is read as \DOU-tee\ which means steadfastly courageous and resolute; valiant
Related terms: dauntless; brave; bold; intrepid; fearless
Example1:
In the movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Peter was crowned as King for he was doughty enough to fight against the evil witch, Jadis. I like the movie so much that I could watch it again and again. Whew!
Example2:
Mrs. Doublin was doughty enough to engage herself in some dough-making competition even if she has no idea how to make it.
dictionary.com page link for doughty
Friday, July 30, 2010
Largesse
\lahr-JES; lahr-JIS\ means generous bestowal of gifts; generosity
Also spelled as largess which means a gift or money given as of service or out of benevolence; usually given ostentatiously.
Related term: munificence - liberality in bestowing gifts
Example1:
Mrs. Manning never forgets to do some largesse not only during Christmas but every now and then.
Example2:
I always wanted to receive a munificent gift that would last a lifetime. Hmmm! What could it be? Love?
dictionary.com page link for largesse
Also spelled as largess which means a gift or money given as of service or out of benevolence; usually given ostentatiously.
Related term: munificence - liberality in bestowing gifts
Example1:
Mrs. Manning never forgets to do some largesse not only during Christmas but every now and then.
Example2:
I always wanted to receive a munificent gift that would last a lifetime. Hmmm! What could it be? Love?
dictionary.com page link for largesse
Absquatulate
is read as \ab-SKWOCH-uh-leyt\ which means to flee; abscond; run away, usually includes something or somebody along.
.........to leave quickly or in a hurry; to decamp; to depart
Example1:
Burglary is very common nowadays in our locality. Yesterday, some burglars absquatulated with ancient gold and silver coins from Mr. and Mrs. Skinner.
Example2:
The plan is to take her belongings one by one so that when the day comes for them to absquatulate together, it would be easy and quick.
dictionary.com page link for absquatulate
.........to leave quickly or in a hurry; to decamp; to depart
Example1:
Burglary is very common nowadays in our locality. Yesterday, some burglars absquatulated with ancient gold and silver coins from Mr. and Mrs. Skinner.
Example2:
The plan is to take her belongings one by one so that when the day comes for them to absquatulate together, it would be easy and quick.
dictionary.com page link for absquatulate
Busticate
\BUHS-ti-keyt\ means to break into pieces (used with object)
Example1.
With so many children around, going in and out of the house, it's very difficult not to avoid glasses and figurines from being busticated.
Example2.
I thought the word busticate can be used to describe or to say something about the human heart but it seems like it's only for objects. But isn't a heart an object?
dictionary.com page link for busticate
Example1.
With so many children around, going in and out of the house, it's very difficult not to avoid glasses and figurines from being busticated.
Example2.
I thought the word busticate can be used to describe or to say something about the human heart but it seems like it's only for objects. But isn't a heart an object?
dictionary.com page link for busticate
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Debacle
\dey-BAH-kuhl\ means
..........a sudden and violent collapse
...............a breaking up of ice in a river
....................overwhelming disaster
Related terms: ruin, fiasco, catastrophe, calamity
Example1.
An intensity 8 earthquake caused most of the huge buildings to collapse within seconds that it put everybody in shock and disbelief. It was such a debacle which I haven't seen in a long time.
Example2.
I never knew that the breaking of ice in a river just like what was shown in the movie Narnia, is also called a debacle until I included this word in Logofanum.
dictionary.com page link for debacle
..........a sudden and violent collapse
...............a breaking up of ice in a river
....................overwhelming disaster
Related terms: ruin, fiasco, catastrophe, calamity
Example1.
An intensity 8 earthquake caused most of the huge buildings to collapse within seconds that it put everybody in shock and disbelief. It was such a debacle which I haven't seen in a long time.
Example2.
I never knew that the breaking of ice in a river just like what was shown in the movie Narnia, is also called a debacle until I included this word in Logofanum.
dictionary.com page link for debacle
Purlieu
\PUR-loo; PURL-yoo\ means outskirts; a term used of the outlying parts of a place or district.
1. purlieus, environs, neighborhood
2. a place where one may range at large; confines or bounds
3. a person's haunt or resort
4. a piece of land on the edge of the forest, originally land that, after having been included in a royal forest, was restored to private ownership
Source: dictionary.com
dictionary.com page link for purlieu
1. purlieus, environs, neighborhood
2. a place where one may range at large; confines or bounds
3. a person's haunt or resort
4. a piece of land on the edge of the forest, originally land that, after having been included in a royal forest, was restored to private ownership
Source: dictionary.com
dictionary.com page link for purlieu
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Puissant
is read as \PWIS-uhnt\ meaning powerful, mighty, potent
Example1:
Nuclear bomb is a very puissant weapon to wipe out the entire human race.
(I encountered this word in a book on How To Build A Better Vocabulary and since I lack retention I included puissant here to remind me of what it is).
Example2:
Some village people in our locality have always told my husband that the kind of tablet he is recommending for them to take for any kind of pain is very puissant. They used to come and say their thanks in awe.
dictionary.com page link for puissant
Example1:
Nuclear bomb is a very puissant weapon to wipe out the entire human race.
(I encountered this word in a book on How To Build A Better Vocabulary and since I lack retention I included puissant here to remind me of what it is).
Example2:
Some village people in our locality have always told my husband that the kind of tablet he is recommending for them to take for any kind of pain is very puissant. They used to come and say their thanks in awe.
dictionary.com page link for puissant
Obsequy
is read as \OB-si-kwee\ which means funeral rites
The word usually appears in plural form...obsequies \OB-si-kwiz\!
I have attended a few obsequies in my life though mostly the Christian way. I only heard how they are done the Islam way. Other than these, I knew nothing else about obsequies.
dictionary.com page link for obsequy
The word usually appears in plural form...obsequies \OB-si-kwiz\!
I have attended a few obsequies in my life though mostly the Christian way. I only heard how they are done the Islam way. Other than these, I knew nothing else about obsequies.
dictionary.com page link for obsequy
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Opprobrious
\uh-PRO-bree-uhs\ means outrageously disgraceful or shameful
Related terms: ignominious, despicable, contemptible
Example1: It is considered to be opprobrious to bear a child out of wedlock.
Example2: I am telling you, my in-laws are outrageously despicable. I never thought I am capable of loathing somebody but after what they have done to me...phew! They are dead to me!
dictionary.com page link for opprobrious
Related terms: ignominious, despicable, contemptible
Example1: It is considered to be opprobrious to bear a child out of wedlock.
Example2: I am telling you, my in-laws are outrageously despicable. I never thought I am capable of loathing somebody but after what they have done to me...phew! They are dead to me!
dictionary.com page link for opprobrious
Monday, July 26, 2010
Brannigan
\BRAN-i-guhn\ means
.........a squabble; a brawl
................a carouse; bacchanalian (a noisy feast with much alcohol consumption)
Example1: They were out carousing last night with four other members of the board.
Example2: Don't start a brannigan with me. You might regret it.
dictionary.com page link for brannigan
.........a squabble; a brawl
................a carouse; bacchanalian (a noisy feast with much alcohol consumption)
Example1: They were out carousing last night with four other members of the board.
Example2: Don't start a brannigan with me. You might regret it.
dictionary.com page link for brannigan
Tantivy
\tan-TIV-ee\ means a rapid gallop or the sound of a horn in imitation of a galloping horse.
We found the sheriff galloping tantivy in search for the three fugitives who ransacked the town's warehouse.
dictionary.com page link for tantivy
We found the sheriff galloping tantivy in search for the three fugitives who ransacked the town's warehouse.
dictionary.com page link for tantivy
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Palladian
\puh-LEY-dee-uhn\ means a three-part window where the center window is arched and wider than the two straight topped side windows.
Palladian architecture usually refers to a European style of architecture created by a Venetian architect, Andrea Palladio.
Example: I have seen many windows of palladian style in movies but I never knew its architectural name until today! Gosh!
dictionary.com page link for palladian
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Zaftig
\ZAHF-tig\ means
...........full bodied; well-proportioned; voluptuous
................(of a woman) having a pleasantly plump and sexually attractive figure
Zaftig is a borrowing from Yiddish, zaftik, which literally means "juicy".
Example1:
The zaftig and the zealot share with each other an excessive overabundance, but of the opposite kind, for while the fullness of one attracts, the fullness of the other repels.
Example2:
If only the advantages of being zaftig are known to the anorexics they would not be so fanatic about their dieting.
dictionary.com page link for zaftig
...........full bodied; well-proportioned; voluptuous
................(of a woman) having a pleasantly plump and sexually attractive figure
Zaftig is a borrowing from Yiddish, zaftik, which literally means "juicy".
Example1:
The zaftig and the zealot share with each other an excessive overabundance, but of the opposite kind, for while the fullness of one attracts, the fullness of the other repels.
Example2:
If only the advantages of being zaftig are known to the anorexics they would not be so fanatic about their dieting.
dictionary.com page link for zaftig
Morganatic
is read as \mawr-ga-NAT-ik\ and means a marriage between one of royal or noble birth (mostly man) and one of lower rank (usually woman) in which the lower ranker or their children (if any) has no claim to all the possessions of the higher ranker.
Morganatic marriages are not common anymore these days though in some marriages between the rich and the poor, there is what we call pre-nuptial agreement. Senator Francis Pangilinan and Mega Star Sharon Cuneta (both from affluent families) signed a pre-nuptial agreement before they got married.
dictionary.com page link for morganatic
Morganatic marriages are not common anymore these days though in some marriages between the rich and the poor, there is what we call pre-nuptial agreement. Senator Francis Pangilinan and Mega Star Sharon Cuneta (both from affluent families) signed a pre-nuptial agreement before they got married.
dictionary.com page link for morganatic
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Inebriate
\in-EE-bree-eyt\ means always drunk
..........exhilarate: fill with sublime emotion
...............souse: become drunk or drink excessively
...................intoxicate: make drunk with alcoholic drinks
.......................drunkard: a chronic drinker
Example1. I feel inebriated at the idea of going abroad and studying there.
Example2. There are really some people, mostly men, who like to inebriate themselves on every occasion they find themselves in.
We had a neighbor before who used to get drunk and was fond of shouting on the road while heading home. There were times too when he used to throw stones at neighbors' houses whenever he felt like doing so. That was very bad of him.
dictionary.com page link for inebriate
..........exhilarate: fill with sublime emotion
...............souse: become drunk or drink excessively
...................intoxicate: make drunk with alcoholic drinks
.......................drunkard: a chronic drinker
Example1. I feel inebriated at the idea of going abroad and studying there.
Example2. There are really some people, mostly men, who like to inebriate themselves on every occasion they find themselves in.
We had a neighbor before who used to get drunk and was fond of shouting on the road while heading home. There were times too when he used to throw stones at neighbors' houses whenever he felt like doing so. That was very bad of him.
dictionary.com page link for inebriate
Minstrel
\MIN-struhl\ means
........a lyric poet; a musician
.............a singer of folk songs like a troubadour
..................a medieval entertainer who traveled from place to place, especially to sing and recite poetry.
........................one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men made up as black performers, presenting songs or jokes
Example: The Arabian minstrels have scheduled a tribute to the people of Pampanga tomorrow evening before they move ahead to the next city.
........a lyric poet; a musician
.............a singer of folk songs like a troubadour
..................a medieval entertainer who traveled from place to place, especially to sing and recite poetry.
........................one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men made up as black performers, presenting songs or jokes
Example: The Arabian minstrels have scheduled a tribute to the people of Pampanga tomorrow evening before they move ahead to the next city.
Limerick:
If I were a minstrel
I would make your night special
With songs and poetry I compose
As in bed you rest and repose
To blissful dreams ethereal.
dictionary.com page link for minstrelIf I were a minstrel
I would make your night special
With songs and poetry I compose
As in bed you rest and repose
To blissful dreams ethereal.
Aubade
Sounded as \oh-BAHD\ which means a song or poem or instrumental composition evoking dawn or daybreak.
Aubade is a song about lovers who must leave one another in the early hours of the morning.
Aubade can be associated with "harana", a series of songs sung early in the morning to awaken someone who is celebrating his/her natal day.
dictionary.com page link for aubade
Aubade is a song about lovers who must leave one another in the early hours of the morning.
Aubade can be associated with "harana", a series of songs sung early in the morning to awaken someone who is celebrating his/her natal day.
dictionary.com page link for aubade
Bellicose
\BEL-i-kohs\ means eager to fight; aggressively hostile; warlike in nature
Related terms: belligerent; pugnacious
The Delta Company of the 16th Infantry Battalion assigned at Aleosan, Cotabato is the most bellicose of the military units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
dictionary.com page link for bellicose
Related terms: belligerent; pugnacious
The Delta Company of the 16th Infantry Battalion assigned at Aleosan, Cotabato is the most bellicose of the military units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
dictionary.com page link for bellicose
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tussock
\TUHS-uhk\ means a tuft or clump or bunch of growing grass
One can find lots of growing tussocks in places such as deserts. Often, people ignore them as if they are just grass but grass as they are they also have names just like you and me.
dictionary.com page link for tussock
Ratiocination
\rash-ee-os-uh-NEY-shuhn; oh-suh\ means the process of logical and methodical reasoning
............conscious deliberate inference
Bellman's ratiocination was so strong and valid that no lawyer could ever say anything during the trial against the Wills' family.
dictionary.com page link for ratiocination
............conscious deliberate inference
Bellman's ratiocination was so strong and valid that no lawyer could ever say anything during the trial against the Wills' family.
dictionary.com page link for ratiocination
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Nunatak
\NUHN-uh-tak\ means a hill or a mountain of rock surrounded by ice; an island in a sea of ice.
Note: Nunataks are found in Greenland.
Example: A nunatak of 250 feet high may not be difficult to climb for a fugitive like Dr. Jennings.
I could no longer remember in which movie I saw nunataks but I think I have seen some. Whew! I am very forgetful these days.
dictionary.com page link for nunatak
Stevedore
Read as \STEE-vi-dawr\ which means a firm or a person who is into loading and unloading of cargo in a ship.
I don't believe that the work of a stevedore does not require intelligence for it must be there no matter how small or big the kind of work is.
Mr. Cunningham had worked as a stevedore, waiter and caretaker before enlisting himself in the army.
dictionary.com page link for stevedore
I don't believe that the work of a stevedore does not require intelligence for it must be there no matter how small or big the kind of work is.
Mr. Cunningham had worked as a stevedore, waiter and caretaker before enlisting himself in the army.
dictionary.com page link for stevedore
Monday, July 19, 2010
Lagniappe
\lan-YAP; LAN-yap\ means a small gift especially given by a merchant to a customer who makes a purchase.
...........a gratuity or tip
One good example of a lagniappe is when a customer buys a hundred of coconuts and the merchant or the owner gives the customer 5 coconuts more as a gift for purchasing that much. This is often observed in a situation when the customer is a regular one.
dictionary.com page link for lagniappe
...........a gratuity or tip
One good example of a lagniappe is when a customer buys a hundred of coconuts and the merchant or the owner gives the customer 5 coconuts more as a gift for purchasing that much. This is often observed in a situation when the customer is a regular one.
dictionary.com page link for lagniappe
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Elan
\ey-LAHN\ means spirit, zeal, impetuous ardor, enthusiasm, vigor, liveliness
Lea Salonga delivered a performance of great elan and sophistication. She has never failed to entertain the world may it be in singing, stage or film acting.
dictionary.com page link for elan
Lea Salonga delivered a performance of great elan and sophistication. She has never failed to entertain the world may it be in singing, stage or film acting.
dictionary.com page link for elan
Encomium
Read as \en-KOH-mee-uhm\ which is a formal expression of high praise; eulogy
Related words:
..........paean\PEE-uhn\ - any song of praise, joy, or triumph; a song of celebration
...................panegyric\pan-i-JIR-ik; JAHY-rik\- a formal speech or opus publicly praising someone or something
A returning hero from war is often greeted with encomium from the president. It is then followed by a press conference and a celebration at the White House.
dictionary.com page link for encomium
Related words:
..........paean\PEE-uhn\ - any song of praise, joy, or triumph; a song of celebration
...................panegyric\pan-i-JIR-ik; JAHY-rik\- a formal speech or opus publicly praising someone or something
A returning hero from war is often greeted with encomium from the president. It is then followed by a press conference and a celebration at the White House.
dictionary.com page link for encomium
Clout
\klout\ means
...........a target used in archery
.................power or influence
.......................strike hard; punch; a blow, especially with the hand
...........................clout nail, a short nail with a flat head
...............................a piece of cloth; rag
Example1: Manny Pacquiao gave Erik Morales a clout on his nose. That was a terrible blow for Morales that led him to losing the match.
Example2: The director's clout made Mr. Craig reach his current position very quickly. Otherwise, he was just a small man in the film industry a few years back.
Example3: Eden chose a fine and plain clout to cover the basket where bread was kept for the picnic later.
dictionary.com page link for clout
...........a target used in archery
.................power or influence
.......................strike hard; punch; a blow, especially with the hand
...........................clout nail, a short nail with a flat head
...............................a piece of cloth; rag
Example1: Manny Pacquiao gave Erik Morales a clout on his nose. That was a terrible blow for Morales that led him to losing the match.
Example2: The director's clout made Mr. Craig reach his current position very quickly. Otherwise, he was just a small man in the film industry a few years back.
Example3: Eden chose a fine and plain clout to cover the basket where bread was kept for the picnic later.
dictionary.com page link for clout
Contumacious
Read as \kon-too-MEHY-shuhs; -tyoo\ and means
......rebellious
...........recalcitrant
................willfully obstinate
......................stubbornly disobedient
Other similar words: headstrong; factious; intractable; refractory; pigheaded
Example: She rejected her mother's words so contumaciously that it commenced a silent war between them for three years.
dictionary.com page link for contumacious
......rebellious
...........recalcitrant
................willfully obstinate
......................stubbornly disobedient
Other similar words: headstrong; factious; intractable; refractory; pigheaded
Example: She rejected her mother's words so contumaciously that it commenced a silent war between them for three years.
dictionary.com page link for contumacious
Scurrilous
\SKUHR-uh-luhs\ means vulgar (verbal abuse), indecent, obscene, abusive, slanderous.
Other similar words:
1. contumelious \kon-too-MEE-lee-uhs; tyoo\- abuse, disdain, insolent, rude
2. vituperative \vahy-TOO-per-uh-tiv\ - vituperative remarks
3. fescennine \FES-uh-nahyn; -nin\ - licentious...fescennine mockery
I know someone who scurrilously attacked the former mayor. It was all in the papers.
dictionary.com page link for scurrilous
Other similar words:
1. contumelious \kon-too-MEE-lee-uhs; tyoo\- abuse, disdain, insolent, rude
2. vituperative \vahy-TOO-per-uh-tiv\ - vituperative remarks
3. fescennine \FES-uh-nahyn; -nin\ - licentious...fescennine mockery
I know someone who scurrilously attacked the former mayor. It was all in the papers.
dictionary.com page link for scurrilous
Dreg
\dreg\ is a sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid. The residue left from the brewing process generally consisting of yeast and other solids.
Other similar words: lees (fermentation); trub (beer brewing); grounds
Dregs are mostly found at the bottom of an empty cup of tea or coffee, especially a filtered one. I just encountered this word when I took an online quiz at WizIQ.com.
dictionary.com page link for dreg
Other similar words: lees (fermentation); trub (beer brewing); grounds
Dregs are mostly found at the bottom of an empty cup of tea or coffee, especially a filtered one. I just encountered this word when I took an online quiz at WizIQ.com.
dictionary.com page link for dreg
Friday, July 16, 2010
Hegemony
Read as \hi-JEM-uh-nee; HEJ-uh-moh-nee\ and means
.................dominance or leadership
......................authority over another
Example1. Do all politicians aim for world hegemony?
Example2. Ferdinand Marcos' decade-long hegemony ended through people's power in favor of Corazon Aquino.
dictionary.com page link for hegemony
.................dominance or leadership
......................authority over another
Example1. Do all politicians aim for world hegemony?
Example2. Ferdinand Marcos' decade-long hegemony ended through people's power in favor of Corazon Aquino.
dictionary.com page link for hegemony
Meretricious
\mer-i-TRISH-uhs\
...............like or pertaining to a prostitute;
.....................based on pretense, deception, insincerity
Synonyms: flashy, tastelessly showy, tawdry, gaudy, spurious, sham, false
Example1. She was rumored to be involved in a meretricious relationship with her boss.
Example2. It was such a mechanical and meretricious melodrama. It could have been done better.
dictionary.com page link for meretricious
...............like or pertaining to a prostitute;
.....................based on pretense, deception, insincerity
Synonyms: flashy, tastelessly showy, tawdry, gaudy, spurious, sham, false
Example1. She was rumored to be involved in a meretricious relationship with her boss.
