DarkRavie Posted October 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2019 What's the Word? - PHANTASMAGORIA pronunciation: [fan-taz-mə-gohr-ee-ə] Part of speech: noun Origin: French & Greek. early 19th century meaning: 1. A dreamlike state in which images both real or imagined blur together --- 2. A constantly changing series of scenes or events that shift in color and intensity "On the ride home, he unfocused his eyes so that the lights outside his window raced past in a brilliant phantasmagoria." "The speed at which news happens and is communicated can blur into a confusing phantasmagoria of voices." About Phantasmagoria In the 18th and 19th centuries, a form of illusionistic entertainment became popular in which ghostly apparitions were "conjured" using a device called a magic lantern. The technique involved projecting a painting or other image onto a glass pane with an oil lamp. To the unwitting spectator, the flame's flicker in the glass produced an eerie, unsettling effect — or a phantasmagoria. Did you Know? While phantasmagoria is a direct translation from the French phantasmagorie, its origins actually date to Ancient Greece. As a compound word, phantasmagoria blends together the root phantasma, meaning "ghost," with the word agora, meaning "assembly." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2019 What's the Word? - PROROGUE pronunciation: [proh-rohg] Part of speech: verb Origin: Late Middle English, 15th century meaning: 1. To postpone a meeting without cancelling it --- 2. To defer or suspend a legislative session "The board elected to prorogue the current course of action, tabling future meetings until a more suitable time." "In a swift resolution, Parliament voted to prorogue all sessions until the end of the year." About Prorogue As with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's recent desire to defer any British Parliamentary actions at the end of August, prorogue means to suspend or put off a given assembly's meetings or sessions, at least for the time being. Did you Know? Prorogue reaches back through Anglo-French to Latin origins in prorogare, meaning "to stretch out or prolong." Today, it is primarily used in reference to British Parliamentary happenings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2019 What's the Word? - PENUMBRA pronunciation: [peh-nəm-brə] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid-17th century meaning: 1. The partially illuminated outer part of a shadow created by a solid object --- 2. The outlying, fringe area in which a condition exists to a lesser degree "The shadow of the moon cast a hazy penumbra over a swath of Earth during the partial eclipse." "The sunlight coming through the curtains created a penumbra on the rug in contrast to the solid wall." About Penumbra A penumbra creates a hazy outlying region where an object doesn't cast such a heavy shadow. As a result, the incomplete region of the object's shadow might appear like an ephemeral halo around its darker, more solid region. Did you Know? Penumbra comes from the fused Latin roots of paene-, meaning "almost," and umbra, meaning "shadow." The resulting definition gives us an "almost shadow." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2019 What's the Word? - INDIGENOUS pronunciation: [in-di-jə-nəs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 17th century meaning: 1. Native to specific area --- 2. innate or inherent "Respect for indigenous cultures is essential for helping preserve the rich history of the people who came before us." "The indigenous birds of the Amazon have colorful plumage and fascinating behaviors not found anywhere else on Earth." About Indigenous The world's indigenous peoples represent a vast array of cultural diversity and ancient history. In fact, historians and DNA scientists now believe that Aboriginal Australians represent the world's oldest civilization, stretching as far back as 50,000 years into the past. Did you Know? In recent years, the U.S. has seen a growing movement to convert Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day, as a way to recognize our nation’s original residents rather than the person sometimes credited with erasing them from history. As of 2019, seven states officially celebrate Indigenous People’s Day (or something similar), along with many cities and local jurisdictions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2019 What's the Word? - FLUMMOXED pronunciation: [flə-məksd] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Uncertain, mid 19th century meaning: 1. Totally confused or bewildered --- 2. Utterly unable to understand or comprehend "The complex equations in his physics course left him completely flummoxed." "She was flummoxed by all of the big, confusing words inserted into the legal agreement." About Flummoxed While its synonyms have traceable origins, researchers looking into 'flummoxed' can only scratch their heads at the word's unknown derivation. But it's not alone; some common words that also leave historians at a loss include 'conundrum,' 'bizarre,' 'avalanche,' and even 'dog.' Did you Know? In something of an etymological rarity, no one is quite certain as to the origins of the word flummoxed. It has roots that are both literary and dialect-based, but no conclusive source