limp - four letter words

Following the thought of words serving in many ways in a sentence, take a look at limp. Interestingly, this word derives from different sources and has two meanings.

First there is limp the verb and the noun. Arising from Old English ‘lemphealt’ and manifested in Middle German ‘limpfen’, the action of limping means to walk in an uneven or unstable manner (as with an injured leg).

In  this context, the noun is used to identify the action that an individual displays e.g. ‘He walks with a limp’.

In contrast, the word limp, as a state of being, arises in and refers to an animate or inanimate object that is not firm. This extends, as a metaphor, to imply that someone is not energetic or displays little vitality. 

A useful example is the socially off-putting ‘limp handshake’ which, in some contexts, implies a weak or disinterested person.

In this context, the word is likely to have its origin in Icelandic 'limpa' which means 'looseness'.

Felicity - a word serving many parts

In your reading you’re like to come across many words that serve multiple purposes.

Such a word is ‘felicity’ which apt to share at this time of year.

As a noun, ‘felicity’ arose from 14^th Century Latin, felicitas (happiness) whose stem is felix (happy). The word continues to mean happiness or joy. You’re likely to come across the female version of the name as ‘Felicity’ and the male version as Felix.

As a verb, ‘felicitate’ means to congratulate or wish joy to someone. This turns into the noun ‘felicitations’ which is less commonly found these days.

As an adjective, ‘felicitous’ means well-chosen or apt. Applied to a person it indicates they possess or display an agreeable style.

As an adverb, ‘felicitously’ infers that an action is marked by the state of joy or happiness.

It is on this note that I extend Season’s Greetings and goodwill to all who read and share this blog.

lake

A lake is a body of water that is land-locked. This means that it has no physical connection with the sea.

Its waters are fed by rivers and streams that flow from surrounding high ground into the lake.

Some lakes arise from natural disasters, like volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. The landscape changes dramatically and gives rise to new lowland areas where water can collect in vast amounts and form a lake or a system of lakes.

Here is a collection of photographs of some of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Lakes can also be man-made. For instance, in Australia, Lake Burley-Griffin in Canberra, provides a serene retreat for locals who live in the area.

pond

Continuing the theme 'body of water', 'pond' relates to still water and is most likely to be man-made.

In public places like parks, a pond could be deliberately created in consistently boggy areas of public land.

In these circumstances, fish can be introduced to populate the pond. As a result, water birds are attracted to the area and become regular visitors or even residents of the pond and its surrounds.

Consider the many public parks and gardens in and around Melbourne and you are likely to have a memory that relates to visiting the ponds in one of these restful places.

pull

In contrast to 'push', the verb 'to pull', while equally vigorous, carries within it a different force and direction. And again, the verb can be used metaphorically.

Its simple meaning is 'to exert force on an object so that the object is drawn towards the force itself'.

Here are some applications:

• to pull a tooth is to extract a tooth
• to pull feathers is to pluck feathers from a bird
• to pull a muscle is to strain a muscle
• and, in recent food articles, 'pulled chicken' or 'pulled beef' means to tear into small, fine pieces once the flesh is cooked

Be aware that 'pull' is often partnered with prepositions that change the direction of the movement in the word.

Prepositions are often awkward for speakers to conquer when learning a new language. With this in mind, be aware of the direction that is built into the preposition when found in these common combinations:

• pull in
• pull away
• pull towards
• pull on
• pull off
• pull against
• pull through
• pull back
• pull down
• pull about
• pull up

Compare 'to pull' with 'to push' which was published last week.

push

Like verbs across multiple languages, this verb is full of action and vigor.

Its meaning is to apply a steady force in order to move an object (or person). From this simple concept, multiple applications of the word occur.

Consider these:
to push one's way through a crowd
to push on regardless of the difficulties
to push a point of view
to push for a political candidate
to push one's luck
to push out from the deck (in a boat)

Across these any many other applications of the verb 'to push', there is always a sense of applied force and movement. In broad uses of the verb the movement can be towards, away from or against.

Contrast this verb with the verb 'to pull'.

billabong

This indigenous Australian word refers to a body of water that has particular qualities attached to it.

A billabong is often a backwater channel connected with a stream or river. It rises and falls according to the water's flow. It often is the dead end of the river system.

The word arises in an Aboriginal language and was taken into English in the 19th Century. 'Billa' means river and 'bong' means dead.

impose

This verb carries within it varying degrees of expectation of compliance and enforcement.

For example, if new formats or systems are introduced at work and if these must be followed, then it can be said that these changes are imposed upon the people who are working with those formats or systems.

In this context the expectation of necessary compliance may outweigh the sense of enforcement that is implied in the word.

When something is imposed that is unwanted, disliked or feared, then the expectations of enforcement and compliance are increased and negative connotations of the word are enlarged. In these contexts there may be punitive outcomes attached to non compliance.

For example, when imposed traffic speeds are exceeded, individual drivers will be fined, or lose their licences.

pool

This is one of many words that are associated with 'a body of water'.

In this case, 'pool' is likely to be small, holding fresh water (as opposed to salt water or stagnant water) and possibly temporary as is the case where 'water collects in pools after rain'.

In some instances it is shallow, but can be deep, particularly in natural environments where water gathers between rocks.

Be aware that specific types of pools will be qualified. For example, swimming pool, rock pool, diving pool. In these examples each type of pool gains unique attributes and expands our understanding of them.

If you are stretching your use of English, test your creativity and clarity by writing a 4-sentence piece about any of the various pools mentioned in this post.

bungalow

With its origins in India, 'bungalow' applies to a single storey house that is surrounded by a veranda and possibly having a pitched roof with an attic space within it.

It is a relatively new word, arising from the Hindi 'bungla' during the 17 century.

How is it used where you come from?

For some of us living in Australia, it captures a simple, homely dwelling that is found in a rural or seaside setting.

burlap

A noun, this word carries the picture of thickly woven, rough fabric within it.

Most likely arising from leaves or stems of fibrous plants, the woven fabric is back in favour and used in the production of ecologically friendly sacks and carry-bags.

In previous times, well before plastic packaging, burlap served similarly as sacks and containers for dry goods like sugar, rice and even flour.

There remains a rustic, earthy flavour attached to the word which is sometimes used as an adjective as in 'burlap bag'.

carnage

From 16 Century French via Italian and Latin, 'carnage' captures the idea of wide-spread slaughter.

Originally limited to invasions, war and the wholesale destruction of human life, the word now includes devastating acts of nature and major industrial, road and rail accidents.

In current contexts it can be applied literally and figuratively to situations where destruction and mayhem prevail.

The word is an excellent example of how usage develops and expands.

mundane

What a glorious word!

It sounds very grand and sits eloquently on the ear as it captures what is regular, every day, ordinary happenings.

While it serves you best as an adjective, you can turn it into an adverb by adding ly - so you have mundanely. 

When you change it into a noun it becomes mundaneness.

epoch

As a grand word, 'epoch' carries with resonance past times and historical circumstances.

It relates to a period of time, mostly past but potentially present, which is noted for its distinctive quality or innovation.

Recently, I have heard it applied to describe our current time as 'the dawning epoch of  internet connectivity'.  Grandiose for sure, but interesting nevertheless!

circumspect

This handy adjective means discreet, prudent or cautious. It carries a positive implication within it and it is used in largely complimentary circumstances.

It can apply to a person, an action or a thought.

congenial

This adjective can be applied to people and the contexts where you may find yourself.

The word means pleasant, agreeable or friendly. It can thus serve as a useful substitute for the automatic use of simple words such as 'good', or 'nice'.

Company can be 'congenial', as can a workplace, a specific event and an individual.

recall and recall

Here is another example of differences in pronunciation inferring the meaning of the word and its role in a sentence.

In its pronunciation, the verb 'recall' demonstrates full stress on the second syllable of the word. The act of recalling is the act of remembering something.

As a noun, many English speakers will apply full stress to the first syllable of the word to demonstrate its position as a noun in the sentence. From observation, we are gradually moving away from this convention.

When unsure of what convention is in place where you speak and use English, apply the distinction.

explode

In contrast to 'implode' which I wrote about last week, the verb 'explode' carries a different action picture.

Here, the movement is outward. It is one of dispersion, scattering and spreading (e.g, of debris) after a sudden burst.

In many words, the prefix 'ex' will indicate this impression of movement outwards.

