New Game: What's the Word?

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - ABSTRUSE

pronunciation: [əb-STROOS]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, late 16th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Difficult to understand; obscure.

 

Example:

"The single was critically acclaimed despite its abstruse lyrics."

"The movie’s ending was far too abstruse for the general public."

 

About Abstruse

Abstruse comes from the Latin word “abstrusus” (put away, hidden). This word developed in turn from the word “abstrudere” (conceal), a combination of “ab” (from) + “trudere” (to push).

 

Did You Know?

Although this word sounds similar to “obtuse” (slow or difficult to understand), abstruse has both a different meaning and word root. Abstruse is derived from the Latin word “abstrusus” (hidden, put away), while obtuse is derived from the Latin word “obtustus” (to beat against). Although they have similar pronunciation and meanings, abstruse references something that has been obscured or is difficult to understand, while obtuse can also refer to someone who has difficulty understanding a clear situation.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - COMPOTE

pronunciation: [KAM-poht]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, late 17th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Fruit preserved or cooked in syrup.

2. A bowl-shaped dessert dish with a stem.

 

Example:

"The raspberry compote complemented the chef’s pastry perfectly."

"The cabinet was filled with compote dishes of different designs and finishes."

 

About Compote

This word originated from the Old French word “composte” (mixture) — the perfect description for this mixture of fruit and sugar.

 

Did You Know?

Fruit compote first appeared in 17th century France. While undoubtedly delicious with sour cream and biscuits (as it was originally served), compote was thought to have a practical effect too. The French originally believed that fruit cooked in sugar syrup helped balance the body’s humidity. Regardless of effect, compote, which was relatively inexpensive and easy to make, became a popular dessert.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - REFECTION

pronunciation: [rə-FEK-shun]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Middle English, early 1300s

 

Meaning: 

1. (literary) Refreshment by food or drink.

2. A meal, especially a light one.

 

Example:

"After a brief stop for refection, the Johnsons continued their drive home."

"The backpackers made sure to pack a refection for later in the hike."

 

About Refection

While the word refection found prominence in Middle English, its origins lie in Old French. Old French borrowed the term from the Latin word “refection” and “reficere” (renew).

 

Did You Know?

While diners seem as American as apple pie, they weren’t always there to provide refection to passing travelers. One of the earliest examples of the diner can be found in 1872, when Rhode Island entrepreneur Walter Scott sold refreshments out of a horse-pulled cart to workers. Diners with fixed locations took off in the 1940s and ’50s and quickly became a staple of American culture.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - TARRY

pronunciation: [TEHR-ee]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Middle English, late 1200s

 

Meaning: 

1. Stay longer than intended; delay leaving a place.

 

Example:

"The cottage was so cozy that the travelers tarried their departure."

"Since classes were cancelled, Kyle had time to tarry."

 

About Tarry

While tarry can be traced back to Middle English in the late 1200s and early 1300s, both its origins and original meaning are uncertain.

 

Did You Know?

While to tarry describes staying longer than intended or delaying leaving a place, sometimes people purposely try to delay something. The word that describes this is “stall.” While someone might accidentally tarry, someone trying to stall is trying to extend the amount of time they have before something occurs, such as a particularly anxiety-inducing live performance.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - ACCEDE

pronunciation: [ək-SEED]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Middle English, 1400s

 

Meaning: 

1. (formal) Agree to a demand, request, or treaty.

2. (formal) Assume an office or position.

 

Example:

"The authorities decided to accede to the thief’s demands in exchange for the painting."

"The prince acceded to the throne after the king fell ill."

 

About Accede

Accede developed in Middle English as a word that meant “come forward” or “to approach” via the Latin word “accedere,” which comes from the combination of the words “ad” (to) + “cedere” (give way, yield).

 

Did You Know?

While most people are familiar with the way royal titles change when one person accedes to the throne — like when a prince or princess becomes a king or queen — the meanings of other titles can be confusing without explanation. England’s nobility, for example, follows a strict hierarchy — a baron is the lowest royal position, while a duke is second only to a prince. This makes royal succession easier to visualize — while a prince might accede the throne in the case of an absent monarch, for example, a duke has the right to do so as well in the case of an absent prince.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - COMPLAISANT

pronunciation: [kəm-PLAY-sənt]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: French, mid 17th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Willing to please others; obliging; agreeable.

 

Example:

"Larger breeds of dogs tend to be incredibly sweet and complaisant pets."

"The dentist found that her new receptionist was both competent and complaisant."

 

About Complaisant

This word developed in French from the word “complaire” (acquiesce in order to please), but originally came from the Latin word “complacere” (to please).

 

Did You Know?

While complaisant is similar in spelling and in pronunciation to the word complacent, they have very different meanings. Both complaisant and complacent come from the Latin word “complacere” (to please), but have evolved over time to comprise the different aspects of this term. Complaisant describes a sense of being willing to please others, while complacent means being self-satisfied (or even smug) with one’s personal accomplishments — to a negative degree.

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - ASTIR

pronunciation: [ə-STER]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: English, 18th century

 

Meaning: 

1. In a state of excited movement.

2. Awake and out of bed.

 

Example:

"The subway station was astir with traffic, buskers, and uncertain tourists."

"John was surprised to find that his children were astir and preparing for school."

 

About Astir

This word developed from the combination of “a” (on) and the noun “stir” (a slight physical movement).

 

Did You Know?

Every metropolis has the reputation of being astir at all hours, but none more so than New York City. While NYC is the OG “City that Never Sleeps,” other cities have also assumed this bustling moniker — from Las Vegas, Nevada to Tokyo, Japan.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - FILIAL

pronunciation: [FIL-yəl]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Middle English, mid 14th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Of or due from a son or daughter.

2. (Biology) Denoting the generation or generations after the parental generation.

 

Example:

"Anna’s filial duties included driving her parents to the doctor’s office every week."

"Anthony couldn’t help but feel an almost filial obligation to help Mr. Jenkins out."

 

About Filial

Filial developed in Middle English from Old French, but originally came from the Latin words “filialis,” “filius” (son), and “filia” (daughter).

 

Did You Know?

Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius emphasized the importance of filial piety — treating parents, elders, and ancestors with utmost respect. Confucius even laid out a full list of specific filial duties for sons and daughters, including observing good conduct to reflect well on parents and to show love, respect, and deference towards them.

 

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - CANARD

pronunciation: [kə-nard]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, mid 19th century

 

Meaning: 

1. An unfounded rumor or story.

2. A small winglike projection attached to an aircraft forward of the main wing to provide extra stability or control, sometimes replacing the tail.

 

 

Example:

"Contrary to the rapidly spreading canard, the actor would not be making a special appearance after the show."

"Joseph added a canard to his design, hoping it would stabilize the airplane prototype."

 

About Canard

In French, “canard” means both “duck” and “hoax.” It originated from the Old French word “caner” (to quack).

 

Did You Know?

Anyone can spread a small canard, but it takes a truly dedicated person to pull off a full-fledged hoax. Throughout history, many hoaxes have taken in a gullible public — just a few include the Cardiff Giant (a 10-foot-tall man discovered to be a sculpture), the Turk (a chess-playing automaton controlled by an actual player), and Clever Hans (a horse who was advertised to perform simple calculations, but actually relied on hints from his trainer).

 

*note: Canard is also the French word for the bird Duck. (Le canard est allé nager.  |  The duck went swimming. )
 

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - REJOINDER

pronunciation: [rə-JOIN-dər]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Late Middle English, late 15th century

 

Meaning: 

1. A reply, especially a sharp or witty one.

2. (Law, dated) A defendant's answer to the plaintiff's reply or replication.

 

Example:

"I always think up the perfect rejoinder hours later in the tub."

"The court fell silent, waiting for the defendant’s rejoinder."

 

About Rejoinder

This word developed in Late Middle English by way of the Anglo-Norman French word “rejoindre” (to reunite something again).

 

Did You Know?

Continually find yourself practicing comebacks hours later? If so, it’s time to work on your rejoinder skills. According to the BBC, one of the ways to craft a witty comeback is to work on your listening skills. By listening precisely and actively to conversations — as well as by utilizing humans’ ability to think faster than they speak — it becomes easier to quickly form a well-timed, snappy reply the next time your friend pokes some fun at you.

 

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - DESCANT

pronunciation: [dih-SCANT]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Middle English, mid 14th century

 

Meaning: 

1. (Music) An independent treble melody usually sung or played above a basic melody.

2. A discourse on a theme or subject.

 

Example:

"The conductor finally found a soprano to sing the descant."

"He was well-known for publishing a descant on success in business."

 

About Descant

This word developed in Middle English, but originally came from the Old French word “deschant” by way of the medieval Latin word “discantus” (part-song, refrain).

 

Did You Know?

Many popular songs sample a basic melody from another well-established song. The singers make the musical composition their own by performing a descant incorporating different lyrics or a slightly different style. For example, MC Hammer’s ‘90’s hit “Can’t Touch This” samples from Rick James’ hit “Super Freak,” which came out a full decade earlier.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - OLIVACEOUS

pronunciation: [ah-lə-VAY-shus]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, 1770s

 

Meaning: 

1. Of a dusky yellowish green color; olive green.

 

Example:

"Sometimes Kermit the Frog appears olivaceous, while other times he is a bright kelly green."

"The warbler was a dusky, olivaceous color."

 

About Olivaceous

This word originated from the Latin word “olīvāceus,” from a combination of the words “olīv(a)” (olive) and “aceous” (the nature of).

 

Did You Know?

Olivaceous describes an olive green, deeper than grass green. Olive trees are native to Asia Minor, but have spread throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean. This evergreen is the world’s oldest-known cultivated tree, known for being grown by farmers before the onset of written language.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - YARE

pronunciation: [yahr]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Middle English, before 900

 

Meaning: 

1. (of a ship) Responding promptly to the helm.

2. Easily manageable.

 

Example:

"Despite the ship’s large size, it was surprisingly yare on sharp turns."

"Nancy found her hair to be more yare after her haircut."

 

About Yare

Yare developed from the Middle English word (borrowed from Old Germanic) “gearu,” meaning “prepared, ready.” It is also thought to be related to the Dutch word “gaar” (done, dressed) and the German word “gar” (ready).

 

Did You Know?

Bigger ships are likely to be less yare than smaller ones, especially when it comes to emergency stops. A CNN article describes the experience as operating a small, floating city — one that comes without emergency brakes. Captains of gigantic container and cruise ships rely on modified steering wheels and a good sense of weather and direction to ensure smooth sailing.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - APLOMB

pronunciation: [ə-PLAM]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, late 18th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.

 

Example:

"The lead actor recovered with such aplomb that the audience forgot he had tripped onstage moments before."

"I think I could pull off that outfit with aplomb."

 

About Aplomb

This word developed to mean “perpendicularity, steadiness” from the French term “à plomb,” or according to a plumb line.

 

Did You Know?

Aplomb partially comes from the French word “à plomb,” or according to a plumb line — but what is a plumb line? With origins that can be traced back to ancient Egypt, a plumb bob is a line with a pointed weight (usually made of brass or steel) affixed to the end. When the weight is dangled, it creates a vertical line known as a plumb line, which was used by architects, builders, and engineers as a vertical reference point. While plumb bobs are still used in their original form, there is a more efficient update often used in its place — a laser level, which can project both vertical and horizontal lines hands-free.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - CLERISY

pronunciation: [KLER-ə-see]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: German, early 19th century

 

Meaning: 

1. A distinct class of learned or literary people.

 

Example:

"Members of the clerisy make time to read daily."

"John tried to make his writing accessible to all audiences, not just the clerisy."

 

About Clerisy

Clerisy developed from the German word “Klerisei,” which is thought to have originated from the Greek word “klēros” (heritage).

 

Did You Know?

The word “clerisy” was first introduced by poet and writer Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Influenced heavily by the German word for “clergy” and the Greek word for “heritage,” Coleridge believed that creating a class of learned, literary intellectuals would be key for humanity’s survival. As evidenced from the careful reasoning behind the creation of this word, Coleridge was as much a critic and literary analyst as he was an artistic soul.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - SCINTILLA

pronunciation: [sin-TIL-ə]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, late 17th century

 

Meaning: 

1. A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.

 

Example:

"A scintilla of hope rose in his chest when the elevator door opened."

"There was not even a scintilla of evidence to support Kim’s claims."

 

About Scintilla

This word originated from Latin, where it translates literally to “spark.”

 

Did You Know?

The noun “scintilla” and the verb “scintillate” come from the same root. Both words originate from Latin, where the word “scintilla” translates directly to “spark” or “ember.” As a noun, it’s a tiny speck, but as the verb, a sparkling light is shining.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - EPIGRAMMATIC

pronunciation: [ep-ə-grə-MAD-ik]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, late 17th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Of the nature or in the style of an epigram; concise, clever, and amusing.

 

Example:

"Taylor’s epigrammatic wit always lands her at the center of a party."

"He had a distinctly epigrammatic writing style."

 

About Epigrammatic

Epigrammatic originated from the word epigram, a noun that describes a short and witty poem or verse. While the modern usage of the developed from French, its roots are in the Latin word “epigramma” (an inscription) and the Greek words “epigramma” (an inscription on a tomb or public monument) and “epigraphen” (to write on or inscribe).

 

Did You Know?

Epigrammatic is an adjective for describing something in the style of an epigram — a pithy saying or remark that expresses an idea in a concise yet clever fashion. From quotes on inspirational posters to one-liners from an action movie, if it’s clever and concise, it’s epigrammatic.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - ADDUCE

pronunciation: [ə-DOOS]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Late Middle English, 1610s

 

Meaning: 

1. Cite as evidence.

 

Example:

"You’ll have to adduce your sources before submitting the paper."

"Their minds were made up well before any proof was adduced."

 

About Adduce

This word made its way into Late Middle English by way of the Latin word “adducere,” a combination of the words “ad” (towards) and “ducere” (to lead).

 

Did You Know?

Don’t believe everything you read — unless the writer can adduce the appropriate sources. To adduce, or cite as evidence, a source means the writer has researched and vetted the source. Depending on where and how something is published, citation methods and styles vary. The most commonly used citations are Chicago Manual Style (used for history, economics, and social sciences), MLA Style (developed by the Modern Language Association for arts and the humanities), and APA Style (social sciences and psychology).

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - CONSANGUINEOUS

pronunciation: [kan-sang-GWIN-ee-us]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, early 17th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Relating to or denoting people descended from the same ancestor.

 

Example:

"You look so similar you could be consanguineous!"

"The patients are not consanguineous; they are husband and wife."

 

About Consanguineous

Consanguineous originated from the Latin word “consanguineus,” or “of the same blood,” which came about from the combination of the words “con” (together) + “sanguis” (blood).

 

Did You Know?

Testing DNA is a relatively recent invention, but now almost anyone can provide a saliva or cheek swab sample to receive their genetic profile from any one of several services. Even beyond discovering consanguineous relations, people are now able to learn more about their health and predispositions to certain conditions.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - ULTIMO

pronunciation: [UHL-tə-mo]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, 1575

 

Meaning: 

1. of last month

 

Example:

"Gretchen hoped that this meeting would be more productive than the disastrous meeting ultimo."

"Given that his birthday was the 5th ultimo, his birthstone must be an opal."

 

About Ultimo

This word originates from the Latin term “ultimo mense,” which directly translates to “in the last month.”

 

Did You Know?

Whether you celebrated your birthday ultimo or this very month, there are a specific set of symbols that are ascribed to you. Most popularly, these symbols are usually a birth month flower and a birthstone. Birth month flowers originated from the language of flowers, first popularized in early 18th century England, and operated on the idea that certain seasonal flowers had attributes that could be passed to people born in the same season. Birthstones are popularly believed to come from 12 specific stones that were mentioned in the Bible. Appreciating one’s birth flower or wearing a birthstone has remained a cultural staple from the early 1900s to today.