by Naomi L. | November 24, 2014 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: mendacious
Pronunciation: men-DAY-shəs
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: not telling the truth; lying
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Here’s a word you’re probably not likely to use much, but that I still think is worth knowing. When I first read the word “mendacious” on a flashcard, I couldn’t even begin to figure out what it meant, because it was one of those words that didn’t sound like any other I’d heard with the same definition. Still, I decided it was worth sharing when I recently came across it again. If it comes up in standardized test prep material, it must be coming up in advanced texts too, right?
“Mendacious” refers to that which is untruthful in nature. The word comes from the Latin adjective mendax, which means “false” or “deceitful”. This adjective is related to the noun mendum, meaning “fault”.
There isn’t much else I can say about a word that I’ve only ever read on a flashcard. I imagine that “mendacious” must have been used much more in the past, but has since fallen into the gray area of purple prose. Or maybe I’m just that far behind on my reading. In any case, I’m sure you can find a good place for this word in your writing if you try. As for me, the best I can do with it for now is a poetic description of my craft: What is fiction if not a “mendacious” account of reality?
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
by Naomi L. | November 17, 2014 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: vapid
Pronunciation: VA-pid
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Do you often find yourself searching for just the right word to describe an incredibly dull person or an uninspiring work of art? If so, then today’s Word of the Week may serve you well. Sometimes it’s handy to know a word that precisely defines something too bland for your taste. I know I’ve found myself searching for that right word many times before…
Something or someone regarded as “vapid” lacks anything stimulating or challenging. This adjective arose in the mid 17th century and was originally used in references to drinks that were lacking in flavor, such as wine. The word comes from the Latin adjective vapidus, which means “flat”.
Having not yet used it too often myself, there isn’t much else I can say about the word “vapid”. In fact, I’m sure the first time I read it, I assumed it had some connection to the word “vapor”. As artists – that is, people with acute senses to our crafts of choice – we are bound to encounter more than our fair share of unimaginative work and/or individuals. If you choose to write about boring characters or you just like to point out the trite in real life, this is a good adjective to keep on your list. What’s important is not to make your own writing “vapid”!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
by Naomi L. | November 10, 2014 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: neophyte
Pronunciation: NEE-ə-fyt
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: a person who is new to a subject, skill or belief
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?
by Naomi L. | November 3, 2014 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: incandescent
Pronunciation: in-kən-DE-sənt
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition:
- emitting light as a result of being heated
- passionate or brilliant
- extremely angry
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?
by Naomi L. | October 27, 2014 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: diffuse
Pronunciation: di-FYOOZ (v.) / di-FYOOS (adj.)
Part of Speech: verb; adjective
Definition:
- (v.) spread or cause to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people
- (adj.) spread out over a large area; not concentrated
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
No, today’s post is not about disarming explosives. This is another word pulled from the vocabulary flashcard stack, and I found it particularly interesting for the fact that it’s both an adjective and a verb. With such a similar spelling and pronunciation, you can’t really blame me for confusing it at first with its more common homophone.
To “diffuse” something is to spread it out over a large area. Similarly, something regarded as “diffuse” is spread out over a wide area. The verb stems from the Latin verb diffundere, meaning “to pour out”. The adjective can be traced back to the Latin adjective diffusus, meaning “extensive”.
As previously noted, the verb “diffuse” is easy to confuse with “defuse”, since both words have the same pronunciation. Remember that “diffuse” means “to disperse”, while “defuse” means “to reduce the danger or tension in”. “Diffuse” also happens to multiple sub-definitions that apply to various subjects, such as physics (“cause to become intermingled with a substance by movement”) and abstract ideas (“lacking clarity or conciseness”). With its wide variety of meanings, you’re certainly likely to find one that fits your writing. Just be careful not to make your stories too “diffuse”!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
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