DarkRavie Posted March 2 Author Report Share Posted March 2 What's the Word: TOHUBOHU pronunciation: [toh-hoo-BOH-hoo] Part of speech: noun Origin: Hebrew, unknown Meaning: 1. A state of chaos; utter confusion. Examples: "The mayor's unexpected announcement left the press in a tohubohu." "After recess the students were always in a tohubohu." About Tohubohu This word developed from the Hebrew word "tōhū wa-ḇōhū," which translates to "emptiness and desolation." "Tohubuhu" is also found in the Bible, used in context to mean "without form and void." Did you Know? In a modern sense, "tohubohu" refers to a state of chaos. Originally, however, it meant something very different. The Hebrew phrase "tōhū wa-ḇōhū" refers to the world just before the creation of light. In this context, it means a lightless, endless void. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 3 Author Report Share Posted March 3 What's the Word: AILUROPHILE pronunciation: [aye-LOO-rə-fayhl] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, early 20th century Meaning: 1. A cat lover. Examples: "She must be an ailurophile after fostering cats for 15 years." "Even though I only have dogs, I'm an ailurophile at heart." About Ailurophile Ailurophile developed in Greek, specifically from a combination of the Greek word "ailuros" ("cat") and "phile" ("a love or fondness for something"). Did you Know? If you would like to indicate your identity based on your love for something, you can follow this pattern: Use its Greek or Latin name + the suffix "-phile." Some examples include "ailurophile" ("cat lover"), "bibliophile" ("book lover"), and "Anglophile" ("a lover of England and British culture"). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 4 Author Report Share Posted March 4 What's the Word: BADINAGE pronunciation: [bad-in-AHJ] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, mid-17th century Meaning: 1. Humorous or witty conversation. Examples: "After a badinage, it's nice to sit together in quiet contentment." "Fred's badinage always kept his friends laughing." About Badinage The word "badinage" has a rich genealogy — it likely developed from the French word "badiner" ("to joke"), which came from the word "badin" ("fool"), which is an evolution of the word "badar" ("to gape"). Did you Know? If you're trying to incorporate badinage into your social interactions, first establish a rapport with your audience. Empathy is just as valuable as a witty conversation. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 5 Author Report Share Posted March 5 What's the Word: EUDAEMONIC pronunciation: [yoo-də-MAH-nik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Greek, mid-19th century Meaning: 1. Conducive to happiness. Examples: "Getting the promotion was a eudaemonic boost for the rest of her week." "Enjoying a cup of coffee every morning is a eudaemonic experience." About Eudaemonic Eudaemonic developed from the Greek words "eudaimonikos" and "eudaimōn," which both mean "happy." Did you Know? The Latin root "eu" means "well" or "good." In addition to "eudaemonic," it makes up many different words that describe pleasant things, including "euphoria" ("intense happiness") and "euphony" ("a pleasant sound"). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 6 Author Report Share Posted March 6 What's the Word: QUISQUOUS pronunciation: [KWIS-kwəs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Scottish, late 17th century Meaning: 1. Hard to deal with; dubious; of people: having a character difficult to assess. Examples: "I wanted to trust him, but I also knew that he had a quisquous reputation." "She tried to be patient, but she knew that her friend was quisquous." About Quisquous While we know that "quisquous" is a Scottish word that first came into use around the late 17th century, its exact origins are uncertain. It could possibly originate from the Latin word "quisquis," which means "whoever." Did you Know? Quisquous characters have long been referred to as tricksters in mythology; the coyote (in Indigenous cultures), the fox (in East Asian cultures), Anansi (the spider god of West Africa), and Loki (a Norse god) are all viewed as tricksters. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 7 Author Report Share Posted March 7 (edited) What's the Word: SANATIVE pronunciation: [SAN-ə-div] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, unknown Meaning: 1. Conducive to physical or spiritual health and well-being; healing. Examples: "Reagan's favorite sanative pastime was driving down to the beach to watch the ocean." "The spa promised a sanative effect from every visit." About Sanative Sanative developed through the Old French word "sanatif" and the late Latin word "sanativus," but its origins lie in the Latin word "sanare" — which means "to cure." Did you Know? While it can be tempting to pursue many different goals, hobbies, and aspirations for their sanative effects, be careful to avoid burnout. Too many healthful efforts may have the opposite effect. Pick your favorite sanative hobby and stick with it. Edited March 8 by DarkRavie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 8 Author Report Share Posted March 8 (edited) What's the Word: ROISTER pronunciation: [ROY-stər] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, late 16th century Meaning: 1. Enjoy oneself or celebrate in a noisy or boisterous way. Examples: "Instead of going out for my birthday, I want to roister in our living room this year." "It sounds like our neighbors are still roistering!" About Roister Roister has a diverse background (including its bout in French as "rustre," or "ruffian"), but it predominantly