DarkRavie Posted January 14, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2021 (edited) Friday's Word What's the Word? - MAECENATISM pronunciation: [may-SI-nə-tɪz-əm] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, early 17th century Meaning: 1. Patronage. Example: "The museum honored the donors at a reception for their maecenatism." "Thanks to the maecenatism of regular shoppers, the local businesses were thriving." About Maecenatism This word originates from the classical Latin word "maecēnāt," which means a patron of the arts. Did You Know? The word maecenatism comes from the ancient Roman diplomat Gaius Maecenas. Besides being well-known for being a counselor to Emperor Augustus, Maecenas was famous for patronizing the arts — specifically literature and poetry. Edited January 16, 2021 by DarkRavie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2021 What's the Word? - ANAGNORISIS pronunciation: [an-ag-NOR-ih-sis] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, late 18th century Meaning: 1. The point in a play, novel, etc., in which a principal character recognizes or discovers another character's true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances. Example: "My favorite part of a story is the big reveal that happens at the anagnorisis." "The hallmark of Scooby Doo is the moment of anagnorisis when we finally get to see who is under the monster's mask." About Anagnorisis This word aims to make everything crystal clear: it originated from the Greek words "ana" (back) and "gnorisis" (to make known), which when combined literally means "recognition." Did You Know? The anagnorisis is important in many different stories — and some reveals are particularly surprising. One of the most famous examples was "The Empire Strikes Back," when audiences were shocked to find out that Darth Vader was actually Luke Skywalker's father. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 What's the Word? - HOLUS-BOLUS pronunciation: [hol-əs-BOL-əs] Part of speech: adverb Origin: Unknown, mid 19th century Meaning: 1. All at once. Example: "Everything was happening holus-bolus, and I couldn't keep up." "After a lull in my business, holus-bolus, I have all sorts of great opportunities." About Holus-Bolus Holus-bolus possibly originated as a pseudo-Latin rhyme based on the phrase "whole bolus" (all at once), but might also come from the Greek word "hólos bôlos" (clump of earth). Did You Know? When it seems like everything is happening holus-bolus (all at once), it might seem bad to procrastinate. However, sometimes taking a step back from something overwhelming is exactly what you need to figure out a different approach. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 (edited) What's the Word? - MANSUETUDE pronunciation: [man-SOO-ə-tood] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, unknown Meaning: 1. Meekness; gentleness. Example: "Grant handled the difficult situation with the utmost mansuetude." "It's important to approach the shelter animals with mansuetude." About Mansuetude Mansuetude developed through Late Middle English and Old French, but originated from the Latin words "mansuetudo" (gentle, tame) and the combination of the words "manus" (hand) + "suetus" (accustomed). Did You Know? Adopting a pet is exciting, and you might want to spend a lot of time playing with your adoptee immediately. However, experts advise mansuetude; give your new pet some room to explore and be gentle. As they get used to their surroundings, they'll warm up to you. Edited January 18, 2021 by DarkRavie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2021 What's the Word? - FELICITOUS pronunciation: [fə-LIS-ə-dis] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. Well-chosen or suited to the circumstances. 2. Pleasing and fortunate. Example: "It turned out to be a felicitous decision to bring an umbrella." "She discovered a number of felicitous finds with her trusty metal detector." About Felicitous One of the definitions of felicitous is something that is well-chosen or suited to the circumstances. Similarly, something that is opportune occurs at a well-chosen or appropriate time. Did You Know? A truly felicitous occurrence is winning the lottery. Only 1 in 14 million people ever draw the correct numbers to win the lottery, making it a real stroke of luck to actually win a huge amount of money. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 20, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2021 What's the Word? - ESTAMINET pronunciation: [es-tam-ih-NAY] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, unknown Meaning: 1. A small cafe in France that sells alcoholic drinks. Example: "I plan to visit every estaminet I find on my trip to Paris" "The artist enjoyed visiting the estaminet for a glass of wine while sketching." About Estaminet An estaminet is a small French cafe, specifically one that serves alcoholic drinks. Did You Know? Plan a visit to an estaminet during a trip to France, and know that you're the latest in a long line of folks who love the atmosphere of a cozy French cafe. F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Picasso were all patrons of estaminets in their day. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 21, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2021 (edited) What's the Word? - SPREZZATURA pronunciation: [sprets-ə-TYOOR-ə] Part of speech: noun Origin: Italian, early 15th century Meaning: 1. Studied carelessness, especially as a characteristic quality or style of art or literature. Example: "Leo's artwork demonstrates enviable sprezzatura." "At first glance the mural seems unfinished, but it's actually a lovely example of sprezzatura." About Sprezzatura Nonchalance describes being (or feigning being) in a calm or relaxed state. Similarly, sprezzatura is studied carelessness — which often describes attempting to seem calm or relaxed when undertaking a particular action. Did You Know? While many people claim to work in a careless sprezzatura style, not everyone can be the next Picasso or Jackson Pollack. It takes hard work to imbue a childlike doodle with intention. Edited January 21, 2021 by DarkRavie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 22, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2021 What's the Word? - ICARIAN pronunciation: [i-KER-ee-ən] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 15th century Meaning: 1. Relating to or characteristic of Icarus, especially in being excessively ambitious. Example: "Her career path was marked with Icarian disappointment." "We need to revise our plan from the Icarian blueprint the architect provided." About Icarian If you use the adjective Icarian to describe a person or an event, then you are referencing the myth of Icarus — a boy whose disregard of the consequences doomed him to fall into the ocean. There's another, simpler word you can substitute here: foolhardy. Did You Know? Icarus and his tragic end of flying too close to the sun (his wax wings melted) lives on in popular culture. Literary characters and conversational turns-of-phrase embody key elements of his story, ensuring Icarian legend lives — and soars — on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2021 What's the Word? - AFFLATUS pronunciation: [ə-FLAY-dəs] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid 17th century Meaning: 1. (formal) A divine creative impulse or inspiration. Example: "The priest praised the afflatus of the craftsmen for the new stained glass window." "The exhibit seems to lack the afflatus that draws in spectators." About Afflatus Since afflatus is a noun that stands for divine enlightenment or inspiration, which incites an urge for creativity, a natural opposite would be discouragement — a complete loss of confidence or enthusiasm. Did You Know? The word afflatus was given the breath of life — literally. Afflatus comes from the Latin words for "to breathe on" and "to blow." Some artists describe inspiration as feeling like it was blown into them, which is probably where this connection was forged. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 24, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2021 What's the Word? - EUPEPTIC pronunciation: [yoo-PEP-tik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Greek, late 17th century Meaning: Relating to or having good digestion or a consequent air of healthy good spirits. Example: "This eupeptic tea will help your stomach settle." "The party left everyone in a eupeptic state." About Eupeptic Something that is eupeptic is healthy or conducive to one's health and well-being — in other words, medicinal in nature. Did You Know? Does eupeptic sounds familiar? It's because it shares the same roots with the word pepsin, a substance that helps digestion. That's also where Pepto Bismol, a stomach-soothing medication, gets its name. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 25, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2021 What's the Word? - DIDO pronunciation: [DAI-do] Part of speech: noun Origin: Unknown, early 19th century Meaning: 1. A mischievous trick or prank. Example: "The senior class had been planning their end-of-year dido for months." "A good dido will leave everyone laughing." About Dido Aside from the mythological ties to Queen Dido of Carthage, we know that the definition of "dido" as a trick came into use somewhere in the 19th century, but how it acquired that connotation is a bit of a mystery. Did You Know? Like all good pranks, the word dido as mischief has somewhat uncertain origins. There's a story in which Dido, later queen of Carthage, first bargained with natives for the land that made up the great city. She asked for only as much territory as she could surround with the hide of a bull. Dido then cut up the bull’s hide into strips she could use to enclose a greater portion of land than her hosts expected — hence the term “to cut didoes.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2021 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. Example: "They formalized the agreement by signing a pollicitation." "Their contract was hinged on a pollicitation." About Polliciation 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 been adopted by children worldwide. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 27, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2021 (edited) What's the Word? - ADUMBRATE pronunciation: [ə-DUM-brayt] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, late 16th century Meaning: 1. Report or represent in outline. 2. Foreshadow or symbolize. Example: "Mark adumbrated his findings in an engaging presentation." "When reading a mystery, you can usually spot clues to adumbrate the solution." About Adumbrate Adumbrate developed from the Latin word "adumbrat" (shaded), which is composed of the intensifier "ad" and the word "umbrare" (to cast a shadow). Did You Know? Mystery writers know how to adumbrate. Foreshadowing is a storytelling technique where audiences are provided with clues to the future of the story. Particularly observant audience members can figure out plot twists from even the smallest hints. Edited January 27, 2021 by DarkRavie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 28, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2021 What's the Word? - GRANDILOQUENT pronunciation: [ɡran-DIHL-ə-kwent] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 16th century Meaning: 1. A lofty, colorful style of speaking intended to impress 2. Being vain or pompous in an overbearing style Example: "The speech, while intended to be motivational, came across as grandiloquent with too many pretentious words and phrases." "Instead of receiving the award humbly, she didn’t thank anyone in her grandiloquent acceptance speech." About Grandiloquent While grandiloquence is an impressive word to add to your vocabulary, being a grandiloquent speaker isn't so positive. You can alienate your listeners with too many flowery words or overblown phrases. To learn how to be a better speaker, consider joining a group like the Toastmasters, an organization devoted to teaching people how to be better communicators. Did You Know? Grandiloquent, coming from the Latin words for grand (grandis) and speak (landis), usually has a negative connotation of someone coming across as pompous. The next time you're tempted to roll your eyes at someone's speech, you could display your grandiloquence by pulling out this word. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 29, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2021 What's the Word? - TOXOPHILITE pronunciation: [tak-SAH-fə-lahyt] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, late 18th century Meaning: 1. A student or lover of archery. Example: "Therese qualified for the Olympics after a decade as a toxophilite." "I was a toxophilite in college, so I can help you pick out a new bow." About Toxophilite This word developed from the 15th century term "toxophilus" (the title of a treatise on archery), but is originally derived from a combination of the Greek words "toxon" (bow) and "philos" (loving). Did You Know? Archery is one of the world's safest sports — even more so than golfing and bowling, both relatively safe hobbies. Only one out of every 2,000 toxophilites are injured during the sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 30, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2021 What's the Word? - SALMAGUNDI pronunciation: [sal-mə-GUHN-dee] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, unknown Meaning: 1. A dish of chopped meat, anchovies, eggs, onions, and seasoning. 2. A general mixture; a miscellaneous collection. Example: "Order the salmagundi — I heard it is this restaurant's specialty." "Jason's room is a salmagundi of his interests from the past decade." About Salmagundi Salmagundi originated from the French word "salmigondis" (potluck, hodgepodge). However, the exact time period and context this word developed from is a mystery. Did You Know? The Salmagundi Club of Greenwich Village, NYC is a fine arts center with a rich history of famous patrons (such as honorary member Winston Churchill). Its most interesting quality, however, is its name's origin: salmagundi, a stew served by the group since its founding in 1871. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 31, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2021 What's the Word? - NICTATE pronunciation: [NIK-tayt] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, late 17th century Meaning: 1. Blink. Example: "You must resist the urge to nictate to win a staring contest." "The doctor instructed me to nictate after using the antibiotic eye drops." About Nictate Nictate, an alternate word for "blink," developed trifold in Latin — from "nictat," (blinked), the verb "nictare" (to blink), and the medieval Latin word "nictitate." Did You Know? The ability to nictate is automatic, but there are always people out there who want to test the extent of the human body — such as how long you can go without blinking. The current world record stands at 40 minutes and 59 seconds. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted February 1, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 What's the Word? - REDIVIVUS pronunciation: [red-ə-VI-vus] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 16th century Meaning: 1. Come back to life; reborn. Example: "The reenactor was so good at his role that critics said he was George Washington redivivus." "After a long night's sleep, a hot shower, and a cup of coffee, I feel redivivus." About Redivivus Redivivus developed from the Latin words "re" (again) and "vivus" (living), literally meaning "to be reborn." Did You Know? If the adjective "redivivus" applies to you, maybe you have been reincarnated — people who are reincarnated have experienced a past life before the one they currently live in. Some Asian religions, such as Buddhism, believe that people can reincarnate as a non-human life form, such as an insect or an animal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted February 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2021 What's the Word? - GLYPTIC pronunciation: [GLIP-tik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: French, early 19th century Meaning: 1. Of or concerning carving or engraving. Example: "While she struggled with painting, Dylan excelled in the glyptic arts." "The table was covered in intricate glyptic designs." About Glyptic Glyptic originated in both French ("glyptique") and Greek ("gluptikos"). However, it is thought that these words originally developed from the Greek words "gluptēs" and "gluphein" (which mean "carver" and "carve," respectively). Did You Know? Are you just getting into a glyptic hobby but don't know where to start? Whittling is the act of carving objects or figures out of a small piece of wood, and is a surprisingly easy pastime to pick up. All you need is a softwood (easier to carve with), a knife, and patience to begin your first glyptic wooden creation. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted February 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2021 What's the Word? - ANNALIST pronunciation: [AN-ə-ləst] Part of speech: noun Origin: Unknown, 17th century Meaning: 1. A person who writes annals. Example: "Our community's history has been preserved through written records maintained by annalists." "Timothy decided to combine his love of baseball and history and become a sports annalist." About Annalist This noun is borrowed from French, but originally comes from the Latin words "annales" (yearly books) and "annus" (year). Did You Know? Black History Month, recognized in the United States since 1976, relies on annalists to assemble a cultural history of African-Americans. The month celebrates the importance of Black people in America's development and culture. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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