Perfunctory

Perfunctory – Done only for the sake of getting rid of the duty. We perform our daily perfunctory tasks with haste and, if possible with minimum effort. For instance, we tend to greet each other with perfunctory greetings.  Without genuine interest, we might...

Phillumenist

I am sick and tired. Didn’t want to post the word of the day. Could not think about it. Then, one of my daughters said, “I’ll help you, dad. How about phillumenist?” I had no idea what a phillumenist was. I looked it up. So, here is the word of...

Feedback

I received this comment today.  It made me happy. “I’m reading your book, Via, and I’m very impressed. It is a wonderful life-help book and not just for languages. I’ve never been a very disciplined person, so it will take lots of baby steps;...

Semaphore

Semaphore: A signaling system.  A semaphore uses flags, lights, or mechanical arms to send messages, usually to travelers.  You might see a semaphore next to the railroad tracks. The word might also refer to a system of sending messages by holding the arms or flags in...

Latin for Americans

I received this email: “Thank you so much for taking time to investigate and answer my questions. I don’t know any difference between Classical Roman vocabulary and Ecclesiastical vocabulary. Do you think a child will get confused if he learns both Visual...