originates from the Latin word "rusticus" ("rustic"). Did you Know? Not every loud gathering is roisterous (the adjective form of "roister"). If the mood of the party is cheerful but still rowdy, then you're roistering. The adjective describes a specific sort of cheerful, boisterous celebration. A loud, angry protest could be described as clamorous, but not roisterous. Edited March 8 by DarkRavie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 9 Author Report Share Posted March 9 What's the Word: AMBIT pronunciation: [AM-bət] Part of speech: noun Origin: Late Middle English, unknown Meaning: 1. The scope, extent, or bounds of something. Examples: "She tested the ambit of their friendship by asking for a ride to the airport." "I was captivated by the ambit of the ocean that stretched in all directions." About Ambit Ambit developed from the Latin word "ambitus" ("circuit") and its predecessor "ambire" ("go round"). Did you Know? Word sleuths will recognize that "ambit" forms the first half of a more common word: "ambitious." Someone who is ambitious has their sights set way beyond the bounds of what's in front of them. "Ambitious" means "having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 10 Author Report Share Posted March 10 What's the Word: FULSOME pronunciation: [FUL-səm] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Middle English, unknown Meaning: 1. Complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree. 2. Of large size or quantity; generous or abundant. Examples: "Her fulsome words made Jimmy both embarrassed and grateful." "They brought home a fulsome supply of apples from the orchard." About Fulsome This adjective comes from Middle English, and developed from the words "full" ("filled to the limit") and "some" ("a group of a particular number"). Did you Know? While "fulsome" is a homonym (a word with multiple meanings for the same spelling/pronunciation), its earliest definition of "generous or abundant" is seen by some lexicographers as incorrect. The most commonly used definition today is that of "excessively complimentary or flattering," but some people still use that of "abundant," which can lead to ambiguity. The phrase "fulsome praise" could mean either a genuine compliment or be interpreted as an insult, depending on the definition. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 11 Author Report Share Posted March 11 What's the Word: HOBBLEDEHOY pronunciation: [HA-bəl-dee-hoy] Part of speech: noun Origin: Unknown, mid-16th century Meaning: 1. A clumsy or awkward youth. Examples: "I felt like a real hobbledehoy at my first job." "Now that Jennifer's braces were off, she was ready to leave behind her days of being a hobbledehoy." About Hobbledehoy Lexicographers are unsure on the specific origins of the word "hobbledehoy," although we do know that it was first used in the 16th century. The word's playful cadence, used as both a noun and an adjective, describes an awkward youth. Did you Know? Nearly everyone was a hobbledehoy at some point — it's a normal part of adolescence to feel a little awkward. Encouragement, praise, and support go a long way in helping your loved ones feel more confident in themselves as they grow up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 12 Author Report Share Posted March 12 What's the Word: DEPUTE pronunciation: [də-PYOOT] Part of speech: verb Origin: Late Middle English, unknown Meaning: 1. Appoint or instruct (someone) to perform a task for which one is responsible. 2. Delegate (authority or a task). Examples: "The dean deputed the department head to finish the review process." "He deputed the responsibility of answering his emails to his teaching assistant." About Depute This word developed in Middle English via influence from French and Latin. The original Latin word "deputare" ("consider to be; assign") came from the words "de" ("away") and "putare" ("consider"). Did you Know? Depending on which usage of "depute" is in play, the word order is very particular. With usage synonymous with "delegate," it operates as a regular verb. When "depute" means "to appoint someone in a task," the verb must be followed with the object of the sentence and an infinitve of another verb. For example, "She deputed us to clean the kitchen." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 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. Examples: "Everything was happening holus-bolus, and I felt dizzy with confusion." "After a lull in my business, I have all sorts of great opportunities holus-bolus." 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 phrase "hólos bôlos" ("clump of earth"). Did you Know? When it seems like everything is happening holus-bolus (all at once), it might seem foolhardy to procrastinate. However, sometimes taking a step back from an overwhelming situation is exactly what you need to figure out a better approach. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 14 Author Report Share Posted March 14 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. Examples: "It turned out to be a felicitous decision to bring an umbrella." "It was felicitous that we rented a truck for our vacation as we needed it for the weather in the mountains." About Felicitous This word is thought to have developed from "felicity," which has Latin origins (the words "felix" and "felicitas," which both mean "happy"). While the usage of the word today can describe something that turns out to be a lucky or opportune occurrence, it's rooted in the sense that it makes one happy. Did you Know? A truly felicitous occurrence is winning the lottery. Only one 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 March 15 Author Report Share Posted March 15 What's the Word: NICTATE pronunciation: [NIK-tayt] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, late 17th century Meaning: 1. Blink. Examples: "In order to win a staring contest, you must resist the urge to nictate." "The doctor instructed me to nictate several times after using the antibiotic eye drops." About Nictate Nictate, an alternate word for "blink," developed in Latin, from the verb "nictare" ("to blink") and the medieval Latin word "nictitate." Did you Know? Nictating (blinking) is an automatic process, as are digestion and respiration. However, there are always people out there who want to test the limits of the human body. There is a claimed world record for time spent without blinking of 40 minutes and 59 seconds, but, interestingly, the Guinness Book of World Records doesn't accept applications around blinking, because it claims it is unable to measure them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 16 Author Report Share Posted March 16 (edited) What's the Word: ORCHIDACEOUS pronunciation: [or-kə-DAY-shəs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-19th century Meaning: 1. Flashy, showy, as if an orchid. Examples: "The singer's outfit was shiny, colorful, and downright orchidaceous." "My decorating tastes can be a bit orchidaceous." About Orchidaceous Orchidaceous originated from the modern Latin word "Orchidaceae," the term for plants of the orchid variety. Did you Know? Orchidaceous is a poetic adjective to describe something with flashy beauty, just like species of orchids. If you're thinking of picking up an orchid for the first time, try caring for a Phalaenopsis (moth orchid). They're considered the perfect beginner's plant. Edited March 16 by DarkRavie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 17 Author Report Share Posted March 17 What's the Word: ADUMBRATE pronunciation: [ə-DUM-brayt] Part of speech: verb Origin: Latin, mid-16th century Meaning: 1. Report or represent in outline. 2. Foreshadow or symbolize. Examples: "Mark adumbrated his findings in an engaging presentation." "When reading a mystery, you can usually spot clues that adumbrate the final reveal." 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 in which audiences are provided with clues as to the future of the story. Particularly observant readers or watchers can figure out plot twists from even the smallest hints. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 18 Author Report Share Posted March 18 What's the Word: EUPEPTIC pronunciation: [yoo-PEP-tik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Greek, late 17th century Meaning: 1. Relating to or having good digestion or a consequent air of healthy good spirits. Examples: "This eupeptic tea will help your stomach settle." "The graduation party helped everyone end the semester in a eupeptic mood." About Eupeptic Eupeptic originates from the Greek words "eu" ("well, easily") and "peptein" ("to digest"), which, when combined, form the Greek word "eupeptos" ("helping digestion"). Did you Know? Eupeptic shares roots with the word "pepsin," a substance that helps digestion. That's also where Pepto Bismol, a stomach-soothing medication, got inspiration for its name. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 19 Author Report Share Posted March 19 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. Examples: "The priest praised the afflatus of the craftsmen for the new stained glass window." "The exhibit seems to lack the afflatus that usually draws in spectators." About Afflatus This noun developed from the Latin word "afflare," which can be broken down into the words "ad" ("to") and "flare" ("to blow"). Did you Know? The word "afflatus" has the breath of life — literally. "Afflatus" comes from the Latin words for "to breathe on" and "to blow." Some artists describe the feeling of inspiration as if 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 March 20 Author Report Share Posted March 20 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. Examples: "Her career path was marked with Icarian optimism." "We need to revise the plan from the original Icarian model." About Icarian The word "Icarian" developed in Latin, but the origins are in the Greek myth of Icarus. According to the legend, Icarus and his father fled imprisonment using giant wings made of feathers and wax, but Icarus' disobedience led to his wings melting and his doom. "Icarian" likely developed as a way to quickly and easily reference this myth. Did you Know? The story of Icarus and his tragic end of flying too close to the sun (causing his wax wings to melt) lives on in popular culture. Literary characters and conversational turns-of-phrase embody key elements of his overly ambitious traits, ensuring the Icarian legend soars on. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 21 Author Report Share Posted March 21 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. Examples: "Leo's artwork demonstrates enviable sprezzatura." "The mural seems unfinished at a quick glance, but it's actually a lovely example of sprezzatura." About Sprezzatura Sprezzatura was coined by Italian aristocrat Baldassare Castiglione in the early 1500s. Castiglione intended to encourage other aristocrats to remain composed and carefree even in the most pressing situations. Did you Know? Some artists might claim to work in an unstudied, sprezzatura style, but not everyone can be the next Picasso or Jackson Pollock. It takes hard work and artistic focus to imbue a doodle with intention. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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