Acumen

Acumen – a sharp point; and, figuratively, quickness of perception; keenness, shrewdness.  For Example: Einstein’s powerful acumen revealed many secrets of the universe. Acumen derives from the Latin word for needle, acus.

Acidic

Acidic: a substance containing acid; a sour or sharp taste. Acidic may also describe a remark or comment.  An acidic comment is a cutting comment.  When you notice a co-worker on Facebook, you might mutter an acidic comment.  “Hashtag. Do your job.” Acidic comes from...

Acodosis

Acidosis: high acidity in the blood, or body fluids.  Delicious junk food = high acidosis.  Sigh.  Cruel world. Acidosis comes from Latin acidus: sour, bitter, or tart.

Exacerbate

Exacerbate: to irritate; to exasperate; to inflame angry passions; to make a problem worse. Complaining about you problems rarely improves your plight.  In fact, complaining usually exacerbates the problem. Exacerbate comes from the Latin verb exacerbare (to irritate,...

I am often asked… “Should I memorize the Latin endings?” Maybe. Maybe not. If you decided to do so, the new chalkboard series “Memorizing the Latin Endings” will...