has been determined. The word has left historians, well, flummoxed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2019 What's the Word? - PULCHRITUDE pronunciation: [puhl-krə-tood] Part of speech: noun Origin: Late middle English, 15th century meaning: 1. Beauty --- 2. Physical attractiveness "The princess was known for her pulchritude, with artists lining up to paint her portrait." "The pristine wilds of the western U.S. were heralded as evidence of the country's breathtaking pulchritude." About Pulchritude Known for its carefully regulated proportions and composed movements, Michelangelo’s iconic Statue of David illustrates a pristine corporeal form. Like many other ancient sculptures from Italy and Greece, this work of art aimed for the pulchritude of the human body. Every subject, surface, and expression sought to reveal the perfection and beauty of human beings in any given situation. Did you Know? As odd and perhaps un-beautiful as it sounds, pulchritude stems directly from the Latin adjective pulcher, which means "beautiful." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 17, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2019 What's the Word? - PROPINQUITY pronunciation: [pro-pin-kwə-tee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Late Middle English, 14th century meaning: 1. Close kinship --- 2. Physical nearness "The newly promoted manager's propinquity to the CEO made his swift rise seem a little suspicious." "The dormitory's propinquity to the classroom makes it a perfect place to live for the on-campus population." About Propinquity The ethical violation of nepotism — giving special treatment to a family member or close personal associate — can stem directly from close relationships within a family. This kind of propinquity, or closeness, in relations can lead to bitterness and infighting within a company or business partnership. Did you Know? Propinquity expresses a strong kind of nearness, implying a somewhat relational or familial meaning. This is different from other related words that are almost exclusively used to describe physical location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 18, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2019 What's the Word? - AVUNCULAR pronunciation: [ə-vən-kyoo-lər] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-19th century meaning: 1. Relating to an uncle --- 2. Suggestive of the warm feelings between a man and his siblings' children "He has a genial smile and avuncular friendliness that lead many to refer to him as uncle, even if he isn't related to them." "My mom's brother treated me with a kind, avuncular attitude when I was a child." About Avuncular While in a strict sense avuncular has to do with the relationship between an uncle and his nieces and nephews, it can be applied to any male who displays a kind and indulgent attitude toward young(er) people. Did you Know? The Latin root of avuncular — avunculus — originally signified the relationship specifically with one's maternal uncle, but common usage has expanded the word to embrace the connection with any uncle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2019 What's the Word? - METANOIA pronunciation: [me-tə-noi-ə] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, late 19th century meaning: 1. A transformational change in one's way of life --- 2. A change resulting from repentance and spiritual awareness "I experienced a profound metanoia and renounced all of my sinful ways." "After I got in touch with my spiritual side, I realized this was my metanoia." About Metanoia Metanoia — a deep and profound change of heart — has sometimes been personified throughout history as a shadowy goddess cloaked in sadness. She was accompanied by Opportunity, and was known to cause regret for having missed important moments. Did you Know? Metanoia literally translates to "afterthought." The ending -noia has long been associated with thought, as it is in "paranoia," which are thoughts that don't reflect reality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2019 What's the Word? - ANODYNE pronunciation: [an-ə-deyen] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Greek, 16th century meaning: 1. Intended to avoid offense or disagreement --- 2. Helpful in lessening or relieving pain "He feared fueling tensions any further, so he kept his remarks as anodyne as possible." "When you're sick, you want the strongest, most anodyne medicine available." About Anodyne While medicines and pharmaceuticals hog most of the spotlight for producing anodyne — or pain-relieving — effects, Tylenol and Advil aren't the only things that can bring physical relief. Anything that can soothe a situation or bring joy can be considered anodyne, like watching the sunset or, yes, watching cute cat videos on YouTube. Did you Know? Literally speaking, the Greek origins of anodyne mean "free from pain." Its more modern usage, about avoiding contention or discomfort before it even occurs, is thought to have French roots, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 What's the Word? - RETICULATION pronunciation: [rə-tik-yoo-lay-shən] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid 17th century meaning: 1. A pattern or system of interconnected lines that resembles a net --- 2. The network