Example2. It was such a mechanical and meretricious melodrama. It could have been done better.
dictionary.com page link for meretricious
Littoral
\LIT-er-uhl\ pertaining to coastal region; a shore
We were driving along the North Sea littoral when we witnessed a tragic accident between a bus full of passengers and a family van.
dictionary.com page link for littoral
We were driving along the North Sea littoral when we witnessed a tragic accident between a bus full of passengers and a family van.
dictionary.com page link for littoral
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Minaret
Minaret \min-uh-RET; MIN-uh-ret\ is a tower or pillar in or near a mosque where the call to prayer is called. Usually it is a slender tower with balconies.
I have been surrounded by Muslim friends but I failed to ask what's the tower in mosques called, which is almost equivalent to a belfry for Catholic churches. Now I know that it is called minaret.
dictionary.com page link for minaret
Topiary
The art of cutting trees and bushes into ornamental or animal shapes is called topiary \TOH-pee-er-ee\ or a garden containing such work.
I saw so many topiaries when we went to a botanical garden in Ooty. They were nice. Actually, only recently did I know what it's called. Just great!
dictionary.com page link for topiary
I saw so many topiaries when we went to a botanical garden in Ooty. They were nice. Actually, only recently did I know what it's called. Just great!
dictionary.com page link for topiary
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Guacamole
Read as \gwah-kuh-MOH-lee\ which refers to the Mexican dish made from mashed avocado mixed with lime or lemon juice, onions, tomatoes, chilies and other seasonings.
I never heard of guacamole before but now I would like to try making one. It sounds delicious and seems easy to prepare.
dictionary.com page link for guacamole
I never heard of guacamole before but now I would like to try making one. It sounds delicious and seems easy to prepare.
dictionary.com page link for guacamole
Bacchanal
Read as \bah-KUH-nahl\ and means orgy; a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity
..................a drunken reveler; a devotee of Bacchus
Bacchus was the Roman god of agriculture and wine, similar to Dionysus. He was the child of Zeus and Semele.
To get involved in a bacchanal should not be encouraged for there is always a proper way to do things at the right place.
dictionary.com page link for bacchanal
..................a drunken reveler; a devotee of Bacchus
Bacchus was the Roman god of agriculture and wine, similar to Dionysus. He was the child of Zeus and Semele.
To get involved in a bacchanal should not be encouraged for there is always a proper way to do things at the right place.
dictionary.com page link for bacchanal
Spoor
Read as \SPOHR\ and refers to the track or trail , especially that of a wild animal pursued as game.
Spoor derives from the Afrikaans word for trace. It is related to spurn.
There are occasions in a hunter's experience when a spoor provides a close clue in finding the hunted only to end up losing it.
dictionary.com page link for spoor
Spoor derives from the Afrikaans word for trace. It is related to spurn.
There are occasions in a hunter's experience when a spoor provides a close clue in finding the hunted only to end up losing it.
dictionary.com page link for spoor
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Kulak
Read as \koo-LAHK\ and is a Russian term meaning fist and is referred to a rich peasant/farmer who owned land and could hire workers to work on it.
Kulaks were considered exploiters who enrich themselves at the expense of the starving landless people of Russia.
dictionary.com page link for kulak
Kulaks were considered exploiters who enrich themselves at the expense of the starving landless people of Russia.
dictionary.com page link for kulak
Debilitate
Sounded as \dih-BIL-i-teyt\ which means to weaken; enfeeble
Debilitation is also known as Neecha, which represents the weakest position of a planet. It is also refers to the weakening of the lizard. that can refer to the bones, skin, tail or anything that is getting weaker.
dictionary.com page link for debilitate
Debilitation is also known as Neecha, which represents the weakest position of a planet. It is also refers to the weakening of the lizard. that can refer to the bones, skin, tail or anything that is getting weaker.
dictionary.com page link for debilitate
Haggle
Read as \HAG-uhl\ and means to bargain in a petty, quibbling, and often contentious manner; to argue about prices.
1. They spent hours haggling over the monthly rental of the house.
2. It is not always good to haggle too much, you'll end up not getting anything at all.
dictionary.com page link for haggle
1. They spent hours haggling over the monthly rental of the house.
2. It is not always good to haggle too much, you'll end up not getting anything at all.
dictionary.com page link for haggle
Monday, July 12, 2010
Syzygy
Read as \SIZ-i-jee\ and means...
1. Astronomy: an alignment of three celestial objects, as the sun, the earth, and either the moon or a planet.
Example: Syzygyof the sun-earth-moon system occurs at the time of full moon or new moon.
2. Classical Prosody: a group or combination of two feet, sometimes restricted to a combination of two feet of different kinds.
.....Prosody-the patterns of stress and intonation in a language
3. any two related things, either alike or opposite
dictionary.com page link for syzygy
1. Astronomy: an alignment of three celestial objects, as the sun, the earth, and either the moon or a planet.
Example: Syzygyof the sun-earth-moon system occurs at the time of full moon or new moon.
2. Classical Prosody: a group or combination of two feet, sometimes restricted to a combination of two feet of different kinds.
.....Prosody-the patterns of stress and intonation in a language
3. any two related things, either alike or opposite
dictionary.com page link for syzygy
Teosinte
Pronounced as \tee-uh-SIN-tee; tey\ which means a tall grass closely related to corn and sometimes cultivated as a fodder plant.
