The word of the week for February 6th through the 12th is...
Aphorism
n.
Definition:
1. A concise statement of a principle.
2. An original thought, written or spoken in a brief, memorable form.
Example:
Twitter is an excellent platform to express a personal aphorism.
Now Playing: "If You Leave Me Now" by Chicago
Showing posts with label etymology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label etymology. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Word of the Week: Redolent
The word of the week (my birthday week!) for January 30th through February 5th is...
Redolent
adj.
Definition:
1. Serving to bring to mind; evocative
2. Exuding fragrance; aromatic.
Example:
When she smelled the redolent bottle of perfume, she was instantly taken back to the time in her life when she wore the fragrance most frequently.
Now Playing: "Pigeons" by The Hundred in the Hands
Redolent
adj.
Definition:
1. Serving to bring to mind; evocative
2. Exuding fragrance; aromatic.
Example:
When she smelled the redolent bottle of perfume, she was instantly taken back to the time in her life when she wore the fragrance most frequently.
Now Playing: "Pigeons" by The Hundred in the Hands
Monday, January 23, 2012
Word of the Week: Taciturn
The word of the week for Janary 23rd through the 29th is...
TACITURN
\TASS-uh-tern\
adj.
Definition:
1. tempermentally disinclined to talk
2. habitually untalkative; silent
Example:
Her blind date was with an awkwardly taciturn man.
Now Playing: "Read My Mind" by The Killers
TACITURN
\TASS-uh-tern\
adj.
Definition:
1. tempermentally disinclined to talk
2. habitually untalkative; silent
Example:
Her blind date was with an awkwardly taciturn man.
Now Playing: "Read My Mind" by The Killers
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Word of the Week: Mordant
The word of the week for January 9th through the 15th is...
MORDANT
adj.
Definition:
1. Biting in thought, manner, or style
2. Having a sharp sense of humor
3. Critical or sarcastic
Example:
The critic's mordant review was scattered with backhanded compliments and trivial observations.
Now Playing: "Counting Blue Cars" by Dishwalla
MORDANT
adj.
Definition:
1. Biting in thought, manner, or style
2. Having a sharp sense of humor
3. Critical or sarcastic
Example:
The critic's mordant review was scattered with backhanded compliments and trivial observations.
Now Playing: "Counting Blue Cars" by Dishwalla
Monday, December 26, 2011
Word of the Week: DENOUEMENT
The word of the week for December 26th through January 1st is...
DENOUEMENT
n.
Definition:
1. The final resolution or clarification of a literary plot.
2. The outcome of a complex sequence of events; the end result.
Example:
a. For many, the denouement of 2011 will be celebrated.
b. In the novel's denouement, a surprising plot twist takes place.
Now Playing: "Season's Trees" by Danger Mouse (ft. Norah Jones)
DENOUEMENT
n.
Definition:
1. The final resolution or clarification of a literary plot.
2. The outcome of a complex sequence of events; the end result.
Example:
a. For many, the denouement of 2011 will be celebrated.
b. In the novel's denouement, a surprising plot twist takes place.
Now Playing: "Season's Trees" by Danger Mouse (ft. Norah Jones)
Monday, December 19, 2011
Word of the Week: ZENITH
The word of the week for December 19th through the 25th is...
ZENITH
n.
Definition:
1. The point on the celestial sphere that is directly above the observer.
2. The upper region of the sky.
3. The highest point above the observer's horizon attained by a celestial body.
4. The point of culmination; the peak.
Example:
The comedienne really hit her zenith with the release of her latest comedy CD.
Now Playing: "Runaround Sue" by Dion and the Belmonts
*One of my all time favorite songs!
ZENITH
n.
Definition:
1. The point on the celestial sphere that is directly above the observer.
2. The upper region of the sky.
3. The highest point above the observer's horizon attained by a celestial body.
4. The point of culmination; the peak.
Example:
The comedienne really hit her zenith with the release of her latest comedy CD.
Now Playing: "Runaround Sue" by Dion and the Belmonts
*One of my all time favorite songs!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Word of the Week: Perfidious
The word of the week for December 12th through the 18th is...
PERFIDIOUS
adj.
Definition:
1. Unfaithful, unreliable, treacherous
2. Tending to betray
Example:
After extensive marriage counseling, she came to the conclusion that her husband's perfidious behavior was irreconcilable.
Now Playing: "There Goes My Baby" by The Drifters
PERFIDIOUS
adj.
Definition:
1. Unfaithful, unreliable, treacherous
2. Tending to betray
Example:
After extensive marriage counseling, she came to the conclusion that her husband's perfidious behavior was irreconcilable.
