DarkRavie Posted November 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2019 What's the Word? - PANNIER pronunciation: [PAN-ee-er] Part of Speech: noun Origin: Middle English, 13th century meaning: 1. A large storage basket made to be slung over the back of a pack animal or bicycle --- 2. Historically, a hoop frame used to hold out the side of a woman’s skirt --- 3. French word translates to basket "She was dedicated to the commuter life and installed panniers on her bike to help carry her load." "The costume designer made an authentic Marie Antoinette dress, complete with extra-large panniers." "She carried her pannier full of apples." About Pannier Modern-day panniers can be found strapped to the back of a bicycle and are made with nylon or another waterproof fabric. However, they weren't always so high tech. Panniers were just a pair of baskets strapped to either side of a horse, donkey, or other pack animal. Whether on bicycle or beast, they almost always come in a pair, because no one wants a lopsided pannier. Did you Know? You can carry anything you want in your pannier — or panniers, as they are usually found in pairs — but you’ll be most authentic if you fill it with bread. The origin of the word can be traced from Middle English back to Old French. If you remember your French lessons, "pain" means "bread" and a panier in Old French was a bread basket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2019 What's the Word? - DEONTOLOGY pronunciation: [dee-on-TALL-oh-jee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, early 19th century meaning: 1. A theory of ethics that establishes rules of right and wrong actions --- 2. The study of determining the right way to live life, based on duty and moral obligation "After studying deontology in her Intro to Philosophy class she became obsessed with creating rules for her roommates to follow." "The Golden Rule is one of the most basic principles of deontology — treat others how you wish to be treated." About Deontology Deontology determines a moral framework for right and wrong — basically, rules for how to live your life. Nihilism, the philosophy that there are no moral principles and life has no meaning, can be considered the opposite of deontology. You may experience a bit of nihilism when you struggle to get out of bed to go to work. "What's the point?" you may think. Try to summon up inspiration from deontologists: Go forth and do the right thing. Did you Know? In many names for philosophies or ideas, the root word can be converted into other parts of speech. Deontology, the name for the ethical rule-following philosophy, is the noun. A deontologist, also a noun, is one who practices or studies the philosophy. And deontological, the adjective, describes anything that follows the principles of deontology. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2019 What's the Word? - PLAUDIT pronunciation: [PLAW-dət] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 17th century meaning: 1. An expression of praise, usually used in the plural --- 2. A round of applause "The cast of the play was relieved to read the plaudits of critics after opening night." "The plaudit from the audience lasted through several curtain calls, ending in a standing ovation." About Plaudit In the deaf and hard of hearing communities, instead of giving a round of applause, audience members will shake their open hands in the air, kind of like jazz hands. Other forms of plaudits include standing ovations, snaps, cheering, giving kudos, and shouting “Encore!” Give a few of these a try the next time to want to express your appreciation. Any way you show it, your recognition goes a long way for the performers. Did you Know? "Plaudit" comes from the Latin "plaudite," translated literally to "applaud." Roman actors would shout this at the audience at the end of a play, demanding appreciation for their work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2019 What's the Word? - MERITOCRACY pronunciation: [mer-it-OK-rə-see] Part of speech: noun Origin: British English, 1958 meaning: 1. A government system in which power and advancement is based upon talent and performance, rather than birthright or wealth --- 2. Any organizational structure in which people are judged based on achievement "Democratic elections promote a meritocracy, instead of a monarchy, where power is passed down through the family." "The company has become more of a meritocracy, with regular performance reviews determining promotions and raises." About Meritocracy There are many forms of government that are different from a meritocracy — aristocracy (hereditary power), theocracy (government ruled by religious figures), plutocracy (power given to the wealthy) — but they’re not exactly opposites. The best antonym for "meritocracy" would be nepotism, where those in power grant favor to their relatives. In a meritocracy you’d never get a job just because your father is the president of the company. Did you Know? The term "meritocracy" was coined in a 1958 satirical essay by British politician Michael Dunlop Young. While the word is relatively new, the philosophy that intelligence and achievement are to be valued above all else is not a new concept. The earliest example can be traced back to 6th-century China when Confucius supported the idea that the government should be chosen based on merit, rather than inherited status. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 What's the Word? - BLANDISHMENT pronunciation: [blan-dihSH-mənt] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 16th century meaning: 1. Flattering speech intended to coax or influence --- 2. The act of persuasion by means of flattery "The fundraiser organizer used blandishments to convince the donors to fill out their checkbooks." "You may get on the good side of your boss with a little blandishment, but make sure you don’t go over the top." About Blandishment The idiom "It's easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar" could be applied to a blandishment. Sure, you could try to get what you want by demanding or begging, but it's so much easier when you play nice with a few flattering compliments and blandishments. Did you Know? You'll likely find blandishment used in the plural sense, blandishments. It makes sense as multiple compliments are going to be more effective than just one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2019 What's the Word? - ARBOREAL pronunciation: [ahr-BORE-ee-əl] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-17th century meaning: 1. Relating to or resembling trees --- 2. Inhabiting trees "The holiday season usually starts with a visit to an arboreal paradise: the Christmas tree farm." "All of the arboreal species were relocated to the zoo's new lush rainforest habitat." About Arboreal How many types of trees can you name? The adjective arboreal can be used to identify trees of the leafy, green variety, but it can also be used for anything resembling the branches of a tree. While it doesn’t have the same poetry as "arboreal," "branchy" is a good synonym for it. A branched coat rack, your chandelier, or your genealogical report could be positively arboreal. Did you Know? The root of arboreal is the Latin word for tree, "arbor." You’ll recognize it as the English word for an alcove of trees in a garden, but the Latin word is the base for many other tree-related words. More adjectives include "arboraceous," "arborical," and "arborous." And of course, we can’t forget the arboretum in the botanical gardens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 27, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2019 What's the Word? - AUTODIDACT pronunciation: [aw-toh-DIE-dakt] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, Late 18th century meaning: 1. A self-taught person --- 2. A person who learned through methods outside of formal education "He loves being homeschooled and proudly calls himself an autodidact." "Thanks to unlimited how-to videos and courses on the internet, anyone can be an autodidact." About Autodidact An autodidact is a self-taught person who hasn’t received any formal education or training in their chosen skill or field (although, to be fair, you could have a college degree in economics, but be an autodidact when it comes to the guitar). Anyone who has learned a topic or skill outside of a formal education environment is an autodidact. You’re an autodidact just by learning new vocabulary! Did you Know? Anyone who has learned outside of formal education can be considered an autodidact, including some of history’s most famous writers, musicians, and artists. William Faulkner dropped out of college and went on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Keith Moon, the drummer in The Who, taught himself how to to bang the drums. David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, and Jimi Hendrix all taught themselves to play the guitar. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright never received a college degree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 28, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 What's the Word? - MONOCULTURE pronunciation: [MON-ə-cull-cher] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, early 20th century meaning: 1. The practice of growing a single crop at a time --- 2. A single crop grown in an area "Corn is such a valuable commodity that many farmers practice monoculture of the crop." "The swampland was overgrown with the monoculture, and no other crops could thrive." About Monoculture Mono = single. Practicing monoculture means growing only one plant, so a farmer who is against this will grow a wide variety of crops. Farming has become big business, with large farms growing single crops dominating the agricultural world. But your backyard garden, with a mixture of anything you feel like growing, is a perfect example of polyculture, or the cultivation of many different crops. Did you Know? Today, you’re probably feasting on a cornucopia of Thanksgiving classics, like potatoes or green beans, but this agricultural term hones in on just one. “Monoculture” can be applied to both the practice of growing a single crop and the name of the crop itself. Monoculture has allowed farmers to increase their efficiency by specializing in one crop — say, those yams you devoured at the dinner table. Polyculture is the practice of growing many crops, and oligoculture rotates between just a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted November 29, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2019 What's the Word? - APERTURE pronunciation: [APP-er-cher] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 15th century meaning: 1. An opening or hole --- 2. In photography, the opening in a lens that admits light into a camera "The aperture of the cave was so small he had to crawl on his stomach to enter." "Learning about aperture and its relationship to lighting is one of the basics of photography." About Aperture With the ease of digital photography, you don’t have to be an expert to take some good shots, but you’ll greatly improve your artistic abilities if you learn the basics of camera technology. Aperture is the opening in the lens that lets in light and thus affects every photograph you take, digital or manual. Depending on the size of your aperture, the light will change the appearance of your photograph. Did you Know? Aperture can be used to describe any type of opening, but it is most recognizable in relation to photography. We could get into a detailed and technical explanation of light, shutter speed, and focal points, but you can take a class for that. Just