Vocabulary - Page 6
- What Does “Ad Nauseam” Mean?Ad nauseam is a Latin phrase that literally means “to nausea.” Use ad nauseam to describe something that’s been repeated or...October 3, 2016
- How to Use “-Esque”The suffix -esque means “like” or “resembling.” You can add -esque to almost any noun, including proper nouns. Use restraint. Too...October 2, 2016
10 Breathtaking Foreign WordsBeauty is in the eye of the beholder, the proverb says. In this case, it’s in the ear. Every language has its own combinations of...September 29, 2016
The Skinny on Latin PluralsIf you speak and write English, it’s most common to use an S or ES ending to make a noun plural. However, some words that derive...September 27, 2016- Notwithstanding DefinitionHave you ever encountered the word notwithstanding? You might think it looks like three separate words stuck together—not, with,...September 26, 2016
Peruse DefinitionPeruse means to examine or to read closely or casually. What do you think peruse means? Would you say that it’s a superficial...September 25, 2016
What Does Sacrilegious Mean?Sacrilegious means disrespectful of something sacred. There are two pronunciations of sacrilegious. The older pronunciation,...September 24, 2016
Nerve Wracking—Which Spelling Is Correct?“Nerve-racking” is the original and correct spelling of this phrase, which describes something that makes you extremely nervous....September 23, 2016- What Does Presumptuous Mean?Presumptuous describes someone who oversteps the limits of courtesy or politeness. Presumptive is a different word. It describes...September 23, 2016
What Does Somber Mean?Somber is an adjective we use to describe dark and shadowy things. It can describe someone’s mood, a color, the weather, or...September 22, 2016