#365 draught

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.

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

#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."

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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?

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.)

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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).

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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...

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

#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?

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#328 destitute

destitute- lacking the means of subsistence; totally impoverished

C14 from Latin destitutus- forsaken

The destitute in society are often alienated and lonely.

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

#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.

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

#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

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

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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?)

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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?

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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

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

#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).

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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

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

#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

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

#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.

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

#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.

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

#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.

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