Very frequently, this word is as a metaphor, particularly in relation to someone exploding with anger, frustration and irritation. In this context, it is the spreading of emotion that is being experienced not only by the individual, but by those around them.

implode

This verb clearly describes an action; that of an object or a structure collapsing in upon itself. The collapse is most likely to be caused by a change in pressure in the object's environment.

Occasionally it is used to describe the dramatic response demonstrated by an individual who responds to an unexpected shock. In this example the word is opening itself to being used as a metaphor.

Look out for it in speeches and articles where the central theme is 'change'.

refined

It's interesting to note that, as an adjective, the word carries positive and complimentary overtones. As a verb, within diverse contexts, it can be either positive or negative in intention.

When a person is described as being 'refined' they are noticed for their elegance and gentility.

As a process, the art of refining something means that impurities and foreign matter have been removed.

Currently, when we use this word in relation to food components such as sugar, wheat and rice, the refinement of these substances can be looked upon negatively, as having their nutrients stripped from them.

Be sure of the context when applying this word to workplace situations.

prefect

You'll find centuries of history in this word. Arising from 14th Century Latin,  praefectus, refers to one who has been put in charge of an area, a district or people.

First used in ancient Rome, the word referred to magistrates or military commanders.

The word was secured in Italy and carried into France as the term for a chief administrative officer in a department. In France, specifically, it is used as the head of the police force.

By the time it reached Britain, its meaning had been watered down to a specific context; that of a schoolchild being appointed as a leader, with limited authority, over peers within the boundaries of the school.

buck

Consider the variety of meanings and applications that live in a four-letter word!

As a noun, 'buck' refers to the male in some animal species. These include goats, deer, kangaroos and rabbits and hares. It is also the generic term for the wide range of antelope and deer found in Southern Africa. In this case, the word applies to the species rather than the gender of the animal.

As a verb, it refers to the movements of animals that are leaping about or vigorously rocking their entire body in order to get rid of their riders (as in horses) or, as a desperate means to release themselves from their tethers.

An archaic use of the word was applied to spirited young men. In this context, the word has negative connotations in some countries, particularly in the U.S.

Like many four-letter words it serves as a metaphor as in 'buck the system' and 'buck the trend', where it means that a person or people are going against the norm.

lagoon

There are many words that relate to 'body of water' and this is one of them.

A lagoon is a body of water that has been cut off from the open sea by a coral reefs or sand dunes.

The word also serves to describe a small body of water that is adjacent to or adjoining a larger body of water.

Its origin lies in 17th Century Italian laguna, from the Latin lacuna which translates as 'pool'.

adverse/averse

This unrelated pair can cause confusion and thus are used inaccurately.

Adverse is an adjective that carries degrees of antagonistic, hostile or unfavourable comments or actions that relate to a person or situation.

Additional words arising from adverse include adversary (noun) adversarial (adjective)

Averse is also an adjective. It means against, or opposed to. The usage of the adjective is accompanied by the preposition to; that may be the clue that alerts you to accurate usage.

fractious

Here is an adjective that serves the speaker well, if the word 'grumpy' comes to mind.

While the word is now obsolete as a noun, it survives as an adjective and is universally applicable to situations in which people are irritable or unruly - its alternative meaning.

When you use it, remember to value the audible impact of the sound on the ear - the vowel and consonant combinations clearly carry its meaning.

sartorial

As another seldom-heard word, this one carries clear impressions of dress and carriage.

Referring in the Latin to tailors and the art of tailoring, the adjective describes a person who is well-dressed.

Interestingly, from the context in which the word is used, there can be cynicism or exaggeration of dress, carriage and demeanour within the written or spoken piece.

This is an excellent example of the meaning and intention needing to be clearly understood to avoid error and embarrassment.

repository

While this word is not often heard or said, it has value in the resonance of its meaning. From 15th Century Latin, via repositorium, from the original Latin, reponere - to place, the application varies.

As a noun, repository is a place or container where specific items can be safely stored. The definition can apply to artifacts like those found in a museum, or goods in a warehouse.

With specific meaning implied in context, a repository can be a sepulchre, a burial place or a dedicated receptacle that holds relics of the dead.

The word can also refer to a person who holds a secret secure, as a confidant.

taint

Arising out of the Old French 'teindre' from the Latin meaning 'to dye', this evocative word can be used literally and figuratively.

Its literal meaning communicates contamination or pollution of a substance.

As a metaphor, it can be applied to people, circumstances and ideas.

consort/cohort

What is the different between these nouns?

As a noun, a consort is the term given to the husband or wife of a reigning monarch. Over time, it has widened to include the implication of being a partner of long-standing, a husband or a wife.

Interestingly, as a verb, 'to consort with' carries negative implications of a person spending time with undesirable or inappropriate people.

The use of cohort as a noun arises from a military context; originally appearing in relation to one of ten units of 300 to 600 men in the ancient Roman Legion.

The noun has been extended to include any size band of warriors and implies followership.

It is also used on the context of statistics where cohorts have one or more statisitics in common with the rest of the people in the group.

flush

Words in which sounds conveys meaning, texture and impact are immensely valuable in spoken language. This is one of many examples. Look at how varied its application is:

As a noun, a 'flush' applies in card games like poker. It means cards of a single suit are being held by the player. It also refers to redness of the skin when blood infuses the facial capiliaries as in 'a rosy flush' which could be caused by excess sun, emotional awkwardness or too much wine!

As a verb, the meaning is taken from the context and can be:

• the act of blushing or causing someone to blush
• to flood with water or other liquid (as in the medical procedure of flushing a wound)
• to drive out (as in cleansing with water or liquid a pipe or other contained space e.g a toilet)
• to drive out (as in causing a person, bird or animal to escape their hiding place)

As an adjective, the word has several applications including:

•  material or goods being adjacent to, continuous with or even with other matter
• abundance in relation to wealth and money
• as a metaphor for 'full to the brim' as in 'flushed with success'

If you had to use this word at work, how and where would you apply it?

vast

This is a wonderful four-letter word that can be used as an adjective literally and figuratively to express largeness and immensity.

Honour its intention as applied to extremely large physical boundaries. Use it sparingly in relation to far-reaching, massive scope projects and concepts.

That way, the immensity inherent in the word will be carried into the mind of listeners.

Compliment or Complement?

English has many of these examples - far too many for some of us!

I'm writing about words that sound the same when you speak, but which are spelt differently on paper.

A compliment is the genuine positive comment that you make when you are honouring a person, their actions or an attribute or skill. When you compliment someone you are verbally noting to them or those around them what you particularly admire about them or their actions.

In contrast, when you write of something that complements something else, the word serves as a verb in the sentence. In this context, complement means something that accompanies, or goes with and very likely, enhances something else.A simple example is the use of basil that complements the flavour of tomatoes in a salad.

busy

This four-letter work lends itself to being overused.  This is because its meaning 'fully occupied or engaged' can apply to multiple situations and circumstances.

For instance, 'busy work' in workplace contexts implies that the work being done is occupying people but is not necessarily valuable or relevant to the organisation and its purpose.

A 'busybody' is the name given to a person who involves themself in matters that are not relevant to them.

produce and produce

The distinction between these two words is in the pronunciation.

As a noun, the emphasis is on the first syllable produce and the vowel in pro rhymes with the short vowel in 'hot', 'dot' and 'prop'. It serves as a collective noun where the results of labour and effort give rise to 'produce'

As a verb, the emphasis falls on the second syllable produce where the vowel in 'duce' rhymes with juice and noose. In this context, it refers to the act of bringing something about. This relates as much to agriculture as it does to theatre, crafts and art.

discern

This significant word came up earlier this year in 'Get the Edge' - April 2012 as the noun, 'discernment'.

When a person 'discerns' something they are using acute skills and abilities in observation, critical thinking, judgment and decision-making. Thus, the entire person is fully engaged in the process of taking action, determining the next step, making an informed choice.

It arose in the 14 Century, from Old French, discerner, which found its roots in the Latin discernere meaning 'to divide'.

sceptic

This historical word has been with us since the time of the philosphers in Ancient Greece.  In that context and spelt, always with a capital S as Sceptic, it refers to one of the schools of philosopical thought of the time - Phyrro who believed that the real knowledge of things is impossible.

In today's context, a sceptic is one who doubts the particular view being put forward. Also, one who habitually doubