(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.
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 (are-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-CUE-shun). Language that is pompous, overly formal, wordy, and redundant.
Grant’s CIRCUMLOCUTION was an attempt to suggest that he attended a prep school, but all of us know he is a product of public education.
etymology (et-ih-MOLL-uh-gee). The study of the development and history of words; the derivation of word.
I took a little Greek in school, so I think I can make an educated guess at this word’s ETYMOLOGY.
euphemism (YOU-feh-miz-im). A synonym that is less offensive than the word it is used to replace.
“The doctor told me I’m big boned,” said Chuck defensively. “That’s just a EUPHEMISM for fat,” his brother said meanly.
euphuism (YOU-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 with the same pronunciation and spelling as another but with a different meaning.
Most serious writing does not use HOMONYMS except occasionally by accident.
lexicon (LEK-sih-kahn). The language or vocabulary of a specialized discipline or profession.
“In the LEXICON of lip-smacking, an epicure is fastidious in his choice and enjoyment of food, just a soupçon more expert than a gastronome.”
—William Safire, American journalist and presidential speechwriter
neologism (nee-AHL-uh-jizm). A new word, or an “old” word used in a new way.
William Shakespeare coined such NEOLOGISMS as “gossip,” “swagger,” and “domineering.”
nomenclature (NO-men-klay-cherr). A labeling or naming system used in a specialized field or industry.
Even an activity as seemingly simple as macramé has a NOMENCLATURE all its own, indecipherable to the layperson or newbie.
onomatopoeia (on-uh-ma-tuh-PEE-uh). Words that sound like, or suggest, their meaning.
The spring gala, with its popping corks, fizzing champagne glasses, and thumping music was a cornucopia of ONOMATOPOEIA.
oxymoron (ok-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-gee). 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 (PIDJ-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 (POL-ee-glot). A person who speaks a number of languages.
The president’s translator, a POLYGLOT, served him well in missions to Germany, Portugal, and Mexico.
rhetoric (REH-tore-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-tiks). The science of the way meaning is communicated through language.
Whether we say the compensation will be “appropriate” or “competitive” is really a matter of SEMANTICS; we know exactly how much we intend to pay the person we finally hire.
solecism (SOL-uh-siz-um). A violation of rules of grammar and usage.
We all waited eagerly for the president’s next SOLECISM.
synecdoche (sih-NECK-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 time she met the royal family, saying repeatedly that she had met and socialized with “the crown.”
vernacular (ver-NAK-you-lar). The language of a particular region or specific group of people.
Communicating with stockbrokers is difficult for many investors because they do not speak the VERNACULAR of the financial world.
colloquial (kah-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-kwi-pih-DAL-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-tud). 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.
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, Talk
(LURN), verb
To acquire knowledge or skill by study; To become well informed.
clerisy (KLER-uh-see). Learned persons as a class; intellectuals collectively.
The society struggled for recognition because it could not support a CLERISY.
cognoscente (kon-yuh-SHEN-tee). Person with superior knowledge or understanding of a particular field.
As a result of my many years living in the Bordeaux region of France, I am very much a COGNOSCENTE of wine and winemaking.
intelligentsia (in-tell-ih-GENT-see-uh). The class of people who are cultured, educated, intellectual, and interested in art and literature.
“You see these gray hairs? Well, making whoopee with the INTELLIGENTSIA was the way I earned them.”
—Dorothy Parker, American author and poet
literati (lih-ter-AH-tee). The segment of society comprised of learned or literary men and women.
We attract the LITERATI because of our constantly carefree and exciting exploits.
luminary (LOO-muh-nair-ee). A person recognized as an inspirational leader in his or her field.
Frederick’s father is a LUMINARY in the field of circumventing most income tax.
lyceum (LIE-see-um). A school or other place of learning.
“[Television] should be our LYCEUM, our Chautauqua, our Minsky’s, and our Camelot.”
—E. B. White, American author
mentat (MEN-tat). A human being capable of performing mental tasks with the accuracy and speed of a computer.
Our accountant is a veritable MENTAT! Did you see how fast he determined all of our charitable deductions!
oracle (OR-uh-kul). Someone who is seen as wise and authoritative, who offers completely dependable counsel or advice.
After Appomattox, Grant’s words seemed (much to his surprise) to be regarded as having issued from an ORACLE.
pedagogue (PED-ah-gog). A strict, humorless, no-nonsense teacher.
“The negative cautions of science are never popular. If the experimentalist would not commit himself, the social philosopher, the preacher, and the PEDAGOGUE tried the harder to give a short-cut answer.”
—Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist
polymath (POHL-ee-math). A person with a wide range of intellectual interests or a broad base of knowledge in many different disciplines.
“I had a terrible vision: I saw an encyclopedia walk up to a POLYMATH and open him up.”
—Karl Kraus, Austrian writer
savant (sah-VANT). A person with a natural talent or genius in a particular field or skill.
With her family’s background in finance, it was a given that Francine would be a Wall Street SAVANT.
tutelage (toot-l-ij). Guided instruction or protection.
It was under Dr. Clay’s TUTELAGE that he came to understand how much craft was required to write a solid play.
yeshiva (yuh-SHEE-vuh). A place of instruction in the Orthodox Jewish tradition for children of elementary school age.
When the YESHIVA released its children in the afternoon, the sounds of laughter echoed through the neighborhood.
indoctrinate (in-DOCK-truh-nate). To teach; to impart with the knowledge or views of a particular group, philosophy, or theory.
Max’s earnest attempts to INDOCTRINATE me with the ideals of the Communist Party left me unimpressed.
illiteracy (ih-LIT-er-uh-see). The inability to read and write; lack of education.
“Ignorance and ILLITERACY are obviously not synonymous; even illiterate masses can cast their ballots with intelligence, once they are informed.”
—William Douglas, associate Supreme Court justice
See also: Judgment, Knowledge, Think, Understanding
(LEE-guhl), adjective
Of or pertaining to law or the administration or practice of law; lawful.
compurgation (kom-purr-GAY-shun). A practice by which an accused person can be found not guilty if twelve or more people take an oath testifying to the validity of his claim of innocence.
The Anglo-Saxon process of COMPURGATION is the basis of the modern American jury system.
habeas corpus (HAY-bee-us-CORE-puss). A written order requiring a prisoner or person under arrest or confinement to be brought before a judge to assess whether the restraint of said person is lawful and proper.
Following the nightclub brawl, Chad and Wendell managed to receive a writ of HABEAS CORPUS only after their father called the authorities and reminded them of his social contacts.
jurisprudence (joor-iss-PROO-dense). The philosophy and methodology behind the practice of law.
The study of JURISPRUDENCE was interminably dull to John; he longed to work with real clients and real court cases.
malefaction (mal-uh-FAK-shun). A crime; evil deed; wrongdoing.
It seems there is no shortage of public figures who are linked to indiscretions and MALEFACTIONS.
mandamus (man-DEY-mus). A written order issued by a superior court to a lower one or to a corporation, official, etc. that a specific thing be done.
The MANDAMUS is issued only when other remedies are not available.
manumission (man-yuh-MISH-uhn). The formal act of freeing from slavery; emancipation.
Prior to the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, MANUMISSION of slaves could occur upon the death of the slaveholder.
nomology (noh-MOL-uh-jee). The science of law and lawmaking.
Martha enjoyed learning about our legal system so much, that after earning her J.D., she continued her study of NOMOLOGY.
nonfeasance (non-FEEZ-unce). Failure to perform (a given duty). Someone who is bound to act in a certain way and does not is guilty of nonfeasance.
The failure of the passersby to aid the injured woman was a heart rending example of urban apathy and NONFEASANCE.
ordinance (OR-dih-nance). A specific law or regulation.
The lavish tree house Roger built for his kids was in clear violation of at least half a dozen local ORDINANCES.
tort (TORT). In law, a civil misdeed requiring compensation of the victims.
Cutting the branches off a neighbor’s tree that went over the fence into your yard is, at most, a TORT, not a felony.
litigious (lih-TIJ-us). Readily inclined to take someone to court; or, very argumentative.
“Our wrangling lawyers . . . are so LITIGIOUS and busy here on earth, that I think they will plead their clients’ causes hereafter,—some of them in hell.”
—Robert Burton, English scholar and vicar at Oxford University
prima facie (pree-ma-FAY-shuh). Something accepted upon the face of the evidence until further examination proves or disproved it.
We have PRIMA FACIE evidence that it was Evelyn who fed those lies to the society page gossip columnists.
promulgate (PRAH-mull-gate). To elevate a behavior or action—or the prohibition of a particular behavior or action—to the status of a law, rule, or regulation through public decree.
The Department of Public Works PROMULGATED mandatory recycling of all paper waste in Bergen County.
illicit (ih-LISS-it). Illegal or morally unjustifiable; something not sanctioned by custom or law.
We all know now that the money was acquired through ILLICIT means.
peccant (PEK-uhnt). Breaking or disregarding a rule, principle, or established practice; wrong.
John’s PECCANT act landed him in hot water with the school administration.
(LIM-ih-tid), adjective
Confined within bounds; restricted.
circumscribe (SUR-kuhm-scrib). To encircle or encompass; confine.
After the incident in the student union, our social activities were CIRCUMSCRIBED for the remainder of the semester.
constrain (kuhn-STRAYN). To force into or hold in boundaries; confine.
Alice felt the social mores of her family and friends would eventually CONSTRAIN her to a life of mediocrity and unhappiness.
constrict (kuhn-STRIKT). To make smaller or tighter by binding or compressing.
Refusing to be CONSTRICTED, Jack joyfully colored outside the lines.
delimit (dih-LIM-it). To establish or mark the boundaries or limits of; demarcate.
After squabbling with the neighbors for years, we had professional surveyors DELIMIT the property once and for all.
demarcate (de-MAHR-kayt). To set the limits of; to distinguish; separate.
All of our working areas were DEMARCATED with cubicles of various sizes.
prescribe (pri-SKRIB). To set down or give rules or directions to be followed; direct.
We thought we could build whatever we wanted on the land, but discovered that the town had PRESCRIBED the nature of all construction.
topical (TOP-uh-kul). Having to do with matters of local or current interest.
John wanted to learn about events in the Middle East, but the newscast only covered TOPICAL occurrences.
boundless (BOUND-lis). Unlimited; infinite; vast.
“The world of reality has its limits; the world of the imagination is BOUNDLESS.”
—Jean-Jacques Rousseau, French philosopher and writer
fathomless (FATH-uhm-lis). Too deep to be measured; bottomless; boundless.
Try as we might, none of the students in class have stumped the professor with a question on any topic; his knowledge seems FATHOMLESS.
(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-reh). 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-JEHN-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-kon). A dictionary composed for a specific, narrowly defined (professional) audience; the vocabulary associated with a specific discipline or group.
Arthur, though not a doctor, was well versed in the LEXICON of medicine.
magnum opus (MAG-nem OH-pes). 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-grqff). 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 (nuh-KROL-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-rah-fee). The study of ancient writings and inscriptions.
In order to understand their discoveries, archeologists 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.
(LIV), verb
To be alive; to be capable of vital functions; to continue to exist.
vivify (VIV-ih-fie). To bring to life; to make lively or active.
The characters in Keillor’s stories are VIVIFIED through his almost uncanny sense of human nature and his knowledge of the importance of seemingly small events.
modus vivendi (MO-duss vih-VEN-dee). Lifestyle; a way of living.
While most envied his seemingly carefree existence, Glen often found his extravagant MODUS VIVENDI rather empty and lonely.
sojourn (SO-jern). A temporary visit or stay.
The Israelites’ SOJOURN in the desert lasted for forty long years.
subsistence (sub-SIS-tense). The minimum—of food, water, clothing, shelter, and money—a person or family needs to survive.
All we need for SUBSISTENCE are the basics: the finest of everything.
symbiosis (sim-bee-OH-sis). A close interdependency between two organisms from two different species.
The nouveau riche would like to believe they have a SYMBIOSIS with us, but, in fact, they remain wholly separate and distinct.
pastoral (PAS-tur-ul). Pertaining to life in the country.
To many critics, the novel’s PASTORAL setting jarred against its themes of urban angst.
vivacious (vy-VAY-shuss). Joyful; happy, spirited; possessing a positive attitude about and enthusiasm for life; living life to the fullest.
Even after her family maintained some steep revenue losses, Sandra retained her VIVACIOUS character.
defunct (dih-FUNKT). Having ceased to exist.
Milton continued to live in the past, following the dictates of old rules and DEFUNCT wisdoms.
inert (in-URHT). Tending to be physically or mentally inactive.
“Congress seems drugged and INERT most of the time. . . . Its idea of meeting a problem is to hold hearings or, in extreme cases, to appoint a commission.”
—Shirley Chisholm, American congressional representative
(LOJ-ih-kuhl), adjective
Correct reasoning; in accordance with the rules of logic; properly or correctly considered.
cogent (KOH-gent). A case or argument presented in a reasoned, well-thoughtout, logical, compelling, and persuasive argument.
Corey offered a very COGENT argument in favor of insider trading.
equanimity (ee-kwa-NIM-ih-tee). The ability to keep one’s cool during times of stress, conflict, or trouble.
When his mother locked her keys in the car, her young son responded with surprising EQUANIMITY.
syllogism (SIL-uh-jiz-um). A form of logical argument that features two propositions and finishes with a conclusion. For example: “All elected Republican officials will be at the meeting; all the members of Congress from my state are elected Republican officials; therefore all the members of Congress from my state will be at the meeting.”
Aristotle’s formulation of the SYLLOGISM as a tool for logical analysis is one of the most significant contributions to Western thought.
ratiocinate (rash-ee-OSS-inn-ate). To work toward the solution of a problem through logical thinking and reason.
Since the dawn of humanity, our best minds have failed to RATIOCINATE a way to avoid war.
non sequitur (non-SEK-wi-tur). Something that does not follow logically; a statement that has no basis in what has gone before.
The professor pointed out the many NON SEQUITURS contained in the pamphlet.
paralogize (puh-RAL-uh-gize). To draw conclusions that are illogical; faulty thinking.
During times of stress, Michael was prone to PARALOGIZE.
quixotic (kwik-SOT-ick). Pursuing a seemingly unreachable or at least extremely ambitious and difficult goal—one considered by many to be either idealistic or impractical, or both.
“There is something QUIXOTIC in me about money, something meek and guilty. I want it and like it. But I cannot imagine insisting on it, pressing it out of people.”
—Brenda Ueland, American author
(LUHV), noun, verb
A strong and passionate affection or attachment to another person or persons.
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-ay-DOO). A love letter. (Plural: billets-doux.)
The young couple exchanged BILLETS-DOUX almost every day the summer they were apart.
Casanova (kaz-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 (PARE-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.
Zack’s PHILOGYNY came naturally to him, having grown up with seven sisters.
polyandry (POL-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.
POLYGNY 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.
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 or doting toward one’s wife.
Although Grandpa makes a show of rebellion against Grandma’s strictures every now and then for our sake, he’s as UXORIOUS as they come.
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-NIS-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