORUSCATION

pronunciation: [cor-ə-SKEY-shən]

 

Part of speech: noun

origin: Latin, 15th century

 

meaning:

1. A glittering or sparkling flash of light

2. A striking display of wit

 

Example:

"The disco ball shot a shimmering coruscation around the dance floor everytime the spotlight hit it."

"She impressed her dinner partner with a quick coruscation, explaining the art show they just saw."

 

About Coruscation

Coruscation was initially used in the 15th century to describe flashes of light gleaming off the sea or clouds in the moonlight. It’s a sweet, romantic word that you can apply to anything from diamonds to a bedazzled jean jacket.

 

Did you Know?

The Latin verb “coruscare,” meaning to vibrate or glitter, is the origin of this word. Coruscation (a noun) is the occurrence of a flash of light, while "coruscate" is a verb, meaning to emit flashes of light. Then you can also use the figurative sense of the word and display your blindingly brilliant wit.

 

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What's the Word? - SABOT

pronunciation: [sab-OH]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, 16th century

 

meaning:

1. A blocky wooden shoe

2. In weaponry, a disk that positions the projectile in the rifle barrel or cannon

 

Example:

"A European peasant woman might have worn a handmade kerchief and clunky sabots on her feet."

"The cannon replica was missing an important piece for positioning and firing, the sabot."

 

About Sabot

If shown a picture of a sabot, you might call it a clog. This clunky shoe, made out of a single block of wood, was the footwear of choice among 16th century European peasants. Then the military stole the word to describe a wooden piece of equipment used for stabilizing weapons that resembles the shoe.

 

Did you Know?

"Sabot" comes directly from the same word in French, meaning wooden shoe. But did you know there's a tie to the Italian word “ciabatta”? You’ll know this as a type of bread, but it was so named because of its resemblance to the wooden shoe.

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