remember this: a large aperture will yield a shallow depth of field, while a small aperture will result in a wide depth of field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 1, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2019 What's the Word? - DIVINATION pronunciation: [div-ə-NAY-shun] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 14th century meaning: 1. The practice of foretelling the future by supernatural means --- 2. An especially strong sense of intuition or perception "The fortune teller was known for her divination skills, using tea leaves and tarot cards." "His mother’s divination was so reliable that he always trusted her advice." About Divination Fortune telling is a form of divination. Practicers of divination claim to be able to predict the future by tapping into supernatural elements. Your grandmother may claim to have the second sight, you could play with a Ouija board, or you could go get your tarot cards read by a psychic — all forms of divination. Did you Know? Practices of divination can be found in almost every culture. Witches, shamans, fortune tellers, oracles, seers, and prophets claim to predict the future using rituals of divination. Whether you believe in their abilities to tap into the supernatural is up to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 2, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2019 What's the Word? - HUGGER-MUGGER pronunciation: [HUHG-er-MUHG-er] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Unknown, 16th century meaning: 1. Chaotic and disorganized --- 2. Conducted with a secret or clandestine nature "You could barely see the carpet in the hugger-mugger bedroom." "His motives were unclear, but the hugger-mugger requests were suspicious." About Hugger-mugger The origin of "hugger-mugger" is unknown, but there are guesses tying it to the Middle English word "mukre," meaning to hoard or conceal. It’s not an incredibly well-known word, but if you start incorporating it into your vocabulary to describe any kind of chaotic or secretive situation, it’s sure to catch on again. Did you Know? "Hugger-mugger" can be used as an adjective, such as the definitions given here. It can also be a noun, with similar definitions to the adjective. A situation would be a hugger-mugger, rather than being described as hugger-mugger. You can even use this rhyming word as a verb, when you are keeping something concealed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 What's the Word? - VERVE pronunciation: [vurv] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, late 17th century mewaning: 1. An energetic style of a literary or artistic work or performance --- 2. A vigorous nature or liveliness "The new exhibit at the modern art museum was full of verve and genre-defying pieces." "The children loved their babysitter for her verve and playfulness." About Verve English borrowed "verve" from French, where it has an identical spelling and meaning — energy, spirit, animation. Feel free to employ a French accent when using this word. You’ll be correct either way. Did you Know? "Verve" is used today to describe the energy that gives life to an artistic performance, composition, or piece of writing. Any sort of creator has verve. But an old-fashioned usage of the word simply meant a special talent or ability. Your verve could be fixing a toilet or composing a symphony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2019 What's the Word? - SONOROUS pronunciation: [SON-er-uhs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, early 17th century meaning: 1. Capable of producing or giving out a sound --- 2. Resonant and deep in sound "The highlight of the hike was the sonorous cave, which produced a ringing echo from the hiker’s shouts." "He was selected to give the opening speech thanks to his imposing, sonorous voice." About Sonorous "Sonorous" is an adjective applying to sound, usually of a full and imposing nature. It comes from the Latin word for sound, "sonor." Pull out this regal adjective when the tones need appropriate weight for the description. We’re talking ringing gongs, not bird chirps. Did you Know? Sonorous can be used to describe the quality of a sound — think ringing clock bells, or a booming, deep voice — but it can also be used to describe a specific phonetic sound. When there is no stressed syllable, there’s still distinctness between vowels and consonants. This is sonority, and certain vowels can have a sonorous quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 What's the Word? - EDEMA pronunciation: [ihd-EE-muh] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, 15th century meaning: 1. Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body --- 2. Swelling in plants caused by an excess accumulation of water "Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have edema, because it can be a symptom of many diseases." "The heavy rainfall caused edema in his garden plants." About Edema Edema is not always a symptom of disease. If you’re on your feet all day, or you take a long flight, you’re likely to have swelling in your feet and ankles. While edema can occur during these normal activities, it could also be a warning sign, so make sure to see a doctor if it persists. Did you Know? Edema, or swelling due to excess fluid accumulation, can be found in both humans and plants. In humans, you’ll often find edema as a result of medications, pregnancy, or certain diseases. Edema isn’t always a sign of something drastically wrong, but it needs to be addressed. In addition to treating the underlying illness, your doctor may recommend medication to remove the excess fluid or a diet low in salt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 6, 2019 What's the Word? - ACERBIC pronunciation: [ə-SIR-bik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 19th century meaning: 1. Sharp or harshly critical in tone --- 2. Having a sour or bitter taste "Her professor’s acerbic criticisms made her regret taking the class." "The lemon juice gave an acerbic note to the pasta." About Acerbic The root of acerbic is the Latin adjective "acerbus," meaning harsh or unpleasant. The meaning has held true in English, with the adjective "acerbic" being applied to anything with a sharp, sarcastic, or cutting delivery. Did you Know? The original meaning of "acerbic" concerned a literal bitter taste but it has evolved to describe a more figurative harsh tone or expression. You could enjoy a sour flavor, but you’re not likely to enjoy a sourpuss with an acerbic nature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2019 What's the Word? - APHORISM pronunciation: [AF-ər-iz-əm] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, early 16th century meaning: 1. A brief, instructive saying --- 2. A succinct statement of a general truth or observation "We all groaned every time Dad tried to give a life lesson by saying an aphorism." "‘Actions speak louder than words’ is a good aphorism to employ in your friendships." About Aphorism There are a few words for brief sayings with pieces of valuable life advice. A proverb usually has more flowery or poetic language than an aphorism. An adage will be in metaphorical terms, while a maxim is likely to include a rule for your behavior. All of these can be used in place of aphorism. Did you Know? Sometimes the ancient root of a word matches up perfectly to the modern definition. "Aphorism" comes from the Greek word "aphorismós," which is a pithy phrase containing a general truth. Many credit the Greek physician Hippocrates for the invention of this word. Nowadays, you can just keep in mind one of the most well-known aphorisms: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 9, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2019 What's the Word? - GUSTATORY pronunciation: [GUS-tə-tor-ee] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 17th century meaning: 1. Relating to the quality of the taste of something --- 2. Relating to the sense of taste "His gustatory abilities were so refined that he decided to become a wine-competition judge." "She had a cold and couldn’t appreciate the gustatory qualities of the home-cooked meal." About Gustatory Gustatory is a general adjective meaning anything related to taste, joining other sense-related terms like “aural” (hearing), “olfactory” (smell), and “tactile” (touch). It can concern the actual quality of the taste you perceive — sweet, salty, sour, or bitter — or it can refer to mechanics of taste, how the process actually occurs. Did you Know? Supertasters are a real thing. Scientists have identified a certain section of the population with a heightened gustatory sensitivity. These gustatory champions can thank the presence of a specific gene for their tasting abilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 9, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2019 What's the Word? - ARCANE pronunciation: [ahr-CANE] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-16th century meaning: 1. Requiring knowledge only known to a few people --- 2. Obscure or mysterious "Admittance to the arcane branch of study at the university was limited to a few people a year." "Her interest in arcane artifacts was rooted in her love of medieval history." About Arcane "Arcane" may have a flavor of the occult about it, but it doesn’t necessarily mean something associated with witchcraft. Instead, a more appropriate synonym is "esoteric," which is used to describe things understood by only a select few. Did you Know? You might think all knowledge is meant to be shared, but the roots of "arcane" imply a secretive nature. The Latin word "arcānus" means "secret or hidden," and that comes from "arceō," which implies to shut something up, as if in a chest. Talk about keeping it all to yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 10, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2019 What's the Word? - DILATORY pronunciation: [DIL-ə-tohr-ee] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 15th century meaning: 1. Intending to cause delay --- 2. Wasting time or procrastinating "His client was late, so the lawyer pulled out dilatory tactics to stall." "Cleaning his room was just a dilatory effort to avoid studying." About Dilatory Surely you’re familiar with procrastination. Maybe you’re even learning new words as a method of procrastination. Now you can feel good about your delays because you’ve learned a new adjective for these tricks — dilatory. Did you Know? You might think the definitions of "dilatory" and "delay" are similar, but there’s actually no etymological relation between the two. Instead, "dilatory" can be traced to the Latin "dilatorius," meaning "extending or putting off time." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2019 What's the Word? - EFFULGENT pronunciation: [if-UHL-juhnt] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-18th century meaning: 1. Glowing with a radiant light --- 2. Shining as if coming from a light "The spotlight shot its effulgent beam right to the middle of the stage." "Their effulgent glances revealed the depth of their newfound love." About Effulgent This shining adjective can refer to a literal glow of light, or it can be more figurative. Think of beaming happiness, or an effulgent personality that radiates kindness. Did you Know? "Effulgent" is one of those adjectives that can also transform into other parts of speech. "Effulgent" is the noun, meaning a quality of brilliance. "Effulgently" is the adverb, and "uneffulgent" is the exact opposite of glowing beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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