draught or U.S. draft- a current of air; an act of pulling a load; a portion of liquid to be drunk; beer, wine stored in bulk
C14 from Old Norse drahtr, of Germanic origin; related to draw
There is an interesting distinction between the two spellings of draught.
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Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
#364 dram
dram- one sixteenth of an ounce; also called drachma; a small amount of an alcoholic drink
- C15 from Old French dragme, from Latin dragma, from Greek drakhme
Friar Laurence said to Romeo, "Here's a dram of poison, soon speeding gear to take you away."
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- C15 from Old French dragme, from Latin dragma, from Greek drakhme
Friar Laurence said to Romeo, "Here's a dram of poison, soon speeding gear to take you away."
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
#363 Draconian
Draconian/draconian- of, or relating to Draco or his code of laws; harsh
The crisis is then used as an excuse to bring in draconian measures to close the door to the most needy and vulnerable.
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The crisis is then used as an excuse to bring in draconian measures to close the door to the most needy and vulnerable.
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
#362 dour
dour- sullen; hard or obstinate
C14 Latin durus- hard
The gray people, as a friend of mine called the dour-looking youths of the downtown arts crowd, stuffed into the room on old folding chairs and splintering benches, everyone stepping carefully amid broken floorboards and keeping one wary eye on the wires and pipes hanging from the ceiling.
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C14 Latin durus- hard
The gray people, as a friend of mine called the dour-looking youths of the downtown arts crowd, stuffed into the room on old folding chairs and splintering benches, everyone stepping carefully amid broken floorboards and keeping one wary eye on the wires and pipes hanging from the ceiling.
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Monday, December 27, 2010
#361 doughty
doughty- adj. - hardy, resolute, doughtiness, noun; doughtily adverb
-Old English dohtig: related to Old High German toht worth, Middle Dutch duchtich strong, Greek tukhe luck
Whatever your taste in cover art, if doughty heroes and gargantuan monsters sounds like your kind of thing, why not give the book a try?
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-Old English dohtig: related to Old High German toht worth, Middle Dutch duchtich strong, Greek tukhe luck
Whatever your taste in cover art, if doughty heroes and gargantuan monsters sounds like your kind of thing, why not give the book a try?
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Sunday, December 26, 2010
#360 dossier
dossier- a collection of papers containing information on a particular subject or person
C19 from French: a file with a label on the back, from dos back, from Latin dorsum
Many private dossiers were exposed to the world at WikiLeaks.
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C19 from French: a file with a label on the back, from dos back, from Latin dorsum
Many private dossiers were exposed to the world at WikiLeaks.
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
#359 dopamine
dopamine- a chemical found in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter and is an intermediate compound in the synthesis of noradrenaline
Varying levels of dopamine and endorphins in the brain affect our moods and behaviour.
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Varying levels of dopamine and endorphins in the brain affect our moods and behaviour.
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Friday, December 24, 2010
#358 donnybrook
donnybrook- a rowdy brawl
C19 after Donnybrook Fair, an annual event until 1855 near Dublin
Unfortunately, I'm talking about a history of rowdiness (after all, we get the word "donnybrook" from the Irish.)
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C19 after Donnybrook Fair, an annual event until 1855 near Dublin
Unfortunately, I'm talking about a history of rowdiness (after all, we get the word "donnybrook" from the Irish.)
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Thursday, December 23, 2010
#357 doily
doily, doyley, or doyly- a decorative mat of lace or lacelike paper, laid on or under plates
C18 named after Doily, a London draper
It's interesting that this decorative accent, so popular several generations ago is named after its inventor.
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C18 named after Doily, a London draper
It's interesting that this decorative accent, so popular several generations ago is named after its inventor.
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
#356 dogma
dogma- a religious doctrine or system of doctrines proclaimed by ecclesiastical authority as true; a belief, principle, or doctrine or a code of beliefs, principles, or doctrines: Marxist dogma
C17 via Latin from Greek: opinion, belief, from dokein to seem good
dogmatic- prone to make arrogant opinionated pronouncements; of, based on assumption rather than empirical observation
Conservatism as a philosophy is built around the idea that “The Truth” is already known, that their exists a specific and certain dogma that the population must conform to, and that it is responsibility of the authoritive conservative hierarchy to ensure that the public does obey.
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C17 via Latin from Greek: opinion, belief, from dokein to seem good
dogmatic- prone to make arrogant opinionated pronouncements; of, based on assumption rather than empirical observation
Conservatism as a philosophy is built around the idea that “The Truth” is already known, that their exists a specific and certain dogma that the population must conform to, and that it is responsibility of the authoritive conservative hierarchy to ensure that the public does obey.
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
#355 doggerel
doggerel or dogrel- comic verse, usually irregular in measure; as modifier a doggerel rhythm; nonsense; drivel
C14 dogerel worthless, perhaps from dogge dog
Sir Thopas was a doughty swain,
White was his face as paindemain,
His lippes red as rose.
His rode is like scarlet in grain,
And I you tell in good certain
He had a seemly nose.
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C14 dogerel worthless, perhaps from dogge dog
Sir Thopas was a doughty swain,
White was his face as paindemain,
His lippes red as rose.
His rode is like scarlet in grain,
And I you tell in good certain
He had a seemly nose.
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Monday, December 20, 2010
#354 dodder
dodder (verb)- to move unsteadily; totter; to shake or tremble, as from age
C17 variant of earlier dadder; related to Norwegian dudra to tremble
dodderer noun; doddery adjective
I was part of a group of 12 or so geezers who get together the third week in November every year and dodder around with rifles.
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C17 variant of earlier dadder; related to Norwegian dudra to tremble
dodderer noun; doddery adjective
I was part of a group of 12 or so geezers who get together the third week in November every year and dodder around with rifles.
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Sunday, December 19, 2010
#353 docile
docile- easy to manage, control, or discipline; submissive; rare: ready to learn, easy to teach
C15 from Latin docilis easily taught, from docere to teach
It's interesting that the modern meaning of docile has lost its original more positive connotation.
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C15 from Latin docilis easily taught, from docere to teach
It's interesting that the modern meaning of docile has lost its original more positive connotation.
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Saturday, December 18, 2010
#352 diva
diva- a highly distinguished female singer; prima donna
C19 via Italian from Latin: a goddess, from divus divine
You can't be working in diva mode if you're not delivering on the diva promise.
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C19 via Italian from Latin: a goddess, from divus divine
You can't be working in diva mode if you're not delivering on the diva promise.
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Friday, December 17, 2010
#351 diurnal
diurnal- happening during the day or daily; of flowers: open during the day and closed at night; of animals: active during the day
opposite nocturnal
C15 from Late Latin diurnalis, from Latin diurnus from dies day
A lot of mammals (nocturnal or diurnal) are evolved to mate around dusk (give or take a few hours).
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opposite nocturnal
C15 from Late Latin diurnalis, from Latin diurnus from dies day
A lot of mammals (nocturnal or diurnal) are evolved to mate around dusk (give or take a few hours).
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Thursday, December 16, 2010
#350 dissonance
dissonance- a discordant combination of sounds; lack of agreement or consistency
also dissonant discordant; cacophonous; incongruous
C15 from Latin dissonare to be discordant, from dis +sonare to sound
Cognitive dissonance is a favorite pastime of people who preach about Evil.
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also dissonant discordant; cacophonous; incongruous
C15 from Latin dissonare to be discordant, from dis +sonare to sound
Cognitive dissonance is a favorite pastime of people who preach about Evil.
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
#349 dissension
dissension- disagreement, especially when leading to a quarrel; also dissent
C13 from Latin dissensio, from dissentire to dissent
Those who used to love to say that dissent is the highest form of patriotism have been assiduously working to assure that dissent from the agenda they have been weaving will be considered the lowest form of stupidity.
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C13 from Latin dissensio, from dissentire to dissent
Those who used to love to say that dissent is the highest form of patriotism have been assiduously working to assure that dissent from the agenda they have been weaving will be considered the lowest form of stupidity.
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
#348 disparage
disparage- to speak contemptuously of; belittle; to damage the reputation of
C14 from Old French desparagier,from dis+ parare equality, from Latin par equal
also disparity- inequality or difference
Far be it from me to disparage anyone or any group because I don't happen to believe in their creeds or mythology.
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C14 from Old French desparagier,from dis+ parare equality, from Latin par equal
also disparity- inequality or difference
Far be it from me to disparage anyone or any group because I don't happen to believe in their creeds or mythology.
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Monday, December 13, 2010
#347 discreet
discreet- careful to avoid social embarrassment or distress, especially by keeping confidnences secret; tactful
C14 from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discretus to discern
Some areas for the ladies to consider: hair cut, color, makeup, shoes, purses, clothing, jewelry and certain discreet cultural factors.
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C14 from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discretus to discern
Some areas for the ladies to consider: hair cut, color, makeup, shoes, purses, clothing, jewelry and certain discreet cultural factors.
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Sunday, December 12, 2010
#346 disconsolate
disconsolate- adjective sad beyond comfort; inconsolable; disappointed; dejected
C14 from Medieval Latin disconsolatus; from dis+ consolatus comforted
He would have gone moping about for years in disconsolate solitude, silent and sullen as a ghost.
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C14 from Medieval Latin disconsolatus; from dis+ consolatus comforted
He would have gone moping about for years in disconsolate solitude, silent and sullen as a ghost.
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Saturday, December 11, 2010
#345 dis
dis- prefix indicating reversal: disconnect, disembark,
indicating negation: dissimilar, distrust, disgrace
indicating removal or release: disembowel, disburden
- from Latin dis- apart
I include the prefix dis because the prefix is used in hundreds of words in the dictionary: disarray, disconcert, disarmament...
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indicating negation: dissimilar, distrust, disgrace
indicating removal or release: disembowel, disburden
- from Latin dis- apart
I include the prefix dis because the prefix is used in hundreds of words in the dictionary: disarray, disconcert, disarmament...
