Source: Oxford Dictionaries

Here’s another interesting word that I’d definitely like to try using more often. I’m actually surprised at myself for not having written about the word “neophyte” sooner, since it did come up in my vocabulary study prep material over a year ago. It would even have been a great choice for one of my first vocabulary posts, since it technically applied to me when I started blogging.

A “neophyte” is someone who is new to a particular subject or activity. The word traces back to the Greek adjective neophutos, meaning “newly planted”. This adjective is comprised of two roots: the adjective neos “new” and the noun phuton “plant”.

Note that “neophyte” may be considered a heavier word to some for its religious sub-definitions, as it also means “new convert” or “a novice in a religious order”, especially in Christianity. This sense of the word evidently arose when St. Paul (1 Tim 3:6) first used it to refer to newly converted Christians. For a more literal definition, “neophyte” can also be used in Biology to refer to a plant species recently introduced to an area. There are several ways to use the word “neophyte”, so whether you write religious fiction or simply like to point out the “newbies” among your characters, this is a great word to keep on your list. Just take care not to come off as a stereotypical “neophyte” writer!

What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?

Source: Oxford Dictionaries

I hope you like words with multiple definitions, because I certainly do. Here’s a particularly interesting one of which I was recently reminded when someone I know used it in conversation. There was no way I could leave it out of my vocabulary list, not just because I enjoy learning words with more than one meaning, but because I also like adjectives that have to do with light and/or emotions.

An “incandescent” object emits light when heated, while an “incandescent” person or action is passionate or enraged. The word comes from the Latin verb incandescere, meaning “to glow” or “to be heated”. This verb is comprised of the prefix in- (denoting intensive force) and the verb candescere “to become white”.

Most of my encounters with this adjective have been in its concrete sense; I was reading about “incandescent” lightbulbs in my grade school Science textbooks long before I ever thought the same word could be used to describe people. Having said that, I think it makes for a great poetic alternative for describing intense emotions, and it’s definitely one I should try to work into my writing more often. Whether you choose to write about blazing lights or acts of passion, “incandescent” can be an excellent word to add a fiery touch to your stories! Good luck!

What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?