(LANG-gwij), noun
A collection of words and the rules and methods for their use common to a people living in a community, geographical area, or nation; the means of communicating through sounds and symbols; speech.
colloquial (kuh-LOW-kwee-ul). Informal, conversational, everyday language.
“COLLOQUIAL poetry is to the real art as the barber’s wax dummy is to sculpture.” —Ezra Pound, American expatriate poet
demotic (dih-MAH-tik). Relating to simplified, common language.
Eileen always avoids DEMOTIC speech because she does not want to be mistaken for someone from the middle class.
proverbial (pruh-VER-bee-ul). Calling to mind (a familiar) proverb; showing an immediate parallel with a well-known saying, story, or maxim.
Stan considered his younger brother about as useful as the PROVERBIAL fifth wheel.
sesquipedalian (ses-kwip-ih-DAIL-yin). Preferring or having long, complex words with many syllables.
“Recently a strange whimsy has started to creep in among the SESQUIPEDALIAN prose of scientific journals.” —Stephen Hall, American architect
stilted (STILL-tihd). Stiff and formal; rigid and unspontaneous in nature.
The letter was composed in such STILTED, elaborately correct language that Sergeant Ryan surmised it was written by someone whose native language was not English.
aphasia (uh-FAY-zhuh). The inability, brought on by brain damage, to understand words and/or ideas.
After his car accident Marcus retained all of his physical faculties, but suffered minor APHASIA that made it difficult for him to speak coherently.
argot (AR-go). Special words and idioms used by particular groups or professions.
With the advent of text messaging, it has become even more difficult to follow the ARGOT of teenagers.
circumlocution (sir-kum-low-KEW-shun). Evasiveness in speech or writing; the use of excess language to avoid saying something directly or truthfully; overblown and tedious writing or speech.
The use of CIRCUMLOCUTION can lengthen term papers and help students meet a predetermined word count or page requirement, but it can also often lead to lower grades.
etymology (eh-ti-MAH-luh-jee). The study of word origins and how words have evolved into their current forms or meanings. The lineage of a word; description of its origin and how the word came into its current use.
Those who have studied Greek or Latin can make educated and often correct guesses regarding a word’s ETYMOLOGY.
euphemism (YU-feh-miz-im). A synonym that is less offensive than the word it replaces.
You say these are going to be times of challenge for this company; isn’t that just a EUPHEMISM for times of decreased profitability?
euphuism (YEW-few-iz-im). Ornate, flowery, overly elaborate language, often making the exact meaning difficult to discern.
Felicia’s words are full of EUPHUISM, particularly when describing the architecture of her family’s various houses.
homonym (HOM-uh-nim). A word that is pronounced the same as another word of different meaning.
The relationship between the words “accept” and “except” is a good example of a HOMONYM.
lexicon (LEK-sih-kawn). A dictionary composed for a specific, narrowly defined or professional audience; the vocabulary associated with a specific discipline or group.
The LEXICON of rap music seems a different language to many parents, but it is an adaptation of street English.
neologism (nee-AHL-uh-jiz-uhm). A new word, or an “old” word used in a new way.
William Shakespeare coined such NEOLOGISMS as “gossip,” “swagger,” and “domineering.”
nomenclature (NOH-mun-klay-chur). A labeling or naming system used in a specialized field or industry.
Even an activity as seemingly simple as gardening has a NOMENCLATURE all its own, indecipherable to the layperson or newbie.
onomatopoeia (on-uh-mot-uh-PEE-uh). The naming of a thing by creating a vocal imitation of its sound.
The word “buzz,” which sounds like the noise a bee makes, is an example of ONOMATOPOEIA.
oxymoron (awk-see-MORE-on). A phrase made by combining two words that are contradictory or incongruous.
Melissa sheepishly used the OXYMORON “accidentally on purpose” to explain to her father why her emergency credit card included a charge for $500 Manolo Blahnik heels.
palindrome (PAL-in-drohm). A word or sentence that reads the same forward as backward.
At private school, Evelyn learned about PALINDROMES, including, “Madam, I’m Adam.”
philology (fi-LOL-uh-jee). The study of ancient written records and texts.
Arthur’s interest in linguistics and the origins of words naturally led him to a serious involvement in PHILOLOGY.
pidgin (PIJ-in). A type of language created by the interaction of two distinct languages, used to help people communicate across language barriers.
We spoke PIDGIN to each other, and I finally was able to understand how to get to the nearest bathroom.
polyglot (PAW-lee-glot). A writing or other communication in more than one language; someone fluent in multiple languages.
Jordan left for overseas study an enthusiastic student of languages, and she returned a POLYGLOT, able to speak Spanish, English, and French.
rhetoric (RET-er-ik). The art or science of using words effectively in writing or speaking as a means of communication and persuasion.
Plato called RHETORIC “the art of ruling the minds of men.”
semantics (suh-MAN-tix). The study of how language conveys meaning; an excessive focus on the way something is phrased rather than what it says.
The coach’s urging to “play aggressive” rather than “hurt the opponents” was a matter of SEMANTICS, and its interpretation depended on which team you wanted to win.
solecism (SOLL-ih-siz-um). A violation of rules of grammar and usage.
We all waited eagerly for the president’s next SOLECISM.
synecdoche (sih-NEK-duh-kee). A type of shorthand speech in which a partial description is understood by the reader or listener to represent the whole; e.g., saying “New York” in a discussion of baseball when you mean “the New York Yankees.”
Marla could not stop using a SYNECDOCHE after she returned from her trip to England at which she met the royal family, saying repeatedly that she had met and socialized with “the crown.”
vernacular (ver-NAK-yu-ler). The everyday language of people as spoken in a particular country or region, in contrast to the official or formal language.
Communicating with stockbrokers is difficult for many investors because they do not speak the VERNACULAR of the financial world.
abridge (uh-BRIJ). To shorten by decreasing the number of words; shorten; curtail.
“Many a long dispute among divines may be thus ABRIDGED: It is so. It is not so. It is so. It is not so.” —Benjamin Franklin, American statesman and scientist
See also: Speech
(LAKS), adjective
Not strict, tight, or tense; not easily controlled; lacking attention to detail.
amorphous (uh-MOR-fuss). Without definite shape, substance, or form; lacking definition and boundaries.
“Of course the illusion of art is to make one believe that great literature is very close to life, but exactly the opposite is true. Life is AMORPHOUS, literature is formal.” —Françoise Sagan, French novelist and playwright.
blasé (blah-ZAY). Unimpressed; bored; sophisticated; apathetic to pleasure because of excessive indulgence.
I told Jim that he stood a very good chance of being fired this week, but to tell you the truth he seemed rather BLASÉ about the whole thing.
complaisant (kuhm-PLAY-zuhnt). Agreeable and eager to please.
Eleanor is far too COMPLAISANT with common strangers.
languid (LANG-gwid). Lacking vigor and energy; listless, indifferent, sluggish, or slow.
Those who are frequently LANGUID may be suffering from some malady or disability.
leniency (LEE-nee-uhnt-see). Punishment, judgment, or action that is not too severe. Personal quality of being lenient and forgiving; mercy.
The suspect admitted his guilt, hoping it would lead to LENIENCY at sentencing.
relinquish (rih-LING-kwish). To give up; to surrender or forswear something.
“Time does not RELINQUISH its rights, either over human beings or over mountains.” —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German playwright and novelist
adamant (A-duh-munt). Very determined and not influenced by appeals to reconsider or change her mind; stubborn and unyielding.
Despite the concerns of his parents, Steve was ADAMANT about not attending college after graduating from high school.
ardent (AR-dent). Passionate, or full of great enthusiasm or eagerness; emotionally intense and devoted; hot, or glowing brightly.
Ryan was an ARDENT supporter of his school’s lacrosse team; he went to every game.
exhort (ig-ZORT). To urge; to plead with, usually in an attempt to warn or advise.
