DarkRavie Posted October 26, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2020 What's the Word? - SORORAL pronunciation: [sə-ROHR-əl] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid 17th century Meaning: 1. Of or like a sister or sisters. Example: "She shared a sororal relationship with her roommate, and they were seldom apart." "The new club is sororal to a famous non-profit organization." About Sororal Sororal originates from the Latin word "soror," which means sister. If a woman is particularly close to a platonic female friend, you might say that they have a sororal relationship. Did you Know? If the word sororal sounds familiar to you, it might be because it reminds you of "sorority." Sororities, first established in the U.S. in 1851, are communities for college-aged women. Members often refer to each other as "sisters." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 27, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2020 What's the Word? - QUAESITUM pronunciation: [KWAI-sai-təm] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid 17th century Meaning: 1. That which is sought; the answer to a problem. Example: "The quaesitum to your problem might come to you after some quiet reflection." "No matter how confounding the case, Sherlock Holmes always finds the quaesitum." About Quaesitum This noun originates from the Latin word "quaesītum," or "to seek." When searching for a quaesitum to a particular conundrum, you may have to seek out clues to help you come to the right conclusion. Did you Know? People love reading about characters discovering a quaesitum; the world's best-selling author of all time, Agatha Christie, is well-known for her "whodunit" mystery novels. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 28, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2020 What's the Word? - MIEN pronunciation: [meen] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, early 16th century Meaning: 1. A person's look or manner, especially one of a particular kind indicating their character or mood. Example: "The children all had a particularly cheerful, friendly mien." "She was elegant and regal, with the mien of a queen." About Mien Mien most likely originated from the French word "mine," which means "expression." It might also be a shortened form of the word "demeanor," which describes your general bearing. Did you Know? People who speak in American Sign Language are experts at utilizing different miens. Since the language doesn't use sound, body language and facial expression are important to successfully convey something to an audience. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 29, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2020 What's the Word? - SUBITANEOUS pronunciation: [sə-bə-TEYN-ee-əs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid 17th century Meaning: 1. That occurs or is manifested suddenly, spontaneously, or in haste; sudden, hasty, unexpected. 2. Of an egg (of certain invertebrates): hatching very soon after being laid, without a period of dormancy. Example: "He woke at 3 a.m. with a subitaneous solution for that nagging problem." "The pop star's arrival was subitaneous, but still excited the crowd." About Subitaneous This noun comes from the classical Latin word "subitāneus," which means "sudden." Any situation, thought, or action that is unexpected can be considered subitaneous in nature. Did you Know? Mathematician Archimedes is the master of the subitaneous idea. Archimedes was struck by sudden inspiration for a difficult math problem. Overjoyed, he ran through the streets of Greece shouting "Eureka!" — Greek for "I have found it!" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 30, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2020 What's the Word? - MOIETY pronunciation: [MOY-ə-dee] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, 15th century Meaning: 1. Each of two parts into which a thing is or can be divided. 2. A part or portion, especially a lesser share. Example: "I gave a moiety of the treat to each of my dogs." "Each member of the team delivered a moiety of the final presentation." About Moiety Moiety meets in the middle of languages, Middle English and Old French, to be exact. However, its roots are in Latin, from the word "medius," which means "middle." Did you Know? If you are a mediator, you might already be an expert in dividing a moiety. Mediators are specially trained in helping people come to a mutual agreement, whether dividing an inheritance or simply dividing a cake. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 31, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2020 What's the Word? - GRIMOIRE pronunciation: [grim-WAHR] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, mid 19th century Meaning: 1. A book of magic spells and invocations. Example: "The witch's grimoire featured heavily in local legend." "The wizard chanted some lines from his grimoire to create a protective shield." About Grimoire This noun comes from an alteration to the French word "grammaire," or "grammar." Could grammarians be wizards? Their mastery over language might indicate that they are. Did you Know? Grimoires have been present throughout much of ancient and modern history. These books — a mixture of spells, conjurations, and secret knowledge — are closely entwined with religion, the growth of printed media, and a burgeoning interest in science. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 1, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2020 What's the Word? - LEGERITY pronunciation: [lə-JER-ih-tee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle French, mid 16th century Meaning: 1. Lightness in movement or action; nimbleness, agility; (later also) flexibility of mind; mental agility. 2. Lack of weight or weightiness; lightness of touch or feeling. Example: "The lambs pranced with a sense of legerity." "Astronauts experience a feeling of legerity when in outer space." About Legerity Legerity developed from the French word "légèreté," which means thoughtlessness. While it is good to be lighthearted, it is important to pay attention to the time, place, and occasion, so you are not considered thoughtless. Did you Know? To feel a sense of legerity, you might consider having a zero-gravity experience. There are many different opportunities for weightlessness — even a Boeing plane that allows you to float as you would in outer space. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2020 What's the Word? - ANDRAGOGY pronunciation: [AN-drə-gah-jee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, 1920s Meaning: 1. The method and practice of teaching adult learners. 2. Adult education. Example: "I prefer andragogy; I work better with adults than with kids." "Since she was teaching adult learners this time, she had to quickly adapt to techniques of andragogy." About Andragogy This noun was created in the 1920s by combining the word "andro" (man) and "pedagogy" (the practice of teaching) — meaning that andragogy directly translates to "the practice of teaching man." Did you Know? No matter how old humans get, we never stop learning. Some ways for adult learners to engage in andragogy is by auditing a college class, picking up a new hobby, or attempting to learn a new language. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 3, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2020 What's the Word? - CENTENARY pronunciation: [sen-TEN-ə-ree] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, early 17th century Meaning: 1. The hundredth anniversary of a significant event; a centennial. Example: "The town was excitedly anticipating the parade for the centenary." "The school had a festival to mark the centenary of its founding." About Centenary Centenary can be used as both an adjective and a noun. It comes from the Latin words "centenarius" and "centum," which mean "denoting a hundred" and "a hundred," respectively. Did you Know? Places or events are not the only subjects of a hundred year anniversary — people celebrating their hundredth birthday are observing a centenary of their own. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2020 What's the Word? - BONHOMIE pronunciation: [ba-nə-MEE] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, late 18th century Meaning: 1. Cheerful friendliness; geniality. Example: "The show was well-received due to the co-hosts' bonhomie." "Jess extended the same bonhomie to everyone she met, whether friend or stranger." About Bonhomie Bonhomie comes from the French word "bonhomme," which translates to "good fellow." The next time you join in a rendition of "He's a Jolly Good Fellow," you might try to switch up the lyrics to "He's a Jolly Bonhomie." Did you Know? If you would like to have more bonhomie in social settings, try to genuinely be interested in other people and what they have to say. Approach conversations with a smile and engage in active listening — people will consider you a friendly face in no time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 5, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2020 (edited) What's the Word? - QUOTIDIAN pronunciation: [kwo-TIH-dee-ən] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 14th century Meaning: 1. Of or occurring every day; daily. 2. Ordinary or everyday, especially when mundane. Example: "Steve looked forward to his quotidian chore of collecting eggs." "Washing the dishes was a quotidian task, but she made the time pass quickly by listening to music." About Quotidian Quotidian originated from the Latin word "cotidie," or "daily," before further developing through Old French and Middle English. If you're talking about your daily tasks, you might refer to them as your quotidian tasks. Did you Know? Do most tasks feel quotidian to you? Try gamifying your to-do list. By keeping a bullet journal or using an app to map your day, you can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Edited November 5, 2020 by DarkRavie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 6, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2020 What's the Word? - EDIFY pronunciation: [EH-də-fi] Part of speech: verb Origin: Middle English, 14th century Meaning: 1. Instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually. Example: "The professor looked forward to the chance to edify her students." "My parents wished to edify me in multiple languages from an early age." About Edify Edify came from the Latin words "aedis" (dwelling) and "facere" (make), which means building a structure. Your moral structure may not be a physical building, but it's no less sturdy. Did you Know? A clergyman's sermon attempts to edify an audience, usually by instilling moral practices into a religious congregation. However, anyone trying to instill a moral or intellectual concept is practicing edification. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 7, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2020 What's the Word? - JUVENILIA pronunciation: [joo-və-NIL-lee-ə] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, early 17th century Meaning: 1. Works produced by an author or artist while still young. Example: "Mozart's impressive juvenilia was just a hint of the work to follow." "It's no surprise she won a Pulitzer Prize as an adult, especially since her juvenilia was incredibly popular." About Juvenilia This word originated as a plural to the Latin word "juvenilis," which translates to juvenile. If you practiced a hobby as a juvenile, you probably have juvenilia of your own. Did you Know? Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart produced amazing juvenilia during his younger years. He began composing music at age five; by the time he was 12 years old, he had composed whole symphonies and performed in front of royalty. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 8, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 What's the Word? - PUERPERAL pronunciation: [pyoo-ER-per-əl] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, early 18th century Meaning: 1. During or relating to the period of about six weeks after childbirth during which the mother's reproductive organs return to their original nonpregnant condition. Example: "Therese and her baby had a lot of support during the puerperal period." "The OB/GYN instructed the couple to check in often during the puerperal period." About Puerperal Puerperal comes from the Latin words "puer" (child) and "para" (bearing) — translating to "woman who has given birth." Did you Know? The six weeks following childbirth are important for both parents to bond with their baby and recover. For this reason, many countries offer paid maternal and paternal leave for a minimum of six weeks. Some countries, such as New Zealand, offer 18 weeks or more. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 9, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 What's the Word? - OPUSCULE pronunciation: [oh-Pə-skyool] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, mid 17th century Meaning: 1. A small or minor literary or musical work. Example: "While this book could be considered an opuscule, it means a lot to me personally." "The opuscule doesn't even sound like it was written by the famous poet." About Opuscule This noun originally comes from the Latin word "opusculum," a diminutive of the word that means "work." If you are working on a project, no matter how big or small it is, you might refer to it as your opus. Did you Know? A magnum opus is the complete opposite of an opuscule work. It refers to the most important work of an artist's career, often one that they are most recognized for. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 What's the Word? - TERRAQUEOUS pronunciation: [ter-AY-kwee-əs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid 17th century Meaning: 1. Consisting or formed of land and water. Example: "The terraqueous landscaping gave the garden an otherworldly atmosphere." "She had to step very carefully while navigating the terraqueous path." About Terraqueous Terraqueous originated as a combination of two Latin words: "terra" (land) and "aqueous" (of or like water). A rocky beach, for example, is terraqueous terrain, because it is made up of land and tidepools. Did you Know? Terraqueous features are an important component of Japanese gardens. These gardens are traditionally supposed to represent the ultimate beauty of nature, and often include combinations of land and water — such as a waterfall and small hills. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2020 What's the Word? - IRENIC pronunciation: [aye-REN-ik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Greek, mid 19th century Meaning: 1. Aiming or aimed at peace. Example: "I try to read irenic poetry before bed, because it helps me sleep better." "The yoga retreat aimed to put us all in a more irenic frame of mind." About Irenic Irenic originated from the Greek word "eirēnē," which means "peace." If you use this word, you are describing something truly serene. Did you Know? If you are trying to make your home environment more irenic, look into feng shui. This ancient Chinese practice aims at improving energy flow through small changes — such as making sure the path to your front door is always clear. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 12, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2020 What's the Word? - TERPSICHOREAN pronunciation: [tərp-sih-kə-REE-ən] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Greek, early 19th century Meaning: 1. Relating to dancing. Example: "The middle schoolers' terpsichorean routine was the highlight of the holiday pageant." "He loved attending the terpsichorean society's annual dances." About Terpsichorean Terpsichorean — which can be used as either an adjective or a noun — originated from the Greek word "terpsichore." "Terpsichore" translates to "a love of music and dancing," and referred to the Greek muse of the same name. Did you Know? Lace up your dancing shoes, because dancing is good for your physical and mental well-being. The National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute found that dancing reduces stress and tension, and also helps to prevent heart disease. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 13, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2020 What's the Word? - MATRONYMIC pronunciation: [ma-trə-NIM-ik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 18th century Meaning: 1. Denoting or relating to a name derived from the name of a mother or female ancestor. Example: "By tracing her matronymic heritage, she was able to find the grandmother she was named after." "She used her matronymic last name instead of her married one." About Matronymic If you are familiar with the word "maternal," you already know part of this word. The Latin word "mater," or mother, forms the first half of matronymic, while "nym" is the Latin word for name. Did you Know? Curious about family history? Traditionally, women changed their maiden names when they were married, making it difficult to trace your maternal side. Tracing matronymic lines is a helpful alternative; look into birth and marriage certificates for last names and clues into where to look next. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 14, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2020 What's the Word? - DUENDE pronunciation: [doo-EN-dey] Part of speech: noun Origin: Spanish, late 19th century Meaning: 1. A quality of passion and inspiration. 2. In the folklore of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines, a supernatural being or spirit resembling a pixie or imp. Example: "The duende behind his sculptures is inspired by nature." "The song lit a feeling of duende in her like a bright flame." About Duende This word comes from the Spanish phrase "dueño de casa," or "owner of the house." The current meaning of passion and inspiration makes sense if you have decorated your home with love. Did you Know? The duende, a mythological figure in Hispanic, Latino, and Filipino lore, is a mischievous figure who lives in people's houses — similar to the European brownie. Its full name means "the master of the house," which already signals trouble for the unfortunate houseowner harboring one of these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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