jaundiced
adjective | JAWN-dist
What It Means
Jaundiced means “showing or influenced by feelings of distrust, distaste, or hostility.” Someone described as jaundiced, or as possessing jaundiced opinions or views, is typically understood to feel that way because of negative past experiences.
She developed a very jaundiced view of politics and politicians after years of chairing her local school board committee and witnessing all kinds of petty shenanigans.
WORDS
Re: WORDS
hashtag
noun | HASH-tag
What It Means
A hashtag is a word or phrase that starts with the symbol # and that categorizes or comments on the text or image it accompanies. The word hashtag can also refer to the symbol # as used in a hashtag.
She used the hashtag #VeganEats to search social media for new recipes and restaurants she could add to her list.
noun | HASH-tag
What It Means
A hashtag is a word or phrase that starts with the symbol # and that categorizes or comments on the text or image it accompanies. The word hashtag can also refer to the symbol # as used in a hashtag.
She used the hashtag #VeganEats to search social media for new recipes and restaurants she could add to her list.
Re: WORDS
sashay
verb | sa-SHAY
What It Means
To sashay is to proudly walk in a slow, confident way that is meant to attract attention. Sashay can also mean simply "to walk, glide, or go," or "to proceed or move in a diagonal or sideways manner." In contexts involving dance, sashay means "to make a chassé," which is a dance step in which a slide on one foot is followed closely by a slide on the other foot.
The model sashayed down the runway wearing red from head to toe.
verb | sa-SHAY
What It Means
To sashay is to proudly walk in a slow, confident way that is meant to attract attention. Sashay can also mean simply "to walk, glide, or go," or "to proceed or move in a diagonal or sideways manner." In contexts involving dance, sashay means "to make a chassé," which is a dance step in which a slide on one foot is followed closely by a slide on the other foot.
The model sashayed down the runway wearing red from head to toe.
Re: WORDS
lambent
adjective | LAM-bunt
What It Means
When used literally, lambent can mean “softly bright or radiant” or “flickering.” Lambent is also often used to describe speech, writing, music, and even wine, that has a light, appealing quality.
Sitting around the campfire, we were mesmerized by the lambent flames dancing into the night.
As a writer she is known for the lambent wit with which she deftly and amusingly describes the absurdities of modern life.
adjective | LAM-bunt
What It Means
When used literally, lambent can mean “softly bright or radiant” or “flickering.” Lambent is also often used to describe speech, writing, music, and even wine, that has a light, appealing quality.
Sitting around the campfire, we were mesmerized by the lambent flames dancing into the night.
As a writer she is known for the lambent wit with which she deftly and amusingly describes the absurdities of modern life.
Re: WORDS
Irksome
ˈəːks(ə)m
adjective: irksome
1. irritating; annoying.
2. "an irksome journey"
synonyms: irritating, annoying, vexing, vexatious, galling, exasperating, displeasing, grating, disagreeable, tiresome, wearisome, tedious, trying, troublesome, burdensome, bothersome, awkward, inconvenient, difficult, boring, uninteresting, infuriating, maddening;
informal: pesky, cussed, confounded, infernal, pestiferous, plaguy, pestilent
antonyms: pleasant, agreeable
ˈəːks(ə)m
adjective: irksome
1. irritating; annoying.
2. "an irksome journey"
synonyms: irritating, annoying, vexing, vexatious, galling, exasperating, displeasing, grating, disagreeable, tiresome, wearisome, tedious, trying, troublesome, burdensome, bothersome, awkward, inconvenient, difficult, boring, uninteresting, infuriating, maddening;
informal: pesky, cussed, confounded, infernal, pestiferous, plaguy, pestilent
antonyms: pleasant, agreeable
'Don't waste your words on people who deserve your silence'
~Reinhold Messner~
'You don't have to be afraid of everything you don't understand'
~Louise Perica~
"Never put off until tomorrow, what you can put off until next week."
~Ian Vincent~
~Reinhold Messner~
'You don't have to be afraid of everything you don't understand'
~Louise Perica~
"Never put off until tomorrow, what you can put off until next week."
~Ian Vincent~
Re: WORDS
consigliere
noun | kohn-sil-YEH-reh
What It Means
Consigliere refers to a trusted adviser or counselor. Originally, a consigliere specifically served the leader of a criminal organization such as the Mafia, but others likened to such an adviser are now sometimes called consiglieres too.
Largely unknown to the general public, she was nonetheless a powerful Washington figure who served as the Senate leader's trusted consigliere and political strategist.
noun | kohn-sil-YEH-reh
What It Means
Consigliere refers to a trusted adviser or counselor. Originally, a consigliere specifically served the leader of a criminal organization such as the Mafia, but others likened to such an adviser are now sometimes called consiglieres too.
Largely unknown to the general public, she was nonetheless a powerful Washington figure who served as the Senate leader's trusted consigliere and political strategist.
Re: WORDS
pungent
adjective | PUN-junt
What It Means
Pungent typically describes things that have a strong, sharp taste or smell. It can also describe communication that has a strong effect on the mind because of being clever and direct.
Toni likes to add pungent habaneros to her chili to give it an extra spicy kick.
The Emmy-nominated series is a pungent satire of today's political climate.
ORIGIN
Middle English and early Modern English also had a now-obsolete verb punge "to *****, pierce; to smart, cause to sting," from Latin pungere. Related: Pungently.
also from 1590s
adjective | PUN-junt
What It Means
Pungent typically describes things that have a strong, sharp taste or smell. It can also describe communication that has a strong effect on the mind because of being clever and direct.
Toni likes to add pungent habaneros to her chili to give it an extra spicy kick.
The Emmy-nominated series is a pungent satire of today's political climate.
ORIGIN
Middle English and early Modern English also had a now-obsolete verb punge "to *****, pierce; to smart, cause to sting," from Latin pungere. Related: Pungently.
also from 1590s
Re: WORDS
kludge
noun | KLOOJ
What It Means
A kludge is a haphazard or makeshift solution to a problem and especially to a computer or programming problem.
Andy knocked out a hasty kludge to circumvent the glitch until a more robust solution could be developed.
ORIGIN
What is the origin of the word kludge?
Perhaps from British military slang, possibly based on a Scots word kludge or kludgie (“common toilet”), or perhaps from German klug (“clever”). Alternatively, possibly related to Polish klucz (“a key, a hint, a main point”) and Russian ключ (ključ, “key, clue”) .
noun | KLOOJ
What It Means
A kludge is a haphazard or makeshift solution to a problem and especially to a computer or programming problem.
Andy knocked out a hasty kludge to circumvent the glitch until a more robust solution could be developed.
ORIGIN
What is the origin of the word kludge?
Perhaps from British military slang, possibly based on a Scots word kludge or kludgie (“common toilet”), or perhaps from German klug (“clever”). Alternatively, possibly related to Polish klucz (“a key, a hint, a main point”) and Russian ключ (ključ, “key, clue”) .
Re: WORDS
dyed-in-the-wool
adjective | dyde-in-thuh-WOOL
What It Means
Someone described as dyed-in-the-wool has very strong, uncompromising beliefs or opinions.
The festival was held in a remote, rural town, ensuring it would attract no one but the most dyed-in-the-wool bluegrass fans.
adjective | dyde-in-thuh-WOOL
What It Means
Someone described as dyed-in-the-wool has very strong, uncompromising beliefs or opinions.
The festival was held in a remote, rural town, ensuring it would attract no one but the most dyed-in-the-wool bluegrass fans.
Re: WORDS
Learning
Odd one day you post a new saying and you are reading a news article and there it is "Warren Buffett is a dyed in the wool fundamental analyst and student of Benjamin Graham. "
dyed-in-the-wool
adjective | dyde-in-thuh-WOOL
Always learning and enjoying it
Odd one day you post a new saying and you are reading a news article and there it is "Warren Buffett is a dyed in the wool fundamental analyst and student of Benjamin Graham. "
dyed-in-the-wool
adjective | dyde-in-thuh-WOOL
Always learning and enjoying it
Re: WORDS
facilitate
verb | fuh-SIL-uh-tayt
What It Means
To facilitate something is to help bring it about, as in "her rise to power was facilitated by her influential friends." In other words, facilitating something eases the way for it to happen smoothly and effectively.
The moderator's role is to facilitate the discussion by asking appropriate questions.
verb | fuh-SIL-uh-tayt
What It Means
To facilitate something is to help bring it about, as in "her rise to power was facilitated by her influential friends." In other words, facilitating something eases the way for it to happen smoothly and effectively.
The moderator's role is to facilitate the discussion by asking appropriate questions.
Re: WORDS
prowess
noun | PROW-us
What It Means
Prowess refers to someone’s great ability, skill, or talent for something specified, as in “the pop star's vocal prowess” or “a lawyer of great prowess.”
Already a proven virtuoso on guitar, she extends her considerable instrumental prowess to the piano throughout her new album as well.
noun | PROW-us
What It Means
Prowess refers to someone’s great ability, skill, or talent for something specified, as in “the pop star's vocal prowess” or “a lawyer of great prowess.”