of cracks or wrinkles that can appear during photographic emulsion "The interwoven veins on a leaf produce an organic pattern of reticulation." "The shadows of the piles of sticks created an elaborate reticulation on the ground." About Reticulation Like the woven cords in a fisherman's net, reticulation refers to the net-like formations produced by lines, veins, or woven fibers. For fishing, the reticulated pattern allows nets to remain strong but supple, able to flex and stretch by sharing tensile stresses throughout the whole system. Did you Know? Reticulation stems from a Latin word meaning "small net." However, today, the word is commonly used when describing the patterns on leaves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2019 What's the Word? - PICARESQUE pronunciation: [pi-kə-ˈresk] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Spanish. early 19th century meaning: 1. Related to a mischievous character --- 2. A type of fiction concerning the adventures of roguish but likeable characters "His new novel was full of picaresque characters getting into scrapes and always escaping the arm of the law." "She wants to settle down and start a family, but she’s constantly drawn to picaresque sorts who will never give up a life of adventure. " About Picaresque Picaresque characters have been popping up in literature for hundreds of years. Beloved classics such as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "Pippi Longstocking" detail the exploits of the roguish title characters. For a more modern take on the picaresque novel, add "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson to your reading list. Did you Know? The Spanish novel "Don Quixote" is an excellent example of picaresque fiction. The word "quixotic," meaning impulsive or unpredictable, was coined in honor of the title character. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2019 What's the Word? - ANTEDILUVIAN pronunciation: [an-tee-də-loo-vee-ən] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-17th century meaning: 1. Absurdly outmoded or old-fashioned --- 2. Of or relating to a time before the biblical flood "The rise and fall of the antediluvian age is narrated through the actions of Noah and his family in the Book of Genesis." "Her sense of style is so laughably outdated it's nearly antediluvian." About Antediluvian The antediluvian age is a symbolic line in the sand for the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. According to the biblical Scriptures, Noah and his family constructed a giant wooden ark just prior to a 40-day flood, which wiped out every living thing save the creatures on the ark. Noah's family's return to dry land marked the paradigmatic end of the antediluvian age. Did you Know? The Latin construction of antediluvian means literally "before a flood," but in the 17th century the word was pressed into theological service to refer specifically to the time period before the biblical flood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2019 What the Word? - CRENELLATIONS pronunciation: [kre-nə-ˈlā-shən] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid-19th century meaning: 1. Architectural features at the top of a wall of a castle --- 2. A specific type of castle defense featuring multiple rectangular spaces through which arrows may be shot "Even though the forces were waning, the crenellations at the top of the castle’s towers helped them defend their land." "The crenellations were crumbling, showing the years of neglect after the castle was abandoned." About Crenellations The architectural features and fortifications that make a castle battle-ready are called by many different names, including battlement, rampart, and parapet. A crenellation is a specific type of battlement, which looks like notched teeth. The high section of these notches are called merlons. Did you Know? Crenellations are a sign that a castle is prepared for battle. In medieval England, the king had to grant a license to crenellate before the fortification could be constructed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2019 What's the Word? - PHILATELY pronunciation: [fə-LA-tell-ee] Part of speech: noun Origin: French & Greek, mid-19th century meaning: 1. The hobby of stamp collecting --- 2. The study of stamps and other related postal material "The estate sale included the product of a lifelong interest in philately — dozens of albums filled with rare and interesting stamps." "The new museum exhibit on philately included correspondence from World War II, with stamps and postmarks from several European countries." About Philately Philately includes not just collecting stamps, but also different types of postcards and postmarks. You could also be a historian interested in the evolution of the postal system. Learn a few bits of postal trivia and start introducing yourself at parties as a philatelist. Did you Know? "Philately" was coined in 1864 by French stamp collector Georges Herpin (the original French word is “philatélie”). “Phil” comes from the Greek word for “I love” and “ately” comes from the Greek for “without tax.” He thought this was the best translation for stamps, implying the postage was paid by the sender. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2019 What's the Word? - ABROGATE pronunciation: [ab-rə-gate] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, early 16th century meaning: 1. To repeal or abolish by means of a formal action --- 2. To discontinue, put aside, or put an end to something "The new prime minister’s first action in office was to abrogate the unpopular tax laws. " "The student council successfully lobbied to abrogate the school uniform policy, and jeans and sneakers quickly became the norm. " About Abrogate Prohibition was spurred by the 18th Amendment, banning the sale and consumption of alcohol in the United States, and took effect in 1919. The unpopular law to abrogate drinking is considered to be a failure, as people still found ways to drink and criminals made massive amounts of money off bootlegging. In 1933 the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th, becoming the only amendment to abrogate another. Did you Know? "Abrogate" is just one term used to imply ending something. Synonyms include "nullify," "negate," "annul" and "invalidate," but they all have different nuances of meaning. Use "abrogate" when there is an official or formal action being taken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 27, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2019 What's the Word? - MAWKISH pronunciation: [MAW-kish] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Middle English, late 17th century meaning: 1. Exaggeratedly sentimental or emotional --- 2. Having a mildly unpleasant or sickening taste "The beauty pageant was so over the top that some audience members were made uncomfortable by the mawkish speeches. " "His grandmother wanted to be encouraging, but all the baking lessons produced were mawkish cookies." About Mawkish In a profile of sensitive crooner and skilled guitarist John Mayer on the music blog Pitchfork, his debut album was described as "mawkish." In the years since, Mayer has proven his musical chops to be heftier by stepping in the Jerry Garcia role with the Grateful Dead offshoot Dead & Company. Did you Know? Do you know that feeling of being so uncomfortable you squirm in your seat? In Middle English, "mawk" meant maggot, giving mawkish its awkward connotation. When it's so bad you think you don't have any words for it, pull out mawkish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 28, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2019 What's the Word? - SIBILATE pronunciation: [si-bə-layt] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, mid 17th century meaning: 1. To hiss --- 2. To say something with a hissing sound "To 'Shh!' your friends is to sibilate at them." "The air coming from the punctured tire started to sibiliate loudly." About Sibilate To sibilate is to say with a hissing sound, just like the librarian who shushes you when you're speaking too loud during your study session. Did you Know? Sibilate comes directly from its Latin root sibilare, meaning "to hiss or whistle." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 29, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2019 What's the Word? - ELIDE pronunciation: [əl-eyed] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, mis-16th century meaning: 1. To omit or strike out something --- 2. In speech or writing, to cut off a vowel or a syllable, usually the final one "Poetry is known for its readiness to elide letters and syllables for the sake of rhyme and rhythm." "His accent and use of colloquial speech caused him to elide the final letters of many words." About Elide To elide something is to omit it or strike it out. If they come across a lengthy article full of superfluous words, a good editor will leave them out of the finished product. Did you Know? While "elide" comes from the Latin verb "elidere," which means "to strike or dash out," it is also one of those rare words whose sense in common usage has evolved to embrace its opposite. Now, eliding something can also entail joining together pieces that were previously separate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted October 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2019 (edited) What's the Word? - ANTEDILUVIAN pronunciation: [an-tee-də-loo-vee-ən] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-17th century meaning: 1. Absurdly outmoded or old-fashioned --- 2. Of or relating to a time before the biblical flood "The rise and fall of the antediluvian age is narrated through the actions of Noah and his family in the Book of Genesis." "Her sense of style is so laughably outdated it's nearly antediluvian." About Antediluvian The antediluvian age is a symbolic line in the sand for the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. According to the biblical Scriptures, Noah and his family constructed a giant wooden ark just prior to a 40-day flood, which wiped out every living thing save the creatures on the ark. Noah's family's return to dry land marked the paradigmatic end of the antediluvian age. Did you Know? The Latin construction of antediluvian means literally "before a flood," but in the 17th century the word was pressed into theological service to refer specifically to the time period before the biblical flood. Edited October 30, 2019 by DarkRavie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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