“The function of the moralist is not to EXHORT men to be good but to elucidate what the good is.” —Walter Lippmann, American journalist
(LIT-er-uh-chur), noun
The body of writings of a specific language, people, or period; the profession and output of an author, especially creative prose or verse.
belles-lettres (bell-LET-ruh). Literature considered as fine art; fictional work having a solely aesthetic function.
Those who study rhetoric speak derisively of literature that exists for an aesthetic purpose only, and therefore ignore BELLES-LETTRES.
bibliomania (bib-lee-oh-MAY-nee-uh). A preoccupation with the acquisition and ownership of books.
Lauren’s BIBLIOMANIA extends only to her stockpile of catalogs for exclusive shops.
bildungsroman (BILL-dungs-roh-man). A coming-of-age novel, such as The Catcher in the Rye or A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.
Alex has started writing a BILDUNGSROMAN about his experiences in prep school.
breviary (BREE-vee-air-ee). A brief summary or abridgement.
She called it a BREVIARY, but Lana’s recounting of her family’s month on the Riviera was anything but short.
corrigendum (kor-ih-JEN-dum). An error to be corrected in a manuscript.
The proofreader handed the manuscript back to Bill, who was horrified to find that it still contained hundreds of CORRIGENDA.
gazetteer (gaz-ih-TEER). A geographical index or dictionary of places organized by name.
The Rothschilds prefer their pilot simply head for the sun, rather than consult a GAZETTEER prior to short flights.
lexicography (lex-ih-KOG-ruh-fee). The compiling, writing, and editing of dictionaries.
Though he had never intended to pursue a career in LEXICOGRAPHY, Jeremy spent twenty years with Merriam-Webster, working his way up from researcher to editor.
lexicon (LEK-sih-kawn). A dictionary composed for a specific, narrowly defined or professional audience; the vocabulary associated with a specific discipline or group.
The LEXICON of rap music seems a different language to many parents, but it is an adaptation of street English.
magnum opus (MAG-num OH-pess). A great work, especially of art or literature; the chief work of an artist or author.
All the King’s Men could be considered Robert Penn Warren’s MAGNUM OPUS.
monograph (MON-uh-graff). A scholarly article or essay on a certain topic usually intended for an academic audience and not for the general public.
Peterson’s MONOGRAPH on theoretical physics was well received in the scientific community, although it certainly makes for tough reading for the layman.
necrology (neh-KRAWL-uh-jee). A list of people who have recently died; an obituary.
Benjamin scoured the long NECROLOGY for the name of his father, but it was not there.
oeuvre (OO-vruh). An artist’s, writer’s, or composer’s body of work, treated as a whole.
Esmerelda is familiar with and adores all of Puccini’s OEUVRE, but many find his operas overly mawkish.
opus (OH-puss). A major literary or musical work.
The Breckinridges commissioned the composer’s next OPUS, which will be debuted at the family’s fall ball.
paleography (pay-lee-OG-ruh-fee). The study of ancient writings and inscriptions.
In order to understand their discoveries, archaeologists study PALEOGRAPHY.
palimpsest (PAL-imp-sest). A parchment manuscript on which the text is written over older, earlier text, much like an oil portrait or landscape painted over another painting.
The newest addition to the Pattersons’ rare manuscript collection turned out to be a PALIMPSEST, covering a text nearly one thousand years old.
précis (pray-SEE). A concise summary; abridgement; abstract.
The authors were too invested in the work to be able to write an acceptable PRÉCIS.
protagonist (pro-TAG-uh-nist). The lead character in a story, play, novel, etc.
I stopped reading the book because I found the PROTAGONIST so unbelievable.
recension (ree-SEN-shun). A critical revision of a literary work.
Changes in literary tastes make a RECENSION of standard works seem like a good idea.
roman à clef (ro-MON ah KLAY). A purportedly fictional work that only thinly veils the actual experiences of the author or of characters based on real personages.
Truman Capote was ostracized by those in his circle when he published a devastating excerpt from a ROMAN À CLEF, Unanswered Prayers, that lampooned the frailties and indiscretions of the people who had been closest to him.
strophe (STRO-fee). A stanza containing lines that do not conform to the type, style, or form of the poem in which they appear.
Those not wearing haute couture stick out at our gatherings like STROPHES stick out in short poems.
tome (TOAM). A large or scholarly book.
“She carries a book but it is not / the TOME of the ancient wisdom, / the pages, I imagine, are the blank pages / of the unwritten volume of the new.” —Hilda Doolittle, American poet and memoirist
tractate (TRAK-tayt). A treatise.
Jason spent more than six months polishing his first TRACTATE.
treatise (TREE-tiss). A formal and systematic written work on the principles, facts, evidence, and conclusions of a subject.
Mill’s TREATISE on the equality of women was revolutionary for its time.
variorum (vair-ee-OR-em). An edition of a literary work containing alternative readings or notes by various editors or scholars.
The publisher believed that the quantity of reviews warranted issuing a VARIORUM.
vignette (vin-YET). A brief story, incident, or episode, usually told to illustrate some point.
Adding a VIGNETTE or two to a speech can help make abstract ideas clearer.
emend (ee-MEND). To change by means of editing; to correct (a text or reading).
Many of Shakespeare’s most famous lines, such as “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” are the result of a critic’s choice to EMEND a troublesome source text.
token (TOH-kuhn). Something used to represent a fact or event.
Archaeologists have evidence that the use of TOKENS predated writing.
(LIHV-id), adjective
Enraged or extremely angry.
acrimonious (ak-rih-MOAN-ee-us). Angry; bitter; disputed.
“There is something about the literary life that repels me, all this desperate building of castles on cobwebs, the long-drawn ACRIMONIOUS struggle to make something important which we all know will be gone forever in a few years.” —Raymond Chandler, American author
apoplectic (ap-uh-PLECK-tick). An extremely agitated state of rage.
Emily’s careless event planning makes me so APOPLECTIC that I just want to step in and plan the luncheon myself.
bellicose (BELL-ih-kohss). Ready or inclined to quarrel, fight, or go to war; warlike or hostile in manner or temperament.
Doug is so touchy about his new car that he’ll instantly grow BELLICOSE if you so much as brush against it.
intemperate (in-TEM-per-iht). Indulging one’s own whims and fancies without regard to other people’s feelings or inconvenience; immoderate, particularly in drinking alcoholic beverages.
“Certainly it was ordained as a scourge upon the pride of human wisdom, that the wisest of us all, should thus outwit ourselves, and eternally forego our purposes in the INTEMPERATE act of pursuing them.” —Laurence Sterne, Irish-born English novelist and Anglican clergyman
irascible (ih-RASS-uh-bull). Easily irritated or annoyed; prone to losing one’s temper; quick to anger.
“I have never known anyone worth a damn who wasn’t IRASCIBLE.” —Ezra Pound, American expatriate poet
anathema (uh-NATH-uh-muh). Someone or something that is greatly disliked, detested, or shunned; one that is cursed, denounced, or excommunicated by a religious authority.
The events of the Holocaust are ANATHEMA to all moral and civilized human beings.
cholers (KOH-lers). The mood of anger, irritability, grumpiness, or being short-tempered and impatient.
When Franklin is in the grip of CHOLERS, even his closest friends avoid his table at the club.
rancor (RANG-ker). Conflict between individuals or groups, usually resulting from disagreement over an action or issue, and accompanied by ill will, bad feelings, and an escalation of the dispute over time.
“They no longer assume responsibility (as beat cops used to do) for averting RANCOR between antagonistic neighbors.” —Harlan Ellison, American author
Xanthippe (zan-TIP-ee). Wife of Socrates; an ill-tempered, shrewish woman.
Felicia is far from a XANTHIPPE simply because she interacts only with certain members of the household staff.
abominate (uh-BOM-in-ayt). To loathe; hate; detest.
“For my part, I ABOMINATE all honorable respectable toils, trials, and tribulations of every kind whatsoever.” —Herman Melville, American author
execrate (EK-sih-krayt). To loathe; to subject to scorn and derision.
We EXECRATED William for weeks due to his casual rejection of an invitation to join Yale’s Skull and Bones.
effervescent (ef-ur-VESS-ent). Bubbly; upbeat; cheerful; possessing a positive attitude and joyful personality.
After getting the acceptance letter from Cornell, Sabrina was EFFERVESCENT and celebrated with a trip to Neiman Marcus.
felicity (fih-LISS-ih-tee). A state of blissful happiness.
“Never lose sight of the fact that all human FELICITY lies in man’s imagination, and that he cannot think to attain it unless he heeds all his caprices.” —Marquis de Sade, French aristocrat and revolutionary
gambol (GAM-bull). To run, skip, or jump about in a playful or joyous fashion.
“We all have these places where shy humiliations GAMBOL on sunny afternoons.” —W.H. Auden, Anglo-American poet
jocose (joe-KOHSS). Humorous, playful, and characterized by good humor.
The pony’s JOCOSE antics marked it for a career in polo, rather than on the racetrack.
vivacious (vih-VAY-shuss). Joyful; happy, spirited; possessing a positive attitude about and enthusiasm for life.
Even after her family maintained some steep revenue losses, Sandra retained her VIVACIOUS character.
(LUHV), noun
A strong and passionate affection or attachment to another person or persons.
amatory (AM-uh-tore-ee). Having to do with sexual love.
Pete hasn’t stopped sulking since Alice spurned his AMATORY advances at the office Christmas party.
narcissistic (nar-sis-SIS-tik). Self-loving; egotistic; indifference to others.
Self-promotion is one thing; the NARCISSISTIC zeal with which Gerald asserts himself is quite another.
smitten (SMIT-uhn). Very much in love; struck, as though by a hard blow.
Warren is so SMITTEN with Ellen that he’s no longer productive.
uxorious (uk-SORE-ee-us). Submissive to or doting toward one’s wife.
“The same things change their names at such a rate; / For instance—passion in a lover’s glorious, / But in a husband is pronounced UXORIOUS.” —Lord Byron, British Romantic poet
agape (ah-GAH-pay). In Christianity, divine love for humanity, or human love that transcends customary boundaries; often used to describe an unselfish love that goes beyond sexuality or worldly concerns.
The nurse’s work among the poor and dispossessed seemed rooted not in a well-meaning and temporary humanitarian instinct but in a deeper and more profound AGAPE, totally unfamiliar to most of us.
billet-doux (bill-a-DOO). A love letter. Plural: billets-doux (bill-a-dooz).
The young couple exchanged BILLETS-DOUX almost every day the summer they were apart.
Casanova (kass-uh-NO-vuh). A man noted for his amorous activities.
Phil likes to think of himself as a CASANOVA, but most women just think he’s pathetic.
paramour (PAIR-uh-more). An illicit lover.
Although the women in her circle made high-minded speeches about her morality, Mrs. Able knew full well that most of them had had a PARAMOUR at one time or another.
philogyny (fi-LOJ-uh-nee). The love of or fondness for women.
Having grown up with seven sisters, Zack’s PHILOGYNY came naturally to him.
polyandry (PAWL-ee-an-dree). The practice of having two or more husbands at the same time.
Women who practice POLYANDRY, when questioned closely, typically advise against it.
polygamy (puh-LIG-uh-mee). The societal practice of having more than one spouse (especially, more than one wife) at a time.
The sect’s advocacy of POLYGAMY and group parenting eventually brought it into bitter conflict with the stern-minded townsfolk of Harris Hollow.
polygyny (puh-LIJ-uh-nee). The practice of having two or more wives at the same time.
POLYGYNY is more common than most people realize, but when revealed, such examples always create public outrage.
swain (SWAYN). A male lover.
The regency romance was teeming with would-be SWAINS.
tryst (TRIST). An appointment made by lovers to meet at a certain place and time.
Since their families are of equal station, no one worries much about the supposedly secret TRYSTS between Josephine and Brock.
ogle (OH-guhl). To look at in an amorous or impertinent way.
No one would want to trade places with us if they only knew how tiresome it becomes to have the paparazzi constantly OGLING you.
osculate (OS-kyuh-layt). To kiss.
With practice, Jack was able to perfect his ability to OSCULATE.
abhor (ab-HOR). To experience a feeling of great repugnance or disgust.
It was clear almost as soon as the dinner party had begun that Jennifer ABHORRED her half-sister.
antagonistic (an-tag-uh-NISS-tik). Acting in a hostile, unfriendly manner; in opposition.
“There must always remain something that is ANTAGONISTIC to good.” —Plato, Greek philosopher
See also: Sex
(LOO-dih-kruss), adjective
Absurd to the point of being laughable; obviously implausible or impractical.
contemptuous (kun-TEMP-choo-wus). Feeling, expressing, or demonstrating strong dislike, disdain, or scorn.
The CONTEMPTUOUS behavior of gang members is perhaps the most difficult issue faced in many urban areas today.
credulous (KREH-juh-luss). Too easily convinced that something is true; accepting of even outlandish assertions easily.
CREDULOUS consumers are likely to spend thousands of dollars on diets and exercise equipment that don’t really work.
droll (DROLE). Amusing in a wry, odd, or funny way.
Norma’s peers considered her DROLL for she was always able to make them laugh with her offbeat comments.
fatuous (FACH-oo-uss). Revealing a lack of intelligence as well as a lack of awareness; stupid, foolish, or idiotic; without personal responsibility.
Comedians who are FATUOUS rather than thoughtfully sarcastic or clever are not funny.
uproarious (up-ROR-ee-uss). Defined by noisy confusion; loud and boisterous. Extremely funny and causing people to laugh out loud.
I hear the new headliner at the comedy club has an UPROARIOUS routine.
balderdash (BALL-der-dash). Senseless or nonsense talking or writing; a ridiculous, senseless, or worthless idea or suggestions.
How embarrassing to have your favorite English teacher call your essay BALDERDASH.
consternation (kon-ster-NAY-shun). Bewilderment, amazement, alarm, or dismay caused by something unexpected.
Much to the CONSTERNATION of her parents, Stephanie, who was only eighteen, announced her engagement to a man twice her age.
ignoramus (ig-nuh-RAY-muss). An idiot, dolt, or someone who is ignorant.
Someone who ignores his studying may not be smart, but he should not be called an IGNORAMUS.
inane (in-ANE). Pointless or lacking in substance; empty; vacuous.
Among other INANE suggestions, Jeff proposed painting the lunchroom in a polka-dot pattern.
blather (BLA-thur). To talk nonsense in an inane manner and at great length; to gabble or talk ridiculously.
Overindulging in alcohol can cause one to BLATHER, leading to embarrassment and the need for later apologies.
discombobulate (DISS-kum-BOB-yoo-layt). To throw someone into a state of confusion; to utterly take aback.
The attempt to see everything at Disneyland in one day can DISCOMBOBULATE even the calmest parents.
decorum (dih-KOR-um). Social propriety; dignified conduct.
The teacher insisted that students observe strict DECORUM both in her class and outside of it.
incontrovertible (in-kahn-trah-VER-tih-bull). Beyond question or dispute.
“Some minds are as little logical or argumentative as nature; they can offer no reason or ‘guess,’ but they exhibit the solemn and INCONTROVERTIBLE fact.” —Henry David Thoreau, American author and transcendentalist
judicious (joo-DISH-us). Showing wisdom, good sense, or discretion, often with the intention of avoiding trouble or waste.
Since his earlier troubles, Johan has been very JUDICIOUS whenever he parties with friends.
veritable (VER-ih-tuh-bull). Authentic; true; undeniably legitimate or actual.
The cardboard boxes contained a VERITABLE treasure trove of Civil War artifacts, probably worth tens of thousands of dollars.