Already a proven virtuoso on guitar, she extends her considerable instrumental prowess to the piano throughout her new album as well.
Re: WORDS
girandole
noun | JEER-un-dohl
What It Means
Girandole can refer to an ornamental branched candlestick, as well as to a pendant earring usually with three ornaments hanging from a central piece. In its earliest uses, girandole referred to a radiating and showy composition, such as a cluster of skyrockets fired together for a fireworks display, or to a fountain issuing a rising column of spreading water.
The newlyweds found the most gorgeous girandole at an antique sale and couldn’t wait to put it in their living room.
She admired the girandoles and topknots of the characters in her favorite period piece.
Seeing girandoles light up the night sky was his favorite part of the holidays.
noun | JEER-un-dohl
What It Means
Girandole can refer to an ornamental branched candlestick, as well as to a pendant earring usually with three ornaments hanging from a central piece. In its earliest uses, girandole referred to a radiating and showy composition, such as a cluster of skyrockets fired together for a fireworks display, or to a fountain issuing a rising column of spreading water.
The newlyweds found the most gorgeous girandole at an antique sale and couldn’t wait to put it in their living room.
She admired the girandoles and topknots of the characters in her favorite period piece.
Seeing girandoles light up the night sky was his favorite part of the holidays.
Re: WORDS
girandole Audio pronunciation
noun | JEER-un-dohl
What It Means
Girandole can refer to an ornamental branched candlestick, as well as to a pendant earring usually with three ornaments hanging from a central piece. In its earliest uses, girandole referred to a radiating and showy composition, such as a cluster of skyrockets fired together for a fireworks display, or to a fountain issuing a rising column of spreading water.
// The newlyweds found the most gorgeous girandole at an antique sale and couldn’t wait to put it in their living room.
// She admired the girandoles and topknots of the characters in her favorite period piece.
// Seeing girandoles light up the night sky was his favorite part of the holidays.
noun | JEER-un-dohl
What It Means
Girandole can refer to an ornamental branched candlestick, as well as to a pendant earring usually with three ornaments hanging from a central piece. In its earliest uses, girandole referred to a radiating and showy composition, such as a cluster of skyrockets fired together for a fireworks display, or to a fountain issuing a rising column of spreading water.
// The newlyweds found the most gorgeous girandole at an antique sale and couldn’t wait to put it in their living room.
// She admired the girandoles and topknots of the characters in her favorite period piece.
// Seeing girandoles light up the night sky was his favorite part of the holidays.
Re: WORDS
abscond
verb | ab-SKAHND
What It Means
To abscond is to leave, flee, or escape a place in secret and go into hiding. Often, someone is said to have absconded with something.
The suspect absconded to Canada before investigators could reach her at home.
He became concerned that one of his co-conspirators would abscond with the money.
verb | ab-SKAHND
What It Means
To abscond is to leave, flee, or escape a place in secret and go into hiding. Often, someone is said to have absconded with something.
The suspect absconded to Canada before investigators could reach her at home.
He became concerned that one of his co-conspirators would abscond with the money.
Re: WORDS
dog days
noun | DAWG-DAYZ
What It Means
Dog days is a plural noun that refers to the hottest time of the year, which in the northern hemisphere is usually between early July and early September. Dog days can also refer to a period of stagnation or inactivity suggestive of hot, sultry weather when it can be difficult to summon the energy required for hard work.
The kids swim every afternoon during the dog days of summer.
ORIGIN
https://www.history.com/news/why-are-th ... -of-summer
noun | DAWG-DAYZ
What It Means
Dog days is a plural noun that refers to the hottest time of the year, which in the northern hemisphere is usually between early July and early September. Dog days can also refer to a period of stagnation or inactivity suggestive of hot, sultry weather when it can be difficult to summon the energy required for hard work.
The kids swim every afternoon during the dog days of summer.
ORIGIN
https://www.history.com/news/why-are-th ... -of-summer
Re: WORDS
mitigate
verb | MIT-uh-gayt
What It Means
To mitigate something is to make it less severe, harmful, or painful.
One way we can mitigate the impact the construction project will have on residents is to commit to completing the project in the allotted time.
