Posted on 07/20/2006 6:00:10 AM PDT by secret garden
In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of "Word for the Day".
en·nui Pronunciation Key (n-w, nw)• noun
1. Listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest
2. Boredom
Example sentence:
“The servants relieved their ennui with gambling and gossip about their masters” .
-- John Barth
Etymology: French, from Old French enui, from ennuyer, to annoy, bore.
Word History: Were they alive today, users of Classical Latin might be surprised to find that centuries later a phrase of theirs still survives, although as a single word. The phrase mihi in odi est (literally translated as “to me in a condition of dislike or hatred is”), meaning “I hate or dislike,” gave rise to the Vulgar Latin verb *inodire, “to make odious,” the source of the Old French verb ennuyer or anoier, “to annoy, bore.” This was borrowed into English by around 1275 as anoien, our annoy. From the Old French verb a noun meaning “worry, boredom” was derived, which became ennui in modern French. This noun, with the sense “boredom,” was borrowed into English in the 18th century, perhaps filling a need in polite, cultivated society.
Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence.
The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day.
The Review threads are linked for your edification. ;-)
Practice makes perfect.....post on....
Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on this thread!)
Review Thread Two: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/14/03: Roister
Review Thread Three: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/28/03: Obdurate
WFB's attempt to emulate us ; ) No pushing at the door please!
Here is my example with WFTD.
The liberals may feign ennui over the Middle East crisis, but here at home we have an internal debate that won't go away.
I have no idea what happened to the pronunciation guide in the post.
Today's WFTD is pronounced on'-yoo-ee.
Phurst.
My mil's ennui is taking away from my FReeping and keeping up with the MidEast news. ;-)
Good morning!
Top Ten???
halllu
what does FIFTH place get?
Top Four!
Funny how that words hits home and today I decided to check this thread out. First time in months.
Cinco de xs! How are you today?
Good morning.
Ennui having fun yet?
)
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