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Friday, December 10, 2010
#344 dire
dire- adjective, also direful; disastrous; fearful; desperate; urgent; foreboding disaster
C16 from Latin dirus, related to Greek deos fear
The earth tremors and smoking volcano alerted the villagers of dire events.
Are our attention spans in dire need of some remediation?
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C16 from Latin dirus, related to Greek deos fear
The earth tremors and smoking volcano alerted the villagers of dire events.
Are our attention spans in dire need of some remediation?
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Thursday, December 9, 2010
#343 diorama
diorama- a miniature three-dimensional scene, in which models of figures are seen against a background; picture made up of illuminated translucent curtains, viewed through an aperture
C19 from French, from Greek dia- through+Greek horama view
I have vivid memories of making several dioramas in art class with a shoe box and colourful craft papers.
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C19 from French, from Greek dia- through+Greek horama view
I have vivid memories of making several dioramas in art class with a shoe box and colourful craft papers.
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010
#342 dionysion/ Dionysion
dionysion- of or relating to Dionysus; relating to the set of creative qualities that encompasses spontaneity, irrationality the rejection of discipline; wild orgiastic
And on the other hand, one sees a complex of social and economic conditions which worked in countless irresistible ways against the rise of that dionysian spirit, that joyful acquiescence in life, that philosophy which offers to Puritanism, today as in times past, its chief and perhaps only effective antagonism.
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And on the other hand, one sees a complex of social and economic conditions which worked in countless irresistible ways against the rise of that dionysian spirit, that joyful acquiescence in life, that philosophy which offers to Puritanism, today as in times past, its chief and perhaps only effective antagonism.
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
#341 dilettante
dilettante- a person whose interest in a subject is superficial rather than professional; a person who loves the arts
C18 from Italian from dilettare to delight, from Latin delectare
He claims a degree in journalism and holds himself out as some kind of dilettante on the subject, although there's no evidence he's ever written a single noteworthy article.
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C18 from Italian from dilettare to delight, from Latin delectare
He claims a degree in journalism and holds himself out as some kind of dilettante on the subject, although there's no evidence he's ever written a single noteworthy article.
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Monday, December 6, 2010
#340 diffident
diffident- lacking self confidence; timid; shy
C15 from Latin diffidere to distrust, from dis not+fidere to trust diffidence, diffidently
He is a skilled and loyal swordsman, but his naïve, diffident nature has time and again caused him to be let go by the lord whom he has worked.
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C15 from Latin diffidere to distrust, from dis not+fidere to trust diffidence, diffidently
He is a skilled and loyal swordsman, but his naïve, diffident nature has time and again caused him to be let go by the lord whom he has worked.
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Sunday, December 5, 2010
#339 didactic
didactic- intended to instruct, morally instructive, improving
C17 from Greek didaktikos skilled in teaching
Teens are such an open audience, and the world of YA literature has evolved in the past years, so the age of thinking about teen novels as needing to be limited or didactic is definitely over.
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C17 from Greek didaktikos skilled in teaching
Teens are such an open audience, and the world of YA literature has evolved in the past years, so the age of thinking about teen novels as needing to be limited or didactic is definitely over.
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Saturday, December 4, 2010
#338 dichotomy
dichotomy- division into two parts or classicication, especially when they are sharply distinguished or opposed: such as the dichotomy between eastern and western cultures
C17 from Greek dichotomia
Arguably, this dichotomy is a deeply unhealthy attitude, a neurosis situating self entirely in the superego and demonising the libido as a base and bestial “animal nature” that must be mastered, rather than the natural self-correcting impulses of a homeostatic system designed to maintain a dynamic equilibrium.
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C17 from Greek dichotomia
Arguably, this dichotomy is a deeply unhealthy attitude, a neurosis situating self entirely in the superego and demonising the libido as a base and bestial “animal nature” that must be mastered, rather than the natural self-correcting impulses of a homeostatic system designed to maintain a dynamic equilibrium.
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Friday, December 3, 2010
#337 diatribe
diatribe- a bitter or violent criticism or attack; denunciation
C16 from Latin diatriba learned debate, from Greek diatribe discourse, pastime, from diatribein to while away
This diatribe is about companies with lousy customer service.
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C16 from Latin diatriba learned debate, from Greek diatribe discourse, pastime, from diatribein to while away
This diatribe is about companies with lousy customer service.
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Thursday, December 2, 2010
#336 Diaspora
Diaspora- the dispersion of the Jews after the Babylonian and Roman conquests of Palestine; the Jewish communities outside Israel; often not capitalized diaspora a dispersion or spreading, as of people originally belonging to one nation or having a common culture
C19 from Greek: a scattering, from diaspeirein to disperse
The safey of the Jew in diaspora has varied from place to place at any given time, and from time to time within any given place.
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C19 from Greek: a scattering, from diaspeirein to disperse
The safey of the Jew in diaspora has varied from place to place at any given time, and from time to time within any given place.
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010
#335 diaphonous
diaphonous- (usually of fabric such as silk) fine and transparent
C17 from Medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphanes transparent
I have no clue how many people are here, but it is a picture-perfect summer evening, breezy and bathed in diaphanous (I've always loved that word) light.
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C17 from Medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphanes transparent
I have no clue how many people are here, but it is a picture-perfect summer evening, breezy and bathed in diaphanous (I've always loved that word) light.
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
#334 dialect
dialect- a from of a language spoken in a particular geographical area or by members of a particular social class or occupational group, distinguished by its vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation
C16 from Latin dialectus, from Greek dialektos speech
Assyrian tongue differed only in dialect from the Hebrew.
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C16 from Latin dialectus, from Greek dialektos speech
Assyrian tongue differed only in dialect from the Hebrew.
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Monday, November 29, 2010
#333 diadem
diadem- a royal crown, especially a light jewelled circlet; royal dignity or power
C13 from Latin diadema, from Greek diadein to bind around
Every land illuminated by thy diadem is encircled by thy might; and in all the zone of the heavens there is not a rebel to rise up against thee.
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C13 from Latin diadema, from Greek diadein to bind around
Every land illuminated by thy diadem is encircled by thy might; and in all the zone of the heavens there is not a rebel to rise up against thee.
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Sunday, November 28, 2010
#332 diabolic
diabolic- of, relating to, or proceeding from the devil; satanic; befitting a devil; extremely cruel or wicked; fiendish; very difficult or unpleasant
C14 from Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolikos, from diabolos- devil
also diabolical
Recently I discovered that to preserve their diabolic power, vampires must sleep during the day in the same unhallowed ground in which they had been buried.
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C14 from Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolikos, from diabolos- devil
also diabolical
Recently I discovered that to preserve their diabolic power, vampires must sleep during the day in the same unhallowed ground in which they had been buried.
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Saturday, November 27, 2010
#331 dharma
dharma- Hinduism- social custom regarded as a religious and moral duty; the essential principle of the cosmos; natural law; Buddhism- ideal truth as set forth in the teaching of Buddha
Sanskrit- from dharayati habit, usage,law
The word dharma literally translates as that which upholds or supports, and is generally translated into English as law.
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Sanskrit- from dharayati habit, usage,law
The word dharma literally translates as that which upholds or supports, and is generally translated into English as law.
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Friday, November 26, 2010
#330 detritus
detritus- a loose mass of stones, silt, worn away from rocks; an accumulation of accumulated material
C18 from French detritus, from Latin detritus a rubbing away
also detrition, detriment
If you collected all the detritus from a 25 megaton bomb after the explosion, you would only be missing one kilogram of mass, and an average sized city.
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C18 from French detritus, from Latin detritus a rubbing away
also detrition, detriment
If you collected all the detritus from a 25 megaton bomb after the explosion, you would only be missing one kilogram of mass, and an average sized city.
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Thursday, November 25, 2010
#329 deterrent
deterrent- somethings that deters, hinders; a weapon held by one to deter, restrain
C19 from Latin deterrens- hindering
In the matter of defence, we should not overlook the fact that one of the key elements in any adversary's assessment of the effectiveness of our deterrent is the state of the resolution and will of the North Atlantic Alliance.
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C19 from Latin deterrens- hindering
In the matter of defence, we should not overlook the fact that one of the key elements in any adversary's assessment of the effectiveness of our deterrent is the state of the resolution and will of the North Atlantic Alliance.
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
#328 destitute
destitute- lacking the means of subsistence; totally impoverished
C14 from Latin destitutus- forsaken
The destitute in society are often alienated and lonely.
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C14 from Latin destitutus- forsaken
The destitute in society are often alienated and lonely.
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Tuesday, November 23, 2010
#327 despot
despot- an absolute or tyrannical ruler; autocrat or tyrant; any person in power who acts tyrannically
C16 from Medieval Latin despota, from Greek despotes- lord master ; related to domus house
He could not even be mentioned in the language of any humane ruler except by despot which branded him as an object of mingled fear and dislike.
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C16 from Medieval Latin despota, from Greek despotes- lord master ; related to domus house
He could not even be mentioned in the language of any humane ruler except by despot which branded him as an object of mingled fear and dislike.
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Monday, November 22, 2010
#326 desiderata
desiderata- the plural of desideratum- something lacked and wanted
C17 from Latin desiderare- desiderate verb- to feel the lack of or need for; long for; miss
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons. .. from Max Ehrmann's Desiderata
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C17 from Latin desiderare- desiderate verb- to feel the lack of or need for; long for; miss
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons. .. from Max Ehrmann's Desiderata
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Sunday, November 21, 2010
#325 desecrate
desecrate- to violate or outrage the sacred character of an object or place by destructive, blasphemous, or sacrilegious action
C17 from de+ consecrate
desecrator, desecration
Prior to the board's split vote last summer, preservationists had mounted an intense lobbying effort against a Wal-Mart at that location because they said it would desecrate an unprotected part of the battlefield.
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C17 from de+ consecrate
desecrator, desecration
Prior to the board's split vote last summer, preservationists had mounted an intense lobbying effort against a Wal-Mart at that location because they said it would desecrate an unprotected part of the battlefield.
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Saturday, November 20, 2010
#324 derogate
derogate,verb- to cause to seem inferior or be in disrepute; detract; disparage
C15 from Latin derogare to repeal some part of a law modify it
derogatory,adj.- tending or intended to detract, disparage, or belittle; intentionally offensive
derogation, noun
And bridge to nowhere is a symbol to derogate extravagant government spending on a project that would benefit relative few people.
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C15 from Latin derogare to repeal some part of a law modify it
derogatory,adj.- tending or intended to detract, disparage, or belittle; intentionally offensive
derogation, noun
And bridge to nowhere is a symbol to derogate extravagant government spending on a project that would benefit relative few people.
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Friday, November 19, 2010
#323 derelict
derelict, adj.- deserted or abandoned, as by an owner, falling into ruins; neglected; dilapidated
C17 from Latin derelictus forsaken, from derelinquere to abandon
dereliction, noun- deliberate, conscious, or wilful neglect
The state charges that he has been derelict in his duties as a landlord.
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C17 from Latin derelictus forsaken, from derelinquere to abandon
dereliction, noun- deliberate, conscious, or wilful neglect
The state charges that he has been derelict in his duties as a landlord.
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Thursday, November 18, 2010
#322 deprecate
deprecate- to express disapproval of; protest against; to depreciate a person's character; belittle
C17 from Latin deprecari to avert, ward off by entreaty
deprecatory adj; deprecation noun
At the same time, an increasingly fashionable "spirituality," vaguely influenced by eastern religions and (less consciously) by our own Gnostic heritage, tends to deprecate the body and all material existence as ultimately illusory.
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C17 from Latin deprecari to avert, ward off by entreaty
deprecatory adj; deprecation noun
At the same time, an increasingly fashionable "spirituality," vaguely influenced by eastern religions and (less consciously) by our own Gnostic heritage, tends to deprecate the body and all material existence as ultimately illusory.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010
#321 denouement
denouement- the final clarification or resolution of a plot in a play or other work; final outcome, solution
C18 from French, literally an untying from denouer to untie, Old French desnoer, from Latin nodare from nodus a knot
It was not until close upon six o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too late to assist at the denouement of the little mystery.
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C18 from French, literally an untying from denouer to untie, Old French desnoer, from Latin nodare from nodus a knot
It was not until close upon six o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too late to assist at the denouement of the little mystery.
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Tuesday, November 16, 2010
#320 denigrate
denigrate- to belittle or disparage the character of; defame
C16 from Latin denigrare to make very black, defame,
Wanting to learn more about Islam, not to denigrate it, was my personal reaction to the tragedy that was September 11th.
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C16 from Latin denigrare to make very black, defame,
Wanting to learn more about Islam, not to denigrate it, was my personal reaction to the tragedy that was September 11th.
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Monday, November 15, 2010
#319 demure
demure- sedate; decorous (polite); reserved; affectedly modest or prim; coy
C14 Old French demorer to delay, linger; perhaps influenced by meur ripe, mature
demurely adverb; demureness noun
She was freezing cold and yet sweat was beading on her forehead and trickling between her breasts under her demure linen nightgown.
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C14 Old French demorer to delay, linger; perhaps influenced by meur ripe, mature
demurely adverb; demureness noun
She was freezing cold and yet sweat was beading on her forehead and trickling between her breasts under her demure linen nightgown.
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Sunday, November 14, 2010
#318 demulcent
demulcent- soothing; mollifying; a drug or agent that soothes the irritation of inflamed or injured skin surfaces
C18 from Latin demulcere to caress
Some of the medicinal properties are emollient, demulcent, laxative, source of linoleic acid; cold-pressed oil is used in salves for muscle pains; leaves in tea are astringent and antiseptic; may lower blood sugar in diabetes and dilate coronary arteries to improve blood circulation. (How's that for a sentence?)
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C18 from Latin demulcere to caress
Some of the medicinal properties are emollient, demulcent, laxative, source of linoleic acid; cold-pressed oil is used in salves for muscle pains; leaves in tea are astringent and antiseptic; may lower blood sugar in diabetes and dilate coronary arteries to improve blood circulation. (How's that for a sentence?)
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Saturday, November 13, 2010
#317 democracy
democracy- government by the people or their elected representatives...
-interesting word etymology- French democratie, from Late Latin democratia, from Greek demokratia- government by the people
Inherent within labour unions is a fervent democracy.
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-interesting word etymology- French democratie, from Late Latin democratia, from Greek demokratia- government by the people
Inherent within labour unions is a fervent democracy.
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Friday, November 12, 2010
#316 demagogue
demagogue- a political agitator who appeals with crude oratory to the prejudice and passions of the mob; in ancient world- popular political leader or orator
C17 from Greek demagogos people's leader, from demos people + agein to lead
Last May, Obama labeled Chávez a "demagogue" and said, "His predictable yet perilous mix of anti-American rhetoric, authoritarian government, and checkbook diplomacy offers the same false promise as the tried and failed ideologies of the past.
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C17 from Greek demagogos people's leader, from demos people + agein to lead
Last May, Obama labeled Chávez a "demagogue" and said, "His predictable yet perilous mix of anti-American rhetoric, authoritarian government, and checkbook diplomacy offers the same false promise as the tried and failed ideologies of the past.
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Thursday, November 11, 2010
#315 delude
delude- to deceive the mind or judgment of; mislead; beguile
C15 from Latin deludere to mock, play false
It is all very well for us to say these things for the public, but we must not delude ourselves.
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C15 from Latin deludere to mock, play false
It is all very well for us to say these things for the public, but we must not delude ourselves.
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010
#314 deleterious
deleterious- harmful; injurious; hurtful
C17 from Latin deleterius, from Greek deleterios- injurious, destructive,
The real critical issue that everyone is struggling with is, What about the potential long-term deleterious effects that might override the beneficial effects?
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C17 from Latin deleterius, from Greek deleterios- injurious, destructive,
The real critical issue that everyone is struggling with is, What about the potential long-term deleterious effects that might override the beneficial effects?
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010
#313 decoy
decoy- a person or thing used to beguile or lead someone into danger; lure
C17 from Dutch de kooi- literally the cage, from Latin cavea- cage
An enclosed place, such as a pond is the perfect place to lure wildfowl with a decoy.
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C17 from Dutch de kooi- literally the cage, from Latin cavea- cage
An enclosed place, such as a pond is the perfect place to lure wildfowl with a decoy.
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Monday, November 8, 2010
#312 decorous
decorous- characterized by propriety in manners, conduct
C17 from Latin decorus, from decor elegance
also decorum- propriety, especially in behaviour or conduct, correctness
With a demurely made-up face, clad in clothes that bespoke modesty, she looked the perfect model of pious decorum.
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C17 from Latin decorus, from decor elegance
also decorum- propriety, especially in behaviour or conduct, correctness
With a demurely made-up face, clad in clothes that bespoke modesty, she looked the perfect model of pious decorum.
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Sunday, November 7, 2010
#311 decolletage
decolletage- a low-cut neck line or a woman's garment with a low neck
C19 from French decollete
A young woman with downcast eyes hastened across a balcony in Venice, a black veil artfully draped over her hair and shoulders to reveal her pale, comely face and low decolletage.
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C19 from French decollete
A young woman with downcast eyes hastened across a balcony in Venice, a black veil artfully draped over her hair and shoulders to reveal her pale, comely face and low decolletage.
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Saturday, November 6, 2010
#310 decadence
decadence- deterioration, especially of morality or culture; decay; degeneration;
C16 from French, from Medieval Latin decadentia literally: a falling away
The Empire is currently in the early stages of decadence, which is the most agreeable time to inhabit: peace and pleasure, and the society not yet rotted so far that chaos sets in.
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C16 from French, from Medieval Latin decadentia literally: a falling away
The Empire is currently in the early stages of decadence, which is the most agreeable time to inhabit: peace and pleasure, and the society not yet rotted so far that chaos sets in.
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Friday, November 5, 2010
#309 debonair
debonair- especially of a man- suave and refined, carefree, courteous and cheerful; affable
C13 from Old French debonaire, from de bon aire having a good disposition
Ricardo Montalbán, a Mexican-born actor who starred in Hollywood dramas and candy-colored musicals in the 1940s and '50s was perhaps best known as the debonair host of the TV drama Fantasy Island.
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C13 from Old French debonaire, from de bon aire having a good disposition
Ricardo Montalbán, a Mexican-born actor who starred in Hollywood dramas and candy-colored musicals in the 1940s and '50s was perhaps best known as the debonair host of the TV drama Fantasy Island.
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Thursday, November 4, 2010
#308 debauch
debauch- to lead into a life of depraved self indulgence; an instance or period of extreme dissipation
C16 from Old French desbaucher to corrupt, literally to shape (timber) roughly, from bauch beam, of Germanic origin
Far to the right and the left loomed up great black crags and beneath them there reared castles and towers of stone, of strange architecture -- it was as if giants from some other planet had thrown them up in a wild and chaotic debauch of creation.
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C16 from Old French desbaucher to corrupt, literally to shape (timber) roughly, from bauch beam, of Germanic origin
Far to the right and the left loomed up great black crags and beneath them there reared castles and towers of stone, of strange architecture -- it was as if giants from some other planet had thrown them up in a wild and chaotic debauch of creation.
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010
#307 debacle
debacle- a sudden disastrous collapse or defeat especially one involving a disorderly retreat; rout
C19 from French debacle, from Old French desbacler to unbolt, ultimately from Latin baculum rod, staff
All he wanted was to get in and out undetected, and leave the word of warning he had to deliver, for the sake of whatever fragile chance of reconciliation and peace remained alive after the debacle of Coventry.
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C19 from French debacle, from Old French desbacler to unbolt, ultimately from Latin baculum rod, staff
All he wanted was to get in and out undetected, and leave the word of warning he had to deliver, for the sake of whatever fragile chance of reconciliation and peace remained alive after the debacle of Coventry.
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
#306 de
de- prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives; removal of or from something
deforest, dethrone, decode, decompose, desegregate, ...
'De' words cover many pages in the dictionary!
The prefix 'de' illustrates well that knowing the meaning of a prefix helps to unlock the meaning of many words.
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deforest, dethrone, decode, decompose, desegregate, ...
'De' words cover many pages in the dictionary!
The prefix 'de' illustrates well that knowing the meaning of a prefix helps to unlock the meaning of many words.
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Monday, November 1, 2010
#305 daunt
daunt- verb- to intimidate; to dishearten
C13 from Old French danter to conquer, from Latin domitare to tame
daunting- adjective, also opposite dauntless- fearless, intrepid, dauntlessness
The prospect of going to my boss about the complaint won't daunt me.
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C13 from Old French danter to conquer, from Latin domitare to tame
daunting- adjective, also opposite dauntless- fearless, intrepid, dauntlessness
The prospect of going to my boss about the complaint won't daunt me.
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Sunday, October 31, 2010
#304 dastard
dastard- archaic- a contemptible sneaking coward
C15 probably from Old Norse daestr exhausted, out of breath
dastardly- mean and cowardly
The following story is strictly true; and true it is that the country-people rose, to a man, at this dastard cruelty, and did what the Government failed to do.
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C15 probably from Old Norse daestr exhausted, out of breath
dastardly- mean and cowardly
The following story is strictly true; and true it is that the country-people rose, to a man, at this dastard cruelty, and did what the Government failed to do.
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Saturday, October 30, 2010
#303 dank
dank- unpleasantly damp and chilly
C14 probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dank marshy spot
The black chair sits on a round wooden platform in a small, dank room.
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C14 probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dank marshy spot
The black chair sits on a round wooden platform in a small, dank room.
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Friday, October 29, 2010
#302 damask
damask- a reversible fabric, usually silk or linen with a pattern woven into it: table linen, curtains...
C14 from Medieval Latin damascus, Damascus where this fabric was originally made
The real differences between the rooms intended for ladies and men were in the materials used to decorate; in the parlor, the furniture was covered in damask satin and velvet.
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C14 from Medieval Latin damascus, Damascus where this fabric was originally made
The real differences between the rooms intended for ladies and men were in the materials used to decorate; in the parlor, the furniture was covered in damask satin and velvet.
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Thursday, October 28, 2010
#301 dally
dally- verb- to waste time idly; dawdle; to deal frivolously or lightly with; trifle, toy
- dalliance- noun; archaic word for flirtation
C14 from Anglo-French dalier to gossip
We are not going to dally or dawdle on the issue; it's time to act.
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- dalliance- noun; archaic word for flirtation
C14 from Anglo-French dalier to gossip
We are not going to dally or dawdle on the issue; it's time to act.
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010
#300 dacoit
dacoit- a member of a gang of armed robbers
C19 from Hindi dakait, from daka robbery
dacoity- robbery by an armed gang
A dacoit who had engaged hundreds of policemen in a gunfight for three days was shot dead.
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C19 from Hindi dakait, from daka robbery
dacoity- robbery by an armed gang
A dacoit who had engaged hundreds of policemen in a gunfight for three days was shot dead.
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
#299 Cynic, cynical
Cynic- a member of a sect founded by Antisthenes that scorned worldly things and held that self-control was the key to the only good
cynical- distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, especially selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, of honesty and morality
The politician betrayed his promises and unleashed cynicism among those in his riding.
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cynical- distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, especially selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, of honesty and morality
The politician betrayed his promises and unleashed cynicism among those in his riding.
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Monday, October 25, 2010
#298 cymar
cymar- a woman's short fur-trimmed jacket, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries
C17 variant of simar, from French simarre, perhaps ultimately from Basque zamar sheepskin
A sea-green cymar with short sleeves, displayed her exquisitely moulded arms to perfection, and was fastened by a girdle of emeralds over a yellow satin frock.
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C17 variant of simar, from French simarre, perhaps ultimately from Basque zamar sheepskin
A sea-green cymar with short sleeves, displayed her exquisitely moulded arms to perfection, and was fastened by a girdle of emeralds over a yellow satin frock.
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Sunday, October 24, 2010
#297 cygnet
cygnet- a young swan
C15 from Old French cygne swan, from Latin cygnus, from Greek kuknos
It was uplifting to see the cygnet with her mother on the Thames as we went to the theater.
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C15 from Old French cygne swan, from Latin cygnus, from Greek kuknos
It was uplifting to see the cygnet with her mother on the Thames as we went to the theater.
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Saturday, October 23, 2010
#296 curmudgeon
curmudgeon- a surly or miserly person
C16 of unknown origin
Customarily she was the one to hug him, while he acted the curmudgeon and spurned her displays of affection.
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C16 of unknown origin
Customarily she was the one to hug him, while he acted the curmudgeon and spurned her displays of affection.
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Friday, October 22, 2010
#295 curfew
curfew- an official regulation setting restrictions on movement, especially after a specific time at night; in medieval Europe the ringing of a bell to prompt people to extinguish fires and lights
C13 from Old French cuevrefeu- literally- cover the fire
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C13 from Old French cuevrefeu- literally- cover the fire
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Thursday, October 21, 2010
#294 cum laude
cum laude- with praise: the lowest of three designations for above-average achievement in examinations
Latin
Terri graduated cum laude, Mark with magna cum laude (with distinction), and Sue with summa cum laude (with high distinction).
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Latin
Terri graduated cum laude, Mark with magna cum laude (with distinction), and Sue with summa cum laude (with high distinction).
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
#293 culpa
culpa- civil law: an act of neglect; fault; sin; guilt
mea culpa- an acknowledgement of your error or guilt
culpable- deserving blame, guilty
A person who is culpable (a culprit) is one who can be blamed for doing something.
Latin- fault
The mea culpa is the first time he has acknowledged stepping out on his wife.
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mea culpa- an acknowledgement of your error or guilt
culpable- deserving blame, guilty
A person who is culpable (a culprit) is one who can be blamed for doing something.
Latin- fault
The mea culpa is the first time he has acknowledged stepping out on his wife.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
#292 cul-de-sac
cul-de-sac - a road with one end blocked off; dead end; an inescapable position
C18 from French, literally: bottom of the bag
What a cul-de-sac any party would find itself in if it used the book as a guide to action.
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C18 from French, literally: bottom of the bag
What a cul-de-sac any party would find itself in if it used the book as a guide to action.
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Monday, October 18, 2010
#291 cudgel
cudgel- a short stout stick used as a weapon
Old English cycgel related to Middle Dutch koghele stick with knob
His close associate was the main cudgel of Putin's foreign policy.
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Old English cycgel related to Middle Dutch koghele stick with knob
His close associate was the main cudgel of Putin's foreign policy.
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Sunday, October 17, 2010
#290 cryogenics
cryogenics- the branch of physics concerned with the production of very low temperatures and the phenomena occurring at these temperatures
from Greek kruos- icy cold, frost
Liquid hydrogen is important in cryogenics and in the study of superconductivity, as its melting point is only 20 degrees above absolute zero.
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from Greek kruos- icy cold, frost
Liquid hydrogen is important in cryogenics and in the study of superconductivity, as its melting point is only 20 degrees above absolute zero.
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Saturday, October 16, 2010
#289 crucible
crucible- a vessel in which substances are heated to high temperatures; the hearth at the bottom of a metallurgical furnace in which the metal collects; a severe trial or test
C15 Medieval Latin crucibulum night lamp
Yale is a crucible in American life for the accommodation of intellectual achievement, of wisdom, of refinement, with the democratic ideals of openness, of social justice and of equal opportunity. ~Benno C. Schmidt
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C15 Medieval Latin crucibulum night lamp
Yale is a crucible in American life for the accommodation of intellectual achievement, of wisdom, of refinement, with the democratic ideals of openness, of social justice and of equal opportunity. ~Benno C. Schmidt
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Friday, October 15, 2010
#288 criterion
criterion-a standard by which something can be judged or decided; philosophy, defining characteristic of something
C17 from Greek kriterion from krites judge
A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends. ~ George Washington
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C17 from Greek kriterion from krites judge
A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends. ~ George Washington
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Thursday, October 14, 2010
#287 crepuscular
crepuscular- of or like twilight; dim; certain insects, birds...active at twilight or just before dawn
C17 from Latin crepusculum dusk, from creper dark
Boars are crepuscular, that is they forage from dusk until dawn and they are the only hoofed animals known to dig burrows.
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C17 from Latin crepusculum dusk, from creper dark
Boars are crepuscular, that is they forage from dusk until dawn and they are the only hoofed animals known to dig burrows.
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
#286 creophagous
creophagous- flesh-eating or carnivorous
C19 from Greek kreophagos, from kreas flesh + phagein to consume
It's a concern that creophagous bacteria are in the ascendance.
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C19 from Greek kreophagos, from kreas flesh + phagein to consume
It's a concern that creophagous bacteria are in the ascendance.
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
#285 credulity
credulity- disposition to believe something on little evidence; gullibility
also credulous adjective
C16 from Latin credulus, credere to believe
But the reader will begin to suspect that his credulity is about to be solicited for the aërial flights of witches on their sweeping brooms.
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also credulous adjective
C16 from Latin credulus, credere to believe
But the reader will begin to suspect that his credulity is about to be solicited for the aërial flights of witches on their sweeping brooms.
Companion site: quoteflections- a regular, eclectic mind fix
Tags: word of the day, best words, etymology, spelling, vital, useful, expressive, emotional, strategic, onomatopoeic, connotation, how to, English usage, language, learning, mnemonic devices, vocabulary, quoteflections, quotation, quotes
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