by Naomi L. | March 9, 2015 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: soliloquy
Pronunciation: sə-LI-lə-kwee
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: an act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Here’s another poetry-related word that I appreciate for its dramatic applications. It’s not uncommon for characters in stories to find themselves alone with their thoughts, so it stands to reason that they would express those solitary thoughts aloud now and then. And where there’s theatrical drama, you know there’s a poetic word to define exactly what’s happening in a given scene. In this case, that word is “soliloquy”.
A “soliloquy” is a speech one gives in solitude or regardless of anyone listening. It’s a type of monologue typically spoken by a character in a play. The word comes from the Latin noun soliloquium, which is comprised of two roots: the adjective solus “alone” and the verb loqui “to speak”.
An excellent example of a “soliloquy”, as well as my personal favorite, is Juliet’s balcony speech from Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. In Act II, Scene II of the play, there is a brief passage between the moment Romeo arrives in the Capulet orchard and the moment he begins proclaiming his love to her when Juliet confesses her true feelings for him without knowing he’s hiding below and listening. Generally being a kind of speech, I suppose a “soliloquy” can be considered talking to yourself taken to the next level. If you write characters who make a habit of talking to themselves, you’ll no doubt be able to work a “soliloquy” or two into your stories! Have fun!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
by Naomi L. | March 2, 2015 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: fortuitous
Pronunciation: for-TOO-ə-təs
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition:
- happening by accident or chance rather than design
- happening by a lucky chance; fortunate
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
It’s the beginning of March, and what better way to start off St. Patrick’s month than with a word related to good fortune? “Fortuitous” is a word I see and hear pop up every once in a while, so it would definitely make an interesting addition to this vocabulary segment. In my opinion, one can never know too many words for “good luck”!
A “fortuitous” event is one that happens by chance, generally a lucky one. The word comes from the Latin adjective fortuitus “happening by chance”, which stems from the adverb forte, meaning “by chance”. This word is derived from the noun fors, which means “chance” or “luck”.
Although “fortuitous” is listed as having two similar meanings, modern uses tend to favor the latter, which is more or less synonymous to “lucky” or “fortunate”. Note, however, that Oxford Dictionaries emphasize this definition as being a strictly informal use of the word, and one that should thus be avoided except in contexts of this sort. Of course, it all comes down to a writer’s discretion when deciding how best to work it into a story, so feel free to use “fortuitous” however you see fit, and may the best fortune find you in your writing endeavors anyway. Good luck (pun absolutely intended)!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
by Naomi L. | February 23, 2015 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: behemoth
Pronunciation: bi-HEE-məth / BEE-ə-məth
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: a huge or monstrous creature
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Continuing from last week’s post on the word “leviathan“, here’s a complementary word for another type of giant monster. If there’s a name for a titanic water-dwelling beast, it stands to reason that there should also be a name for a colossal land-based creature. Once again, mythology provides us with one such name: the great “Behemoth”.
A “behemoth” is basically a creature of monstrous proportion. The word comes from the Hebrew noun bĕhēmōṯ, the intensive plural form of bĕhēmāh, which means “beast”. It has a notable reference in the Bible as a massive creature God shows to Job to prove the point that His might is unmatched by anything mortal (Job 40:15-24).
While the official dictionary entry for “Behemoth” doesn’t specify its habitat as terrestrial, some legends identify it as the male earth-dwelling complement to the female sea monster “Leviathan”. In the same way the latter most likely represented a whale or crocodile, the former may have been equated to such creatures as an elephant, a hippopotamus, a rhinoceros, or even (according to certain theories) a dinosaur. Also similar to “leviathan”, in modern language, “behemoth” can be used as a metaphor for anything enormous and powerful, especially a company or organization. If you tend to write plenty of titanic entities into your stories, “behemoth” may be the word you’re looking for! Good luck!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
by Naomi L. | February 16, 2015 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: leviathan
Pronunciation: lə-VY-ə-thən
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: a very large aquatic creature
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Here’s a less common word for all you fantasy and mythology enthusiasts, especially those fond of the ocean. Legends of the sea are hardly complete without a colossal sea monster to stir up some fear, so it stands to reason that such creatures deserve a name of their own. Fortunately, mythology has provided one such title: the mighty “Leviathan”.
A “leviathan” is basically an enormous water-dwelling creature. The term is especially notable in biblical use, where it refers to a giant sea monster generally equated to a whale or crocodile (e.g. Job 41, Psalms 74). This word is the English translation of the Hebrew noun liwyāṯān, which also means “whale”.
I absolutely love stories about the ocean, so I’m actually surprised I haven’t made more use of the word “leviathan” myself. A great sea monster would be an indispensable addition to a tale about the mythical beasts of the sea. Of course, the word’s uses aren’t limited to fantasy, as it can also refer to something very large and powerful (usually a ship). If you ever find yourself in need of a description for those aquatic titans in your stories, “leviathan” is the word for you! Good luck!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
by Naomi L. | February 9, 2015 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: amorous
Pronunciation: A-mər-əs
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: showing, feeling, or relating to sexual desire
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, so here’s a more romantic word for this week’s vocabulary post. For those of us who enjoy writing romance, sometimes we need just the right word to convey the passion between our characters. And let’s just say that for spicier interactions, “amorous” is on my favorites list.
An “amorous” action is one relating to love or sexual desire. The word can be traced back through the Old French adjective amoros (“in love”) to the medieval Latin adjective amorosus. These in turn stem from the Latin noun amor, which means “love”.
The last time I used the word “amorous” in a story was to describe a kiss between a couple of teenage characters who were desperately in love. I needed an adjective that would accurately define their level of passion without being too explicit, as most of my readers were relatively young and innocent. For that particular purpose, I believe this word worked perfectly well to convey my characters’ love and desire for each other. If you too enjoy romance with plenty of passion, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble writing some “amorous” scenes into your stories! Good luck!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
Recent Comments