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Showing posts from 2007

CORUSCATE: "to give off or reflect light in bright beams or flashes; to be brilliant in technique or style"

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    "Coruscate" means to glitter, sparkle, or emit flashes of light, often in a brilliant and lively manner. It's used to describe something that shines or flashes brightly, figuratively or literally.     Etymology: The term "coruscate" comes from the Latin word "coruscatus," which means "to glitter" or "to sparkle."   Sample Sentences: The diamonds on her necklace seemed to coruscate in the sunlight. The city skyline at night coruscated with a myriad of colorful lights. His speech was filled with wit and humor, causing the audience to coruscate with laughter. The fireworks coruscated across the sky, painting vibrant colors against the dark backdrop. The artist's paintings seemed to coruscate with life, each stroke adding a sense of vibrancy. The author's prose coruscated with vivid imagery and clever wordplay, captivating readers with its brilliance. Her performance on stage coruscated with a level of skill and artis...

TRENCHANT: "Having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect"

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"Trenchant" is an adjective used to describe something that is sharply perceptive, keen, incisive, or forceful. It often refers to language, criticism, or analysis that is clear, vigorous, and effective. Etymology: The word "trenchant" has Middle English and Old French origins. It is derived from the Old French word "trenchier," meaning "to cut," and it entered the English language in the sense of cutting or sharp in the 16th century. Sample Sentences: The journalist's trenchant analysis of the political situation captured the attention of readers. Her trenchant wit and clever remarks made her a standout in the world of comedy. The professor's trenchant critique of the research methodology challenged the established norms. The CEO delivered a trenchant speech outlining the company's strategic goals and challenges. The author's trenchant prose left a lasting impact on the readers, provoking thought and reflection. Synonyms: ...

SERAPHIC: "Having a sweet nature befitting an angel or cherub"

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My Sweetheart , originally uploaded by Meghna Sejpal .

TURGID:"Abnormally distended especially by fluids or gas"

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Turgid , originally uploaded by jeffb123 .

LUMINOUS: "softly bright or radiant"

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"Luminous" refers to something that emits or reflects light, or something that is bright, shining, or glowing, either literally or figuratively. The word "luminous" traces its origins to the Latin word "luminosus," derived from "lumen," meaning 'light.' Here are five sample sentences using "luminous": The stars in the night sky appeared luminous , casting a beautiful glow overhead. Her smile was so radiant and luminous ; it lit up the entire room. The artist used luminous colors to create a striking and vivid painting. The scientist studied materials that exhibited luminous properties under certain conditions. The author's prose was filled with luminous descriptions that painted vivid images in the reader's mind. "Luminous" is often associated with brightness, radiance, and a quality of emitting or reflecting light, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Nuit Lumineux / Luminous Night , originally up...

SUPINE: "lying on one's back; prone"

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Supine , originally uploaded by serakatie . "Supine" has a few meanings, but in general, it describes someone lying face-up or a position with the front side upward. Etymologically, it comes from the Latin word "supinus," which means "lying on the back." Sample sentences: After the intense workout, she lay supine on the yoga mat, breathing deeply to relax. The patient was instructed to remain supine for a few hours after the surgery for proper recovery. Looking up at the stars while lying supine on the grass was his favorite way to unwind. The ancient sculptures often depict gods and goddesses in a supine posture, showcasing grace and serenity. late Middle English: the adjective from Latin supinus ‘bent backwards’ (related to super ‘above’); the noun from late Latin supinum, neuter of supinus .

PLANGENT: "pounding; thundering; resounding. expressing sadness; plaintive"

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"Plangent" is an adjective used to describe a sound that is loud, mournful, and expressive of sorrow or melancholy. It is often associated with a deep, resonant, and plaintive tone. Etymology: The word "plangent" has its origins in Latin, coming from the verb "plangere," meaning "to strike" or "to beat the breast" in lamentation. It entered the English language in the mid-17th century. Sample Sentences: The plangent melody of the cello echoed through the concert hall, evoking a sense of deep sadness. The wind carried the plangent wail of the mournful train whistle across the deserted landscape. As the storm approached, the plangent roar of thunder added to the ominous atmosphere. The plangent notes of the singer conveyed the heartbreak and longing embedded in the lyrics. In the quiet cemetery, the plangent tolling of the church bells marked the passing of a beloved community member. Synonyms: mournful, plaintive, sorrowful Antony...

PROPITIATE: "to appease or gain favor by performing actions aimed at pleasing someone"

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"Propitiate" is a verb that means to appease or gain favor by performing actions aimed at pleasing someone, particularly a deity, spirit, or powerful entity. The word comes from the Latin word "propitiare," which means "to make favorable" or "to render favorable." Sample sentences: 1. The ancient ritual was performed to propitiate the gods and ensure a bountiful harvest.  2. She offered gifts to propitiate her angry neighbor after the misunderstanding. 3.  The villagers made offerings to propitiate the spirits believed to inhabit the nearby forest. 4.  In some cultures, sacrifices were made to propitiate the wrath of the gods during difficult times.  5. The company offered discounts and special deals to propitiate dissatisfied customers. These sentences demonstrate different contexts in which the word "propitiate" might be used, indicating actions taken to gain favor, appease, or pacify someone or something. Synonyms: pacify, p...

JINGOIST: "flag-waver, extreme nationalist"

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jingoist headquarters , originally uploaded by jgf527 .

CALLIPYGIAN - "Pertaining to or having finely developed buttocks"

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Nice butt , originally uploaded by Sweet Jane .

APPARITION: "ghost; phantom"

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"Apparition" is a noun that refers to a supernatural appearance or a ghostly figure. It can also be used more broadly to describe a sudden or unusual appearance of something, especially something remarkable or unexpected. Etymology: The word "apparition" comes from the Latin word "apparitio," derived from "apparere," meaning "to appear." In English, it has been used since the late 16th century to signify a ghostly manifestation. Sample Sentences: Late at night, the old mansion was rumored to be haunted by the apparition of a lady in white. The misty forest created an eerie atmosphere, making it feel as though apparitions might emerge from the shadows. The sudden apparition of a shooting star captivated everyone's attention. Witnesses claimed to have seen an apparition of the historical figure walking through the castle corridors. The unexpected apparition of a rare bird drew birdwatchers from all around to catch a glimpse. Sy...

ODORIFEROUS

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Smelly feet , originally uploaded by daveograve@ .

ODORIFEROUS: "giving off an odor"

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Smelly foot , originally uploaded by Avneyon .

LACONIC: "brief and to the point; using few words"

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The Message, Not The Image , originally uploaded by Jack Hess .

WAGGISH: "humorous; mischievous; tricky"

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"Waggish" is an adjective that describes someone or something as playful, mischievous, or inclined to make jokes in a humorous and witty manner. Etymology: The word "waggish" has its roots in Middle English, derived from the noun "wag," meaning a joker or wit. The term evolved to incorporate the adjective form, referring to someone who engages in playful or humorous behavior. Sample Sentences: The waggish comedian had the audience in stitches with his clever jokes and witty remarks. Despite his serious demeanor, he had a waggish sense of humor that surprised everyone. The cat's waggish antics entertained the children for hours. Her waggish remarks added a lighthearted touch to the otherwise formal gathering. The waggish writing style of the author made the novel both amusing and insightful. Synonyms : playful, mischievous, witty Antonyms: serious, solemn Flickr photo by  TerryLea

IMPERIOUS: "domineering in a haughty manner; dictatorial; overbearing:an imperious manner; an imperious person" (adj)"

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He's not usually quite so imperious , originally uploaded by Sara June .

IMBROGLIO: from Italian "imbrogliare" -confuse, tangle..-an intricate and confusing interpersonal or political situation -confused tangle.

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Motivations , originally uploaded by CATeyes .

IMBROGLIO: "an intricate and perplexing state of affairs; a complicated or difficult situation" (n.)

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War in the Middle East , originally uploaded by Stewf .

HETERODOX: "not in accordance with established or accepted doctrines"

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dancing girls , originally uploaded by torontofotobug .

GAMBOL: "to skip about, as in dancing or playing; frolic" (v.)

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Gamboling , originally uploaded by tommy martin .

FROWARD: "Stubbornly contrary and disobedient; obstinate" (adj.)

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"Froward" is an adjective that describes a person as being difficult to deal with, stubbornly contrary, or disobedient. It implies a challenging or uncooperative attitude. Etymology: The word "froward" has Middle English origins, and it is derived from the combination of "fro," meaning away, and "ward," meaning direction. The term evolved over time to signify someone who turns away from what is right or proper. Sample Sentences: The froward child refused to follow instructions and continued to misbehave. Dealing with a froward employee can be challenging for any manager. Her froward nature made it difficult for others to collaborate with her on the project. The teacher had to address the froward behavior in the classroom to maintain order. Despite repeated warnings, the froward attitude persisted, leading to disciplinary action. Synonyms: obstinate, contrary, stubborn Antonyms: cooperative, obedient, agreeable IMG_108...