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Word For The Day, Tuesday, November 24, 2009 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". benison [fyoo-gey-shuhs] -n A blessing; a benediction. [Middle English, from Old French beneison, from Latin benedicti�, benedicti�n-, praising; see benediction.]

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/23/09 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". ignominious; adj. 1 : marked with or characterized by disgrace or shame : dishonorable 2 : deserving of shame or infamy : despicable 3 : humiliating, degrading — ig·no·min·i·ous·ly adverb — ig·no·min·i·ous·ness noun Etymology: Origin: 1375–1425; late ME < L ign�mini�sus. See ignominy, -ous Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the...

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”. RecusantNoun 1. A dissenter; a nonconformist.2. One of the Roman Catholics in England who incurred legal and social penalties in the 16th century and afterward for refusing to attend services of the Church of England. Also:Adjective 1. refusing to submit to authority 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...

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".anachronism • \uh-NAK-ruh-niz-um\ • noun1 : an error in chronology; especially : a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other2 : a person or a thing that is chronologically out of place; especially : one from a former age that is incongruous in the present . Example sentence:Manual typewriters and slide rules are often regarded as anachronisms in this age of computers and calculators. Etymology: An anachronism is...

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". littoral • \LIT-uh-rul\ • adjective of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore especially of the sea Example sentence: The report shows dramatic improvement in the condition of the state's littoral waters since the cleanup effort began. Did you know? You're most likely to encounter "littoral" in contexts relating to the military and marine sciences. A "littoral combat ship" is a fast and easily maneuverable combat ship built for...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, November 17, 2009 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". fugacious [fyoo-gey-shuhs] -adj 1. Passing away quickly; evanescent. 2. Botany Withering or dropping off early. [625–35; < L fug�ci- (s. of fug�x apt to flee, fleet, deriv. of fugere to flee + -ous ]

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/16/09 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". eleemosynary; noun : of, relating to, or supported by charity Etymology: Medieval Latin eleemosynarius, from Late Latin eleemosyna alms — more at alms Date: circa 1616 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....

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”. InutileAdjective Rare useless; unprofitable inutilely - Adverb inutility - Noun 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on...

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".soporific \sop-uh-RIF-ik; soh-puh-\, adjective1. Causing sleep; tending to cause sleep.2. Of, relating to, or characterized by sleepiness or lethargy. noun:1. A medicine, drug, plant, or other agent that has the quality of inducing sleep; a narcotic. Example sentences:Hamilton's voice droned on, hypnotic, soporific, the gloom beyond the windows like the backdrop of a waking dream.-- T. Coraghessan Boyle, Riven Rock They were almost an hour behind in their daily schedule, and both women looked...

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". exhilarate • \ig-ZIL-uh-rayt\ • verb 1a. to make cheerful and excited * 1b. enliven, excite 2. refresh, stimulate * Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. The participle form of this verb, "exhilarating" is also commonly used as an adjective. Example sentence: “Whooshing down a snow-covered mountain at high speed exhilarates me,” said Tara, explaining her love of skiing. Did you know? Many people find "exhilarate" a difficult word to spell. It's...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 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". fracas [frey-kuhs; Brit. frak-ah] -n 1. a noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; riotous brawl; uproar. [1720–30; < F < It fracasso, deriv. of fracassare to smash, equiv. to fra- (< L infr� among) completely + cassare to break; see cassation ]

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/9/09 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". macabre; adj. 1 : having death as a subject : comprising or including a personalized representation of death 2 : dwelling on the gruesome 3 : tending to produce horror in a beholder synonyms see ghastly Etymology: French, from (danse) macabre dance of death, from Middle French (danse de) Macabré Date: 1889 Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The...

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”. RebarbativeAdjective 1. Tending to irritate; repellent2. fearsome; forbidding 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on this thread!)...

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".truculent \TRUCK-yuh-luhnt\, adjective1. Fierce; savage; ferocious; barbarous.2. Cruel; destructive; ruthless. Example sentences:I ask whether impeachment will become still another arrow in the quiver of the warrior class of ever more truculent partisan politicians in Washington.-- "Former Watergate Prosecutors See Censure as Alternative in Clinton's Case", New York Times, December 9, 1998 Bitter and truculent when excited, I spoke as I felt, without reserve or softening.-- Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre Those bamboozled into believing palpable...

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”. PutschNoun A sudden attempt by a group to overthrow a government. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 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". labile [ley-buhl, -bahyl] -adj 1. apt or likely to change 2. Chemistry. (of a compound) capable of changing state or becoming inactive when subjected to heat or radiation. [1400–50; late ME labyl < LL l�bilis, equiv. to L l�b(ī) to slip + -ilis -ile ]

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/2/09 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". maladroit; adj. lacking in adroitness; unskillful; awkward; bungling; tactless: to handle a diplomatic crisis in a very maladroit way. Etymology: 1665–75; < F, MF; see mal-, adroit Related forms: mal⋅a⋅droit⋅ly, adverb mal⋅a⋅droit⋅ness, noun 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...

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”. Symbiosis 1. A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.2. A similar relationship between interdependent persons or groups3. A close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member.4. A close and usually obligatory association of two organisms of different species that live together, often to their mutual benefit symbi·otic (-tk), symbi·oti·cal (--kl) adj. symbi·oti·cal·ly adv. Rules: Everyone must leave a post using...

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".stentorian \sten-TOR-ee-uhn\, adjectiveExtremely loud. Example sentences:Around his family, Sergeant Charles Mingus Sr. was easily angered and often violent and closemouthed the rest of the time, except when he gave orders in a stentorian voice that carried the assumption of command.-- Gene Santoro, Myself When I Am Real He broke the tradition of stentorian tenors, whose big voices and melodramatic high notes were needed to fill the concert halls and vaudeville houses.-- Richard Corliss, "The...

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". luculent • \LOO-kyuh-lunt\ • adjective clear in thought or expression; lucid Example sentence: "I have heard, for example, a luculent description of poor Allister Campbell, and another drudge of the same class, running a race after dinner for a new pair of breeches." (John G. Lockhart, Memoirs of Sir Walter Scott) Did you know? To shed light on the meaning of "luculent," one need only look at its root -- the Latin noun...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, October 27, 2009 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". epithet [ep-uh-thet] -n 1. any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality: “Richard the Lion-Hearted” is an epithet of Richard I. 2. a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like, as “man's best friend” for “dog.” 3. a word, phrase,...

Word For The Day, Monday, 10/26/09 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". Sobriquet; noun 1.An affectionate or humorous nickname. 2.An assumed name. Etymology: 1646, from Fr. sobriquet "nickname," from M.Fr. soubriquet, lit. "a chuck under the chin," of unknown origin (first element probably from L. sub "under"). 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...

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”. FaroucheAdjective 1. Fierce; wild.2. Exhibiting withdrawn temperament and shyness coupled with an air of cranky, often sullen fey charm. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be...

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".redolent \RED-uh-luhnt\, adjective1. Having or exuding fragrance; scented; aromatic.2. Full of fragrance; odorous; smelling (usually used with 'of' or 'with').3. Serving to bring to mind; evocative; suggestive; reminiscent (usually used with 'of' or 'with') Example sentences:The 142-foot-long sidewheeled steamer . . . ferried people from place to place, . . . its two decks redolent with the aroma of fresh grapes, peaches, and other fruit headed for the rail spur at the Canandaigua pier,...

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". quash • \KWAHSH\ • verb to nullify especially by judicial action Example sentence: Thanks to a loophole in the law, the defendant's lawyers were able to persuade the judge to quash the indictment against their client. Did you know? There are two "quash" verbs in English, and although their meanings are vaguely similar, they have entirely different origins. Both essentially mean to get rid of something -- you can quash a rumor, for...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, 10/20/09 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". umbrage; noun 1. offense; annoyance; displeasure: to feel umbrage at a social snub; to give umbrage to someone; to take umbrage at someone's rudeness. 2. the slightest indication or vaguest feeling of suspicion, doubt, hostility, or the like. 3. leaves that afford shade, as the foliage of trees. 4. shade or shadows, as cast by trees. 5. a shadowy appearance or semblance of something. Etymology: Origin: 1400–50; late...

Word For The Monday, 10/19/09, Date 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". palimpsest; noun 1. A manuscript, typically of papyrus or parchment, that has been written on more than once, with the earlier writing incompletely erased and often legible. 2. An object, place, or area that reflects its history: "Spaniards in the sixteenth century . . . saw an ocean moving south . . . through a palimpsest of bayous and distributary streams in forested paludal basins" (John McPhee). Etymology:...

While driving to the UConn football game yesterday we found ourselves behind a vehicle festooned with the full repertoire of Progressive exhibitionist paraphernalia. There was the Obama "Hope" sticker, "Coexist", "Love Your Mother", "Think Globally Act Locally" - the whole megillah. Naturally, the vehicle was a monstrous V8 Toyota Landcruiser. What a frickin' HOPE-A-CRIT!

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”. TendentiousAdjective Marked by a strong implicit point of view; partisan. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on...

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".traduce \truh-DOOS; -DYOOS\, transitive verb To expose to contempt or shame by means of false statements or misrepresentation; to represent as blamable; to vilify. Example sentences: Sir Edward rang twice to stress that he had no business relationship with the family other than his consultancy, but also to vouch for the fact that they were "splendid people" who should not be traduced.-- Ian Jack, "Generous spirits, secretive souls", Independent, October 17, 1998 I sometimes...

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". wiki a Web site that allows visitors to make changes, contributions, or corrections Example sentence: The corporation has designed a wiki to make communication and collaboration simpler and more efficient among its employees worldwide. Did you know? Today, wikis are common stops on the information superhighway; however, they only date to 1995, after computer programmer Ward Cunningham introduced his software WikiWikiWeb to the world. The software, whose name is based on a Hawaiian...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, October 13, 2009 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". nabob [ney-bob] -n 1. any very wealthy, influential, or powerful person. 2. Also, nawab. a person, esp. a European, who has made a large fortune in India or another country of the East. [1605–15; < Hindi naw�b. < Urdu naww�b < Ar nuww�b, pl. of n�'ib deputy, viceroy]

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".vitiate • \VISH-ee-ayt\ • verb 1 : to make faulty or defective : impair 2 : to debase in moral or aesthetic status3 : to make ineffective Example sentence:Some feared that the superintendent’s decision to reinstate the students would vitiate the authority of the principal who suspended them in the first place. Etymology: Here's one for word puzzle lovers -- and anyone else allured by alliteration. The sentence "Vivian vituperated the vicious villain for...

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”. AxiomaticAdjective 1. containing axioms 2. self-evident or obvious 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on this thread!)...

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".burgeon \BUR-juhn\, intransitive verb1. To grow or develop quickly; flourish.2. To begin to grow or blossom. transitive verb:1. To put forth, as buds. noun:1. A bud; sprout Example sentences: They fought aggressively to bring their burgeoning industry under their control; in so doing, they also worked to elevate Cleveland over Pittsburg as a refining center (which they accomplished in 1869).-- T.J. Stiles, The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, April 2, 2009...

IF you want to be a great conversationalist, whatever you do don't use the word "whatever." It topped a US survey as the most annoying word. The Marist telephone poll of 938 adults revealed it was more grating to many people than "anyway" and less tolerable than phrases such as "it is what it is" and "you know". "The impetus of this poll was a casual conversation where we started discussing those words that get on your nerves," Marist media director Mary Azzoli said. "You hear them over and over again." Nearly 50 per cent of people questioned said "whatever"...

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". stanch 1. to check or stop the flowing of; also : to stop the flow of blood from (a wound) 2. to stop or check in its course * 3. to make watertight : stop up * Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. Example sentence: The company's CEO gave the keynote address at the convention, stanching rumors that he was not recovering well from his surgery. Did you know? The verb...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, October 6, 2009 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". inscrutable [in-skroo-tuh-buhl] -adj 1. incapable of being investigated, analyzed, or scrutinized; impenetrable. 2. not easily understood; mysterious; unfathomable: 3. incapable of being seen through physically; physically impenetrable [1400–50; late ME < LL inscrūt�bilis. See in- 3 , scrutable ]

Word For The Day, Monday, 10/5/09 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". thaumaturge; noun A performer of miracles or magic feats Etymology:1621 (implied in thaumaturgical), from Mod.L., from Gk. thaumatourgos "wonder-working, conjurer," from thauma (gen. thaumatos) "wonder, wonderous thing," prop. "a thing to look at" (from root of theater, q.v.) + ergon "work" (see urge (v.)). Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the...

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”. Obsequious Adjective Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning. Also: Adverb - obsequiously Noun - obsequiousness 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check...

GREED RUINS LIVES

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".glaucous • \GLAW-kus\ • adjective1 a : of a pale yellow-green color b : of a light bluish-gray or bluish-white color2 : having a powdery or waxy coating that gives a frosted appearance and tends to rub off Example sentence:In the early mornings, the lush river valley is often shrouded in a glaucous mist. Etymology: "Glaucous" came to English, by way of Latin "glaucus," from Greek "glaukos," meaning "gleaming" or "gray." It has been...

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". pabulum • \PAB-yuh-lum\ • noun 1. food; especially : a suspension or solution of nutrients in a state suitable for absorption 2. intellectual sustenance * 3. something (as writing or speech) that is insipid, simplistic, or bland * Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. Example sentence: The discovery provides pabulum for the scientific community to ruminate on for decades to come. Did you know? "Pabulum" derives from the Latin term for...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 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". maven [mey-vuhn] -n an expert or connoisseur [Yiddish meyvn, from Hebrew mēbîn, active participle of hēbîn, to understand, derived stem of bîn, to discern; see byn in Semitic roots.]

Word For The Day, Monday, 9/28/09 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". bonhomie; noun/ˌbɒnəˈmi, ˈbɒnəˌmi; Fr. bɔnɔˈmi/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [bon-uh-mee, bon-uh-mee; Fr. baw-naw-mee] frank and simple good-heartedness; a good-natured manner; friendliness; geniality. Etymology: 1795–1805; < F, equiv. to bonhomme good-natured man (see boon 2 , Homo ) + -ie -y 3 Related Words for : bonhomie affability, affableness, amiability, amiableness, geniality Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must,...

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”. AnodyneAdjective 1. Capable of soothing or eliminating pain. 2. Relaxing: anodyne novels about country life. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out...

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".cogent • \KOH-junt\ • adjective1. having power to compel or constrain2. a : appealing forcibly to the mind or reason : convincingb : pertinent, relevant Example sentence:At the town meeting, citizens presented many cogent arguments in support of building a new high school. Etymology: "Trained, knowledgeable agents make cogent suggestions . . . that make sense to customers." It makes sense for us to include that comment from the president of a direct marketing...

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". popinjay • \PAH-pin-jay\ • noun a strutting supercilious person Example sentence: Shopping was going fine until, in one of the boutiques, a popinjay of a sales clerk clearly snubbed us. Did you know? Popinjays and parrots are birds of a feather. "Popinjay," from the Middle French word "papegai," is the original name for a parrot in English. (The French word in turn came from the Arabic word for the bird, "babgh�." "Parrot," which...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 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". obloquy [ob-luh-kwee] -n 1. censure, blame, or abusive language aimed at a person or thing, esp. by numerous persons or by the general public. 2. discredit, disgrace, or bad repute resulting from public blame, abuse, or denunciation. [1425–75; late ME < LL obloquium contradiction, equiv. to L obloqu(ī) to contradict (ob- ob- + loquī to speak) + -ium -ium ]

Word For The Day, Monday, 9/21/09 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". hoary; adj. 1. gray or white with age: an old dog with a hoary muzzle. 2. ancient or venerable: hoary myths. 3. tedious from familiarity; stale: Please don't tell that hoary joke at dinner again tonight. Synonyms: 1. grizzled, grizzly; hoar. 2. old, dated, aged; venerated, revered Etymology: 1520–30; hoar + -y 1 Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence....