New Game: What's the Word?

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: EMBOLALIA

pronunciation: [em-bə-LEY-lee-ə]

 

Part of speech: noun
Origin: Ancient Greek, late 19th century

 

Meaning:

1. Automatic speech; verbalization that occurs without conscious effort by the individual, such as repetitions and filler words.

 

Example:

"When Suhrid is nervous, he struggles to keep from repeating embolalia such as “you know” and “like.”"

"I asked the transcriber to remove the embolalia from the text the next time they transcribed my recorded class."

 

About Embolalia

“Embolalia” is based on the ancient Greek “émbolos,” meaning “something thrown in,” with the suffix “-lalia,” meaning “talk.”

 

Did you Know?

“Embolalia” describes a category of words sometimes called “hesitation forms,” which are words and expressions that speakers fall back on to fill space during pauses in conversation. These expressions — including “uh,” “like,” “you know,” “kinda,” and “know what I’m saying?” — rarely contribute to the overall message from the speaker. However, embolalia serves a purpose to create pauses in conversation. These pauses might indicate a speaker is searching for the appropriate words, but they can also give the speaker a moment to think longer and the listener a chance to process.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: REALIA

pronunciation: [ree-AL-ee-ə]

 

Part of speech: noun
Origin: Latin, 19th century

 

Meaning:

1. Objects and material from everyday life, especially when used as teaching aids.

2. Real things or actual facts, especially as distinct from theories about or reactions to them.

 

Example:

"The visiting firefighter dazzled the schoolkids with his realia, which included his helmet, ax, and oxygen tank."

"In science class, Daria learned best from lessons involving realia, such as demonstrations of dramatic chemical reactions."

 

About Realia

“Realia” is directly from the Latin “reālia,” meaning “real things.”

 

Did you Know?

The first realia many babies encounter is a simple set of wooden blocks, which were developed as teaching tools in 18th-century England and popularized by German educational philosopher Friedrich Fröbel (best known for inventing and naming “kindergarten”). “Fröbel gifts,” a set of mostly wooden blocks he developed, became massively popular educational toys for babies, offering them real-world experiences with basic shapes, gravity, and building or stacking. These toys provide pieces of the real world small enough for babies to handle and safely experiment with. Used as realia, building blocks have been the foundation of early learning for hundreds of millions of people.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: SONOROUS

pronunciation: [SON-er-uhs]

 

Part of speech: adjective
Origin: Latin, early 17th century

 

Meaning:

1. (Of a person's voice or other sound) Imposingly deep and full.

2. Capable of producing a deep or ringing sound.

 

Example:

"The highlight of the hike was the sonorous cave, which produced a ringing echo from the hiker’s shouts."

"I chose the narrator for the audiobook of my first novel based on his rich, sonorous voice."

 

About Sonorous

"Sonorous" is an adjective that applies 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. The noun form of this adjective is "sonority." That word has a specific usage in phonetics as well. Sonority occurs when there is no stressed syllable, but there is still a distinction between vowels and consonants.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: APHORISM

pronunciation: [AF-ər-iz-əm]

 

Part of speech: noun
Origin: Greek, early 16th century

 

Meaning:

1. A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”

2. A concise statement of a scientific principle, typically by an ancient classical author.

 

Example:

"My dad's favorite way to impart life wisdom is through aphorism."

"Actions speak louder than words' is a good aphorism to employ in your friendships."

 

About Aphorism

"Aphorism" entered English in the early 16th century from the French "aphorisme," which came from the Latin "aphorismus," and the original Greek "aphorismos," which meant "definition." It was likely coined by Hippocrates.

 

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 directly translates to "definition," but the usage was closer to "brief statements and general reflections of facts." Many credit the Greek physician Hippocrates for the invention of this word in his writing, "Aphorisms of Hippocrates." Today, you can keep in mind one of the most well-known aphorisms: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: EFFULGENT

pronunciation: [if-UHL-juhnt]

 

Part of speech: adjective
Origin: Latin, mid-18th century

 

Meaning:

1. Shining brightly; radiant.

2. (Of a person or their expression) Emanating joy or goodness.

 

Example:

"The spotlight shot its effulgent beam right to the middle of the stage."

"As they said their wedding vows, they looked at each other with effulgent glances."

 

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. It comes from the Latin "effulgent," meaning "shining brightly."

 

Did you Know?

Effulgent is an adjective that can also transform into other parts of speech — "effulgence" is the noun form, meaning "a quality of brilliance." "Effulgently" is the adverb, and "ineffulgent" is the exact opposite of glowing beauty.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: OSSIFIED

pronunciation: [OS-ih-fied]

 

Part of speech: verb
Origin: Latin, early 18th century

 

Meaning:

1. Having turned into bone or bony tissue.

2. Having become rigid or fixed in attitude or position.

 

Example:

"Bone is formed from cartilage that has ossified."

"Over time she became ossified and rejected any attempts to change her habits."

 

About Ossified

"Ossified" came into English in the late 17th century from the French "ossifier," from the Latin prefix "oss-" and word "os," which mean "bone."

 

Did you Know?

The prefix "oss-" is Latin for "bone," and it makes up the root of many bony terms. "Ossify" is a verb meaning "turn into bone or bony tissue," but it also has a figurative usage meaning "become rigid or fixed in attitude or position; cease developing." "Ossified" can be a conjugation of the verb, but it can also be an adjective, describing things that have either turned into bone or become fixed and rigid. "Ossification" is a noun describing the process of converting into bone, and "osseous" is an adjective for anything made of or resembling bone.

 

Edited July 16, 2023 by DarkRavie

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: CELERITY

pronunciation: [sə-LER-it-ee]

 

Part of speech: noun
Origin: Latin, 15th century

 

Meaning:

1. Swiftness of movement.

 

Example:

"When the fire alarm went off, everyone headed to the exits with celerity."

"Judging the celerity of an incoming wave is crucial for surfers."

 

About Celerity

French has a word, "célérité," which has essentially the same pronunciation and meaning as the English word. But "celerity" likely entered English in the late 15th century directly from the Latin "celeritas," which means "quickness" or "haste."

 

Did you Know?

Celerity is a noun that refers to action occurring at a rapid pace. It can be a literal quickness of the feet, or it can be a general sense of urgency. Use "celerity" when a quick response is important.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: PANACEA

pronunciation: [pan-ə-SEE-ə]

 

Part of speech: noun
Origin: Greek, 16th century

 

Meaning:

1. A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.

 

Example:

"Even with the advancements of modern medicine, some people hope to find a panacea to cure all illnesses."

"My neighbors have wishful thinking that the new traffic light on our street will be a panacea."

 

About Panacea

The answer to all of life’s problems sounds nice, but we know that no such thing exists. "Panacea" is sometimes used critically against claims that a suggested solution could fix all of the current issues with something. It comes from the Greek "panakēs," meaning "all-healing."

 

Did you Know?

Alchemists were early chemists who attempted to find a secret method to turn metal into gold. They were also on the hunt for the “elixir of life,” or a panacea that was rumored to solve all illnesses. Such hunts have been popular throughout history, with everyone from alchemists to snake oil salesmen, but today's doctors might say that the closest thing we have to a panacea is a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: ADROIT

pronunciation: [ə-DROYT]

 

Part of speech: adjective
Origin: French, 17th century

 

Meaning:

1. Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.

 

Example:

"When the wedding caterer canceled at the last minute, the adroit mother of the bride quickly organized a replacement."

"The adroit chef was a wonder to watch while he worked."

 

About Adroit

"Adroit" is borrowed directly from French. In French, "à droit" is literally translated as "according to the right" or "properly."

 

Did you Know?

"Adroit" can refer to both physical and mental dexterity; either way, it describes something as quick and skillful. An adroit researcher might come up with the perfect solution to a vexing problem, or an adroit dancer might show off ease of movement. The adverb "adroitly" describes something done in an adroit manner.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: VERISIMILITUDE

pronunciation: [ver-ə-sə-MIL-ə-tood]

 

Part of speech: noun
Origin: Latin, 16th century

 

Meaning:

1. The appearance of being true or real.

 

Example:

"The critics panned the play as lacking verisimilitude, specifically because of its over-the-top acting."

"Animated movies don't have verisimilitude, but their fantastical nature is what makes them so popular."

 

About Verisimilitude

Coming from the Latin “vērīsimilis,” meaning "probable," "verisimilitude" means having the appearance of truth. While it has the outward appearance of truth, it could be revealed to be false.

 

Did you Know?