Now Playing: "There Goes My Baby" by The Drifters
Monday, December 5, 2011
Word of the Week: EPHEMERAL
The word of the week for December 5th through the 11th is...
EPHEMERAL
adj.
Definition:
1. Lasting a very short time
2. Lasting only one day
Example:
Many stores host ephemeral sales on Black Friday.
Now Playing: "Right Back Where We Started From" by Maxine Nightingale
EPHEMERAL
adj.
Definition:
1. Lasting a very short time
2. Lasting only one day
Example:
Many stores host ephemeral sales on Black Friday.
Now Playing: "Right Back Where We Started From" by Maxine Nightingale
Monday, November 28, 2011
Word of the Week: SPLENETIC
The word of the week for November 28th through December 4th is...
SPLENETIC
adj.
Definition: Marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite.
Example: His seasonal affective disorder caused him to act in a splenetic manner towards his family and friends.
Now Playing: "Big Jet Plane" by Lady of the Sunshine
SPLENETIC
adj.
Definition: Marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite.
Example: His seasonal affective disorder caused him to act in a splenetic manner towards his family and friends.
Now Playing: "Big Jet Plane" by Lady of the Sunshine
Monday, November 21, 2011
Word of the Week: SYMBIOSIS
The word of the week for November 21st through the 27th is...
SYMBIOSIS
n.
Definition:
1. A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence
2. In Biology- a close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member
Example:
The family cat lives in symbiosis with their pet dog.
Now Playing: "Get On Up" by James Brown
SYMBIOSIS
n.
Definition:
1. A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence
2. In Biology- a close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member
Example:
The family cat lives in symbiosis with their pet dog.
Now Playing: "Get On Up" by James Brown
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Word of the Week: ADROIT
The word of the week for November 7th through the 13th is...
ADROIT
adj.
Definition:
Having or showing skill, cleverness or resourcefulness in handling situations
Example:
The volunteer firefighters were adroit at putting out the blaze.
Now Playing: "Surgeon" by St. Vincent
ADROIT
adj.
Definition:
Having or showing skill, cleverness or resourcefulness in handling situations
Example:
The volunteer firefighters were adroit at putting out the blaze.
Now Playing: "Surgeon" by St. Vincent
Monday, October 17, 2011
Word of the Week: COCKAIGNE
The word of the week for October 17th through the 23rd is...
COCKAIGNE
n.
Pronunciation: kah-KAYNE
Definition: An imaginary land of great luxury, ease and idleness.
Example: I'd like to retire at 35 and retreat to some sort of utopian Cockaigne.
Now Playing: "The Ghost Inside" by Broken Bells
COCKAIGNE
n.
Pronunciation: kah-KAYNE
Definition: An imaginary land of great luxury, ease and idleness.
Example: I'd like to retire at 35 and retreat to some sort of utopian Cockaigne.
Now Playing: "The Ghost Inside" by Broken Bells
Monday, October 10, 2011
Word of the Week: WIDDERSHINS
The word of the week for October 10th through the 16th is...
WIDDERSHINS
adv.
Definition:
1. In a left-handed or wrong direction
2. Counterclockwise
3. Contrary
Example:
During daylight savings time, in the fall, we set the clocks back in a widdershins motion.
Now Playing: "Take Care" by Beach House
WIDDERSHINS
adv.
Definition:
1. In a left-handed or wrong direction
2. Counterclockwise
3. Contrary
Example:
During daylight savings time, in the fall, we set the clocks back in a widdershins motion.
Now Playing: "Take Care" by Beach House
Monday, September 26, 2011
Word of the Week: PREPRANDIAL
The word of the week for September 26th through October 2nd is...
PREPRANDIAL
adj.
Definition: Relating to or suitable for the time just before dinner
Example: The wedding reception's preprandial cocktail hour was a hit with the guests.
Now Playing: "Little Lies" by Fleetwood Mac
PREPRANDIAL
adj.
Definition: Relating to or suitable for the time just before dinner
Example: The wedding reception's preprandial cocktail hour was a hit with the guests.
Now Playing: "Little Lies" by Fleetwood Mac
Monday, September 19, 2011
Word of the Week: MUNIFICENT
The word of the week for September 19th - 25th is...
MUNIFICENT
adj.
Definition:
1. Very liberal in giving; bountiful
2. Showing great generosity
3. Charitable, philanthropic
Example:
The Great Gatsby was a very munificent host, providing his party guests with the most ornate and lavish entertainment.
Now Playing: "Mrs. Right" by Mindless Behavior
MUNIFICENT
adj.
Definition:
1. Very liberal in giving; bountiful
2. Showing great generosity
3. Charitable, philanthropic
Example:
The Great Gatsby was a very munificent host, providing his party guests with the most ornate and lavish entertainment.
Now Playing: "Mrs. Right" by Mindless Behavior
Monday, September 5, 2011
Word of the Week: PERFUNCTORY
The word of the week for September 5 - 11th is...
PERFUNCTORY
adj.
Definition:
1. Done routinely and without little care
2. Acting with indifference
3. Without attention to detail
4. Lacking interest or enthusiasm; mechanical, dull
Example:
By the end of their world tour, the band was delivering perfunctory performances to the sold out crowds.
Origin: Latin
First Use: 1593
Now Playing: "Lorelai" by Fleet Foxes
PERFUNCTORY
adj.
Definition:
1. Done routinely and without little care
2. Acting with indifference
3. Without attention to detail
4. Lacking interest or enthusiasm; mechanical, dull
Example:
By the end of their world tour, the band was delivering perfunctory performances to the sold out crowds.
Origin: Latin
First Use: 1593
Now Playing: "Lorelai" by Fleet Foxes
Monday, August 29, 2011
Word of the Week: QUID PRO QUO
The word of the week for August 29th - September 4th is...
QUID PRO QUO
n.
Definition:
1. Something given or received for something else
2. A deal or arrangement
3. An equal exchange or substitution for goods or services
Example:
Nothing in life is ever free. There's always a quid pro quo involved.
Origin: Latin ("what for what")
Now Playing: "What The Water Gave Me" by Florence + The Machine
QUID PRO QUO
n.
Definition:
1. Something given or received for something else
2. A deal or arrangement
3. An equal exchange or substitution for goods or services
Example:
Nothing in life is ever free. There's always a quid pro quo involved.
Origin: Latin ("what for what")
Now Playing: "What The Water Gave Me" by Florence + The Machine
Monday, August 22, 2011
Word of the Week: TOPLOFTY
The word of the week for August 22nd - 28th is...
TOPLOFTY
adj.
Definition:
1. Very superior in air or attitude
2. Arrogant, pompous
3. Haughty, pretentious
Example:
The director of the country club is very toplofty towards new members.
First Use: 1823
Now Playing: "I Want You" by Common
TOPLOFTY
adj.
Definition:
1. Very superior in air or attitude
2. Arrogant, pompous
3. Haughty, pretentious
Example:
The director of the country club is very toplofty towards new members.
First Use: 1823
Now Playing: "I Want You" by Common
Monday, August 15, 2011
Word of the Week: APOCRYPHAL
The word of the week for August 15th through the 21st is...
APOCRYPHAL
adj.
Definition:
1. Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true
2. Untrue, counterfeit
Example:
The scalpers outside the stadium were selling apocryphal tickets to the game.
Origin: Greek
First Use: 1590
Now Playing: "And I" by Portugal. The Man
*One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands!
APOCRYPHAL
adj.
Definition:
1. Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true
2. Untrue, counterfeit
Example:
The scalpers outside the stadium were selling apocryphal tickets to the game.
Origin: Greek
First Use: 1590
Now Playing: "And I" by Portugal. The Man
*One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Language Arts
Over on the Huffington Post (which if I based its credibility from its tweets, I would consider a tabloid), the editors asked their readers to share the most beautiful words in the English language. This is what these people allegedly came up with...
Ethereal- agreed
Mango- wrong
Cake- only in America
Halcyon- it's a bird that I've never heard of either
Mellifluous- say what?
Vivacious- good call
Melancholia- sounds sickly
Poignant- whenever I read this word, I stutter
Epicurean- noted for a future "word of the week"
Soliloquy- so silly
Pocket- random
Chlorine- really?
Seagull- I don't want to hate on any animals but...
Yellow- I'll go along with it since I answer the phone with this greeting when my Dad calls
Picturesque- we have a winner!
Savor- fine with me
Stunning- yes
Rain- obviously, HuffPost went and saved the best for last
Melody- sure
Cerulean- I dig it. FYI- blue is the most universally accepted color
Auspicious- negative
Obsequious- If I have to google it...
While we're on the subject, here are a few of the words in the English language (albeit generic and not nearly as random or pretentious) that I find beautiful...
Passionate
Pure
Lovely
Liquor
Yahtzee
Lyric
Galaxy
Transfixed
Evening
Euphoric
Now Playing: "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover" by Sophie B. Hawkins
*Honesty is always the best policy, right?
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- Krista Roman
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!
