by Dwane | Sep 16, 2014 | Education, English, Latin, Vocabulary
Abnormous: irregular; exaggerated; misshapen; enormous. This is an old word, one that has dropped out of use. What a shame. Let’s bring it back. Here’s a start: “Stop pulling me down with your abnormously negative attitude.” Abnormous is a combination...
by Dwane | Sep 13, 2014 | Education, English, Latin, Vocabulary
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.
by Dwane | Sep 12, 2014 | English, Greek, Vocabulary
Enigma: someone, or something mysterious, puzzling, difficult to understand. A riddle. Here’s an enigma… What word in the English Language is always spelled incorrectly? From Greek αἴνιγμα (dark saying, riddle).
by Dwane | Sep 12, 2014 | Education, English, Latin, Vocabulary
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...
by Dwane | Sep 11, 2014 | Education, English, Greek, Vocabulary
Acrophobia: fear of heights. There is nothing to fear, but fear itself. And heights. And public speaking. And spiders… especially spiders. From Greek ἄκρον (height, summit, peak), and and φοβία (fear).