Use the adjective "verisimilitude" to describe a piece of art that feels real. It could be a play, a painting, or prose. In a modern twist, virtual reality headsets and video games are gaining popularity, thanks to their verisimilitude. Users feel like they are closer to being in the world of their games than ever before.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: JABBERWOCKY

pronunciation: [JAB-ər-wok-ee]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: British English, 1871

 

Meaning:

1. Invented or meaningless language; nonsense.

 

Example:

"The silly poem she wrote to amuse her nieces was a piece of pure jabberwocky. "

"Fantasy books are full of jabberwocky and mythical creatures. "

 

About Jabberwocky

Jabberwocky is a noun, naming any type of made-up language or nonsense words. It’s also a proper noun, as the title of Lewis Carroll’s 1871 poem, and it can be used as an adjective to describe something meaningless or senseless.

 

Did you Know?

Jabberwocky is the title of a poem full of nonsense words in "Through the Looking-Glass," Lewis Carroll’s sequel to "Alice in Wonderland." The poem is full of fantastical language, including "bandersnatch," "fruminous," "mimsy," and "snicker-snack." Some words (such as "chortle" and "galumphing") became so popular that they gained the status of "real" words.cccj

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: RISIBLE

pronunciation: [RIZ-ə-bəl]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, mid-16th century

 

Meaning:

1. Such as to provoke laughter.

2. (Of a person) Having the faculty or power of laughing; inclined to laugh.

 

Example:

"I was in a grumpy mood, but the risible new cartoon show turned it around."

"He's such a risible guy; he always seems to have a smile on his face. "

 

About Risible

Risible is a funny word. It’s an adjective used to describe anything related to laughing. It could be something funny that causes laughter; it could be a person who is prone to laughing; it could describe something related to laughter. It’s all fun and games.

 

Did you Know?

Risible is a funny word. It’s an adjective used to describe anything related to laughing. It could be something funny that causes laughter, or it could be a person who is prone to laughing. The noun form of the word is "risibility," and as an adverb, it's "risibly."

 

Edited July 22, 2023 by DarkRavie

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: UXORIOUS

pronunciation: [uhk-SOR-ee-əs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, late 16th century

 

Meaning:

1. Having or showing an excessive or submissive fondness for one's wife.

 

Example:

"His uxorious habit of giving flowers to his wife every Friday earned him some teasing at the florist. "

"After 50 years of marriage, he still felt as uxorious as he did on their wedding day."

 

About Uxorious

Being uxorious isn’t just about being a devoted husband. It usually implies an excessive amount of affection or even submissiveness. While we won’t call her domineering, the wife in a uxorious couple is probably the boss of the house.

 

Did you Know?

It’s about as straightforward a translation from Latin as you can get. In Latin, "uxor" means "wife." "Uxorious" (adjective), "uxoriously" (adverb), and "uxoriousness" (noun) are all related to devotion and affection toward one’s wife.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: MALAPROPISM

pronunciation: [MAL-əprop-iz-əm]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: English, mid-19th century

 

Meaning:

1. The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect, as in, for example, "dance a flamingo" (instead of flamenco).

 

Example:

"Second-language learners are likely to use some comical malapropisms as they practice their skills. "

"She stumbled in her introduction with a malapropism, but the rest of the speech went well."

 

About Malapropism

The word malapropism comes from an English play, but playwright Richard Sheridan likely got his inspiration from the French, “mal à propos,” meaning inappropriate. The noun can refer to the linguistic tic in general, or a specific instance of malapropism.

 

Did you Know?

This linguistic blunder comes from the 18th-century play "The Rivals." In it, the character Mrs. Malaprop is known for unintentionally using the wrong words in often-humorous contexts — for example, "He is the very pine-apple (pinnacle) of politeness!"

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: ABSQUATULATE

pronunciation: [ab-SKWACH-ə-late]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: American English, mid-19th century

 

Meaning:

1. Leave abruptly.

 

Example:

"When the back porch light turned on, the sneaky raccoons absquatulated."

"As soon as the cake is cut, I want to absquatulate."

 

About Absquatulate

This verb is a pure Americanism. The slang term was created in the 1800s as a combination of "abscond," "squat," and "perambulate." When you break it down, you'll see that someone is picking up and running away quickly with their loot.

 

Did you Know?

Many English words are rooted in the classics, but Americans also love to make up their own concoctions. A trend in the 1800s involved creating words that sound as if they could be (but aren't actually) from Latin or Greek. "Absquatulate" came out of this period, as did the verbs "bloviate" (to speak long-windedly and pompously) and "discombobulate" (to confuse).