ORIGIN
early 15c., "relieve (pain); make mild or more tolerable; reduce in amount or degree," from Latin mitigatus, past participle of mitigare "soften, make tender, ripen, mellow, tame," figuratively, "make mild or gentle, pacify, soothe," ultimately from mitis "gentle, soft" + root of agere "to do, perform" (from PIE root *ag- "to drive, draw out or forth, move"). For mitis de Vaan suggests cognates in Sanskrit mayas- "refreshment, enjoyment," Lithuanian mielas "nice, sweet, dear," Welsh mwydion "soft parts," Old Irish min "soft," from a PIE *mehiti- "soft." Related: Mitigated; mitigating;
verb | MIT-uh-gayt
What It Means
To mitigate something is to make it less severe, harmful, or painful.
One way we can mitigate the impact the construction project will have on residents is to commit to completing the project in the allotted time.
ORIGIN
early 15c., "relieve (pain); make mild or more tolerable; reduce in amount or degree," from Latin mitigatus, past participle of mitigare "soften, make tender, ripen, mellow, tame," figuratively, "make mild or gentle, pacify, soothe," ultimately from mitis "gentle, soft" + root of agere "to do, perform" (from PIE root *ag- "to drive, draw out or forth, move"). For mitis de Vaan suggests cognates in Sanskrit mayas- "refreshment, enjoyment," Lithuanian mielas "nice, sweet, dear," Welsh mwydion "soft parts," Old Irish min "soft," from a PIE *mehiti- "soft." Related: Mitigated; mitigating;
Re: WORDS
rectitude
noun | REK-tuh-tood
What It Means
Rectitude is a formal noun that means “moral integrity or righteousness” or “the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure.”
The keynote speaker encouraged the graduates to go on to live lives of unimpeachable rectitude and integrity.
As treasurer of the club, she advocated a kind of fiscal rectitude that is widely credited with saving the organization from financial ruin.
ORIGIN
early 15c., "straightness, quality of being straight or erect," from Old French rectitude (14c.) and directly from Late Latin rectitudinem (nominative rectitudo) "straightness, uprightness," from Latin rectus "straight" (from PIE root *reg- "move in a straight line," with derivatives meaning "to direct in a straight line"). Sense of "uprightness in conduct or character, rightness of principle or practice" is from 1530s.
noun | REK-tuh-tood
What It Means
Rectitude is a formal noun that means “moral integrity or righteousness” or “the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure.”
The keynote speaker encouraged the graduates to go on to live lives of unimpeachable rectitude and integrity.
As treasurer of the club, she advocated a kind of fiscal rectitude that is widely credited with saving the organization from financial ruin.
ORIGIN
early 15c., "straightness, quality of being straight or erect," from Old French rectitude (14c.) and directly from Late Latin rectitudinem (nominative rectitudo) "straightness, uprightness," from Latin rectus "straight" (from PIE root *reg- "move in a straight line," with derivatives meaning "to direct in a straight line"). Sense of "uprightness in conduct or character, rightness of principle or practice" is from 1530s.
Re: WORDS
thwart
verb | THWORT
What It Means
Thwart means “to effectively oppose or prevent.” To thwart a person is to prevent them from doing something, and to thwart a thing is to stop it from happening.
The campaign has successfully thwarted the effort to develop the land, which is now preserved in perpetuity.
The hometown crowd erupted in cheers as their beloved team thwarted the postseason hopes of their archrivals.
ORIGIN
c. 1200, from a Scandinavian source, probably Old Norse þvert "across," originally neuter of thverr (adj.) "transverse, across," cognate with Old English þweorh "transverse, perverse, angry, cross," from Proto-Germanic *thwerh- "twisted, oblique" (source also of Middle Dutch dwers, Dutch dwars "cross-grained, contrary," Old High German twerh, German quer, Gothic þwairhs "angry"), altered (by influence of *thwer- "to turn") from *therkh-, from PIE root *terkw- "to twist." From mid-13c. as an adjective.
verb | THWORT
What It Means
Thwart means “to effectively oppose or prevent.” To thwart a person is to prevent them from doing something, and to thwart a thing is to stop it from happening.
The campaign has successfully thwarted the effort to develop the land, which is now preserved in perpetuity.
The hometown crowd erupted in cheers as their beloved team thwarted the postseason hopes of their archrivals.
ORIGIN
c. 1200, from a Scandinavian source, probably Old Norse þvert "across," originally neuter of thverr (adj.) "transverse, across," cognate with Old English þweorh "transverse, perverse, angry, cross," from Proto-Germanic *thwerh- "twisted, oblique" (source also of Middle Dutch dwers, Dutch dwars "cross-grained, contrary," Old High German twerh, German quer, Gothic þwairhs "angry"), altered (by influence of *thwer- "to turn") from *therkh-, from PIE root *terkw- "to twist." From mid-13c. as an adjective.