charisma

This noun has a deep history. The word’s source can be traced to its Indo-European roots (gher-) and traced into ancient Greek (kharis, meaning favour) turning into the verb, to favour (kharizesthai) which shifted its meaning once more in the Greek [kharisma] to imply a bestowed, divine favour. It was this meaning that was embraced by ecclesiastical leaders in the 1600s.

It is currently used in two broad contexts. One usage remains close to the original source – that of a particular, rare quality in a person which enables them to influence or inspire large numbers of people. The other meaning takes on a populist quality relating to the magnetism or charm of an individual, who is able to inspire and influence others through this unique quality.

mortify

This verb means ‘to humiliate’ or ‘to cause to feel shame’.  

It can apply to individuals feeling their own humiliation or shame and to people who make others feel humiliated or shamed.

Arising from ‘mortificare’- to put to death – which is found in Church Latin during Medieval times, this is the morbid origin of the word.

fallacious (adjective) and fallacy (noun)

Let’s start with the noun – fallacy.

This is an incorrect or inaccurate idea or statement that is misleading as it is based on inaccurate facts or invalid reasoning.

The noun refers to the invalid item itself and to the tendency of an item to mislead because its basis is inaccurate.

'Fallacious' as an adjective, describes the illogical, erroneous or misleading statement, event or idea.

legion (and legions of followers)

Drawn into English from Old French in the 13 Century legere (to choose), from the Latin legio, history and longevity are inherent in this noun.

Initially, it referred to a specific Roman military unit of infantry supported with cavalry which ranged from 3 to 6 thousand men.

It expanded its meaning to apply to any large military force e.g the French Foreign Legion.

Then it shifted into being an association of ex-servicemen eg the British Legion.

Currently, but not exclusively it refers to a large mass, usually of people as in ‘a legion of followers’. 

Increasingly, I see it applied to other ‘masses’ or ‘groups’ especially as an exaggeration in humorous contexts; for instance, ‘a legion of horseflies at the Melbourne Cup’.

gentry

This noun has travelled through time to express the notion of the elite and the highest level of social status in various countries.

See its journey in the following words: patricians, lords, nobles, aristocracy, peerage and similar.

Its origins are found in 14 Century Old French genterie from gentil meaning gentle.

Be aware that while it usually refers to those of noble birth and high rank in society, it can be used as a put down in some contexts.

Make sure you understand the intention of the writer or speaker when you come across it. Are they being respectful or derogatory?

feasible

Drawn into English via Anglo-French in 15^th Century, this adjective means able to be done - possible, or likely to be done – probable.

The degree of its meaning will be made clear in the sentence’s context. Be sure your interpretation of ‘possible’ or ‘probable’ is accurate!

germane

This adjective is often followed by ‘to’. It means relevant to, pertinent to, related to, significant to…

Generally it occurs in the context of ideas, recommendations and concepts.