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: CIRCUMLOCUTION

pronunciation: [sir-kəm-lo-KYOO-shən]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 16th century

 

Meaning:

1. The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.

 

Example:

"The drawn-out speech was not only boring, but also pure circumlocution."

"His attempt at circumlocution didn’t fool his mother when she asked where he was last night."

 

About Circumlocution

"Circumlocution" is a fairly direct translation from Latin: "circum" = around, and "locution" = talk. When a speaker is in the midst of circumlocution they’re circling around their point and using too many words. This could be a sign of deception or just a symptom of not knowing when to be quiet.

 

Did you Know?

Maybe you’re nervous, or maybe you’re trying to avoid giving a direct answer. Whatever the reason, if you’re “beating around the bush,” you’re practicing circumlocution. Using that phrase would also be circumlocution, which refers to the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in an attempt to be evasive. Why use an idiom when there’s a perfectly good word?

 

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: CORUSCATION

pronunciation: [cor-ə-SKEY-shən]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, early 18th century

 

Meaning:

1. (Of light) Flash or sparkle.

 

Example:

"The disco ball shot a shimmering coruscation around the dance floor when the spotlight hit it."

"I want a light fixture in the entrance that gives off more of a coruscation than a gentle glow."

 

About Coruscation

Coruscation was initially used in the 15th century to describe flashes of light gleaming off the sea or clouds in the moonlight. It’s a sweet, romantic word that you can apply to anything from diamonds to a bedazzled jean jacket.

 

Did you Know?

"Coruscation" was initially used in the 15th century to describe flashes of light gleaming off the sea or clouds in the moonlight. It’s a sweet, romantic word that you can apply to anything from diamonds to a bedazzled jacket.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: ÉLAN

pronunciation: [ey-LAN]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, mid-19th century

 

Meaning:

1. Energy, style, and enthusiasm.

 

Example:

"She was a star employee, demonstrating skill and élan with her work."

"She showed élan with her coordinated accessories and sophisticated fashion."

 

About Élan

"Élan" is a noun that means vigorous enthusiasm, but you might be forgiven for mistaking it for an adjective, because things are usually described as “with élan.” You do something with élan, but something is not AN élan.

 

Did you Know?

The accent on the "e" might be a giveaway, but this word for enthusiasm and spirit comes from French. "Élan" is a noun that means "vigorous enthusiasm." Things are often described as "done with élan" or "showing élan." You can do something with élan, but something is not AN élan.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: APPURTENANCE

pronunciation: [ə-PERT-ən-ns]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 14th century

 

Meaning:

1. An accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style of living.

 

Example:

"She decorated her new car with fun appurtenances, such as fuzzy seat covers and a phone holder."

"I keep a bag packed with all the appurtenances I need for the gym so I can go at any time."

 

About Appurtenance

You can trace this noun back to the French verb “apartenir,” which means to belong to. Go back even further and you'll arrive at the Latin “appertineō,” which means I belong. The English noun "appurtenance" holds this meaning as objects that belong to a certain category.

 

Did you Know?

You can use "appurtenance" to describe specific objects or in a general sense to talk about equipment associated with a particular category. In a specific sense, these items are supplemental accessories, such as the extra appurtenances for a stand mixer. In a general sense, these items can designate a type of person or activity, such as a garage with all the appurtenances of motorcycle riding.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: MACGUFFIN

pronunciation: [mə-GUFF-in]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: British English, 1930s

 

Meaning:

1. An object or device in a movie or a book that serves merely as a trigger for the plot.

 

Example:

"The Holy Grail serves as a MacGuffin in many films, including 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail,' 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,' and 'The Da Vinci Code.'""

"Critics said his story relied too heavily upon a MacGuffin and never resolved the mystery."

 

About MacGuffi

The ultimate MacGuffin might be the Holy Grail. In many books and movies, heroes embark upon epic adventures in search of it, but ultimately, the stories are about the voyages and the characters, not the Grail.

 

Did you Know?

Legendary British filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock is credited with coining this word (sometimes spelled "McGuffin"), but the origin really lies with his screenwriter, Angus MacPhail. The duo used this Scottish surname to describe objects or events that drive the suspense of a story. Famous MacGuffins in cinema include the rug in "The Big Lebowski," the ring from "Lord of the Rings," and the briefcase in "Pulp Fiction."