Teosintes are a group of large grasses of the genus Zea found in Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
dictionary.com page link for teosinte
Rigmarole
Read as \RIG-muh-rohl\ and means
--- a set of confused, incoherent and meaningless statements; nonsense
The speech delivered by the chairman of the party was filled with rigmarole.
All that rigmarole talk was a waste of time that nobody seems to notice.
dictionary.com page link for rigmarole
--- a set of confused, incoherent and meaningless statements; nonsense
The speech delivered by the chairman of the party was filled with rigmarole.
All that rigmarole talk was a waste of time that nobody seems to notice.
dictionary.com page link for rigmarole
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Furrow
Read as \FUR-oh, FUHR-oh\ and is referred to....
--a groove in the bark of a tree, making the trunk somewhat "wrinkled"
----a deep wrinkle in the skin of the face/forehead
------a trench cut in the soil, as when plowed in order to plant a crop
Every household in the barrio has to plow 15 furrows of 6 to 10 feet long each for planting different kinds of vegetables. This is the new project of the local government to combat price increase of basic commodities.
dictionary.com page link for furrow
--a groove in the bark of a tree, making the trunk somewhat "wrinkled"
----a deep wrinkle in the skin of the face/forehead
------a trench cut in the soil, as when plowed in order to plant a crop
Every household in the barrio has to plow 15 furrows of 6 to 10 feet long each for planting different kinds of vegetables. This is the new project of the local government to combat price increase of basic commodities.
dictionary.com page link for furrow
Aeromancy
Read as \AIR-uh-man-see\ which means the prediction of future events from observation of weather conditions.
Aeromancy is but one sort of divination practiced in medieval times. Some other examples: augury, based on the flight of birds; cheiromancy, palm-reading; and oneiromancy, the interpretation of dreams.
dictionary.com page link for aeromancy
Aeromancy is but one sort of divination practiced in medieval times. Some other examples: augury, based on the flight of birds; cheiromancy, palm-reading; and oneiromancy, the interpretation of dreams.
dictionary.com page link for aeromancy
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Effete
Read as \ih-FEET\ which means lacking in wholesome vigor, strength or vitality; worn out; feeble; weak.....OR unable to reproduce; sterile.
Example1. A government rocked by frequent scandals is an effete set of people with no credibility.
Example2. Mrs. Keegan is an effete that's why she and her husband have decided to adopt children from New Life Orphanage.
dictionary.com page link for effete
Example1. A government rocked by frequent scandals is an effete set of people with no credibility.
Example2. Mrs. Keegan is an effete that's why she and her husband have decided to adopt children from New Life Orphanage.
dictionary.com page link for effete
Salubrious
Sounded as \suh-LOO-bree-uhs\ and means healthful or something favorable to or promoting health.
Example1. We really enjoyed the salubrious climate of the place. It has the salutary influence of fresh air that is not there in cities anymore.
Example2. I have been to many small cities around the world and this is one of the least salubrious to live in.
dictionary.com page link for salubrious
Example1. We really enjoyed the salubrious climate of the place. It has the salutary influence of fresh air that is not there in cities anymore.
Example2. I have been to many small cities around the world and this is one of the least salubrious to live in.
dictionary.com page link for salubrious
Asseverate
Read as \uh-SEV-uh-reyt\ and means to declare earnestly, seriously, or positively; to affirm.
We heard him asseverate his good intentions but his actions belied his words.
I have her asseveration that she will come and dine with us on Sunday at 8 o'clock.
dictionary.com page link for asseverate
We heard him asseverate his good intentions but his actions belied his words.
I have her asseveration that she will come and dine with us on Sunday at 8 o'clock.
dictionary.com page link for asseverate
Friday, July 9, 2010
Muliebrity
Read as \myoo-lee-EB-ri-tee\ and is the state of being a woman.
.........If celebrity means somebody famous admired for a talent or skill, muliebrity particularly refers to being a woman.
........Many enjoy their muliebrity. To some, it is considered a curse. To others, it is a blessing.
dictionary.com page link for muliebrity
.........If celebrity means somebody famous admired for a talent or skill, muliebrity particularly refers to being a woman.
........Many enjoy their muliebrity. To some, it is considered a curse. To others, it is a blessing.
dictionary.com page link for muliebrity
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Pellucid
Read as \puh-LOO-sid\ meaning transparent; clear; not opaque OR easily understandable
In the field of optics, transparency (also called as pellucidity or diaphaneity) is the physical property of allowing light to pass through a material.
dictionary.com page link for pellucid
In the field of optics, transparency (also called as pellucidity or diaphaneity) is the physical property of allowing light to pass through a material.
dictionary.com page link for pellucid
Sibylline
Read as \SIB-uh-leen\ and means ....
1. prophetic; oracular
2. mysterious; cryptic
3. of, resembling, or characteristic of a sibyl
Synonym: fatidic
The word sibylline is derived from the Greek Sibylla, any of several prophetesses consulted by ancient Greeks and Romans, of uncertain origin.
dictionary.com page link for sibylline
1. prophetic; oracular
2. mysterious; cryptic
3. of, resembling, or characteristic of a sibyl
Synonym: fatidic
The word sibylline is derived from the Greek Sibylla, any of several prophetesses consulted by ancient Greeks and Romans, of uncertain origin.
dictionary.com page link for sibylline
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Pilfer
Sounded as \PIL-fer\ and is defined as to steal especially in small quantities.
Synonyms: filch, rob, thieve, purloin, lift, snatch
Some kids do pilfer their parents' pocket coins thinking it cannot be noticed at all. I used to do it before when I was young though after I have taken 2 or 3 one peso coin, I used to tell my mother. Lol!!
dictionary.com page link for pilfer
Synonyms: filch, rob, thieve, purloin, lift, snatch
Some kids do pilfer their parents' pocket coins thinking it cannot be noticed at all. I used to do it before when I was young though after I have taken 2 or 3 one peso coin, I used to tell my mother. Lol!!
dictionary.com page link for pilfer
Bowdlerize
Read as \BOHD-luh-rahyz\ and means to censor or expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar, offensive or objectionable.
Like: bowdlerize a novel
This word is derived from Thomas Bowlder, an English physician and a famous expurgator who bowdlerized Shakespeare's work to make it more appropriate for 19th century women and children.
dictionary.com page link for bowdlerize
Like: bowdlerize a novel
This word is derived from Thomas Bowlder, an English physician and a famous expurgator who bowdlerized Shakespeare's work to make it more appropriate for 19th century women and children.
dictionary.com page link for bowdlerize
Confabulation
Read as \kuh
n-fab-yuh-LEY-shuhn\ and means unrestrained or informal conversation.
In psychology, confabulation is the spontaneous narrative report of events that never happened. It consists of the creation of false memories, perceptions or beliefs about the self or the environment due to neurological or psychological dysfunction. Source: Wikipedia
dictionary.com page link for confabulation
n-fab-yuh-LEY-shuhn\ and means unrestrained or informal conversation.In psychology, confabulation is the spontaneous narrative report of events that never happened. It consists of the creation of false memories, perceptions or beliefs about the self or the environment due to neurological or psychological dysfunction. Source: Wikipedia
dictionary.com page link for confabulation
Ostentatious
\os-ten-TEY-shuhs\ means actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc intended to attract notice OR a pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others.
Boasting is the act of making an ostentatious speech which has also been studied by an evolutionary psychologist, Robert Wright.
dictionary.com page link for ostentatious
s\ means actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc intended to attract notice OR a pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others.Boasting is the act of making an ostentatious speech which has also been studied by an evolutionary psychologist, Robert Wright.
dictionary.com page link for ostentatious
Moribund
Read as \MAWR-uh-buhnd, MOR-\ and means
......in a state of dying; near death
..........on the verge of extinction or termination
..............stagnant; not progressing or advancing
Examples:
A moribund patient at room 206 is calling all her loved ones to be with her.
Many North American-Indian languages are on the verge of extinction.
Most parents don't like moribund performances of their children.
dictionary.com page link for moribund
......in a state of dying; near death
..........on the verge of extinction or termination
..............stagnant; not progressing or advancing
Examples:
A moribund patient at room 206 is calling all her loved ones to be with her.
Many North American-Indian languages are on the verge of extinction.
Most parents don't like moribund performances of their children.
dictionary.com page link for moribund
Monday, July 5, 2010
Perfidy
Read as \PUR-fi-dee\ and is a form of deception, betrayal of trust, an act of deliberate betrayal; treachery
In the context of war, perfidy is a form of deception, in which one side promises to act in good faith (by raising a flag of surrender) with intention of breaking that promise once the enemy has exposed himself (by coming out of cover in order to capture the surrendering forces). Source:google define
dictionary.com page link for perfidy
In the context of war, perfidy is a form of deception, in which one side promises to act in good faith (by raising a flag of surrender) with intention of breaking that promise once the enemy has exposed himself (by coming out of cover in order to capture the surrendering forces). Source:google define
dictionary.com page link for perfidy
Obfuscate
Pronounced as \OB-fuh-skeyt, ob-FUHS-keyt\ meaning....
-----verb (used with object) 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy
-----------------------------------2. to make obscure or unclear
-----------------------------------3. to darken
Example: The president deliberately obfuscate his statement about graft and corruption.
dictionary.com page link for obfuscate
-----verb (used with object) 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy
-----------------------------------2. to make obscure or unclear
-----------------------------------3. to darken
Example: The president deliberately obfuscate his statement about graft and corruption.
dictionary.com page link for obfuscate
Acrimonious
Read as \ak-ruh-MOH-nee-uhs\ and refers to speech, behavior, argument that is caustic, stinging or bitter in nature; mean; rough!
Example: After the acrimonious debate in the parliament, some members walked out.
dictionary.com page link for acrimonious
s\ and refers to speech, behavior, argument that is caustic, stinging or bitter in nature; mean; rough!Example: After the acrimonious debate in the parliament, some members walked out.
dictionary.com page link for acrimonious
Aperient
Read as \uh-PEER-ee-uhnt\ which means a medicine, food or substance that aids in evacuation of the bowels or softens stools.
.......purgative or laxative, words commonly used in medical profession.
Example: The medicine which Dr. Moong recommended was aperient.
dictionary.com page link for aperient
nt\ which means a medicine, food or substance that aids in evacuation of the bowels or softens stools........purgative or laxative, words commonly used in medical profession.
Example: The medicine which Dr. Moong recommended was aperient.
dictionary.com page link for aperient
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Rataplan
Reads as \rat-uh-PLAN\ which means.....
verb: To produce the sound of the beating of a drum
noun: A sound of the beating of drum OR a tattoo, as of a drum, the hooves of a galloping horse, or machine-gun fire
They rataplanned all around the city to commence the first day of a week-long celebration of the city's 25th Foundation Anniversary. Many people have gathered along the streets to share the noise of those gigantic drums which the mayor has personally designed for this particular occasion.
dictionary.com page link for rataplan
verb: To produce the sound of the beating of a drum
noun: A sound of the beating of drum OR a tattoo, as of a drum, the hooves of a galloping horse, or machine-gun fire
They rataplanned all around the city to commence the first day of a week-long celebration of the city's 25th Foundation Anniversary. Many people have gathered along the streets to share the noise of those gigantic drums which the mayor has personally designed for this particular occasion.
dictionary.com page link for rataplan
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Cacography
Read as \kuh-KOG-ruh-fee\ and is referred to bad spelling or bad handwriting.
Can a person who is bad in spelling or handwriting or both be called cacographer or cacographist?
Example: I never beleive in life after deth. (believe; death)
There shud be rapor among us. (should; rapport)
Here is your recit, sir. (receipt)
I was never good at spelling during my elementary years though later on I caught up with it. I always have had good handwriting though. My teacher then used to ask me to write something on the board like a secretary does for her boss.
dictionary.com page link for cacography
Can a person who is bad in spelling or handwriting or both be called cacographer or cacographist?
Example: I never beleive in life after deth. (believe; death)
There shud be rapor among us. (should; rapport)
Here is your recit, sir. (receipt)
I was never good at spelling during my elementary years though later on I caught up with it. I always have had good handwriting though. My teacher then used to ask me to write something on the board like a secretary does for her boss.
dictionary.com page link for cacography
Vespertine
Read as \VES-per-tayhn; tin\ which means of, or pertaining to, or occurring in the evening.
This word is best used to describe certain flowers that open or expand in the evening or to bats and owls that are nocturnal animals.
It can also be partnered with matutinal which is the opposite of vespertine, for quick association.
dictionary.com page link for vespertine
This word is best used to describe certain flowers that open or expand in the evening or to bats and owls that are nocturnal animals.
It can also be partnered with matutinal which is the opposite of vespertine, for quick association.
dictionary.com page link for vespertine
Friday, July 2, 2010
Macabre
Used as an adjective and read as\muh-KAH-bruh\ which means gruesome and horrifying OR pertaining to or representing death, esp. its grimmer or uglier aspect.
Macabre relates to the Danse Macabre, a medieval allegory, which means Dance of Death.
We have seen the movie The Seventh Seal by Ingmar Bergman. It's a very good movie and has personified death so I guess it could count as macabre.
Evanescence
Sounded as \ev-uh-NES-ens\ and means a gradual disappearance or the state of becoming imperceptible. It is from the Latin word evanescere meaning "to vanish," from e- meaning "from, out of" + vanescere meaning "to disappear," from vanus meaning "empty."
Dissipation, ceasing to exist are just a few other words that can be associated with evanescence. Add it with the American rock band Evanescence founded in Arkansas in 1995 by its singer/pianist and guitarist. I just hope this band will not gradually disappear just like any other music bands.
dictionary.com page link for evanescence
Dissipation, ceasing to exist are just a few other words that can be associated with evanescence. Add it with the American rock band Evanescence founded in Arkansas in 1995 by its singer/pianist and guitarist. I just hope this band will not gradually disappear just like any other music bands.
dictionary.com page link for evanescence
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Doula
Pronounced as \DOO-luh\ and is a woman who assists during childbirth labor and provides support to the mother, her child and the family after childbirth.
Most of my nieces and nephews were born at home with the help of a doula, who was also our neighbor and family friend. Doulas can be as skillful as trained midwives whom most barrio folks turn into during childbirth.
dictionary.com page link for doula
Most of my nieces and nephews were born at home with the help of a doula, who was also our neighbor and family friend. Doulas can be as skillful as trained midwives whom most barrio folks turn into during childbirth.
dictionary.com page link for doula
Unctuous
Read as \UHNGK-choo-uhs\ and is characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug. Or something that is oily or greasy.
Unctuous and oleaginous are synonymous words that I encountered at Queendom.com, a site for different kinds of tests like IQ test. I didn't know these words before though my partner, who I often called as my walking dictionary, knows them. The word oleaginous is already familiar to me that I chose unctuous to be included in Logofanum so I would always remember it for there is oleaginous in my memory to associate it with.
dictionary.com page link for unctuous
Unctuous and oleaginous are synonymous words that I encountered at Queendom.com, a site for different kinds of tests like IQ test. I didn't know these words before though my partner, who I often called as my walking dictionary, knows them. The word oleaginous is already familiar to me that I chose unctuous to be included in Logofanum so I would always remember it for there is oleaginous in my memory to associate it with.
dictionary.com page link for unctuous
Shivaree
Read as \SHIV-uh-ree\ which means...
1. A mock serenade with kettles, pans, horns, and other noisemakers given for a newly married couple.
2. An elaborate, noisy celebration.
Hundred years back, shivaree was so common that every marriage was often greeted with such merry-making though until now it is still quite celebrated in rural villages.
dictionary.com page link for shivaree
1. A mock serenade with kettles, pans, horns, and other noisemakers given for a newly married couple.
2. An elaborate, noisy celebration.
Hundred years back, shivaree was so common that every marriage was often greeted with such merry-making though until now it is still quite celebrated in rural villages.
dictionary.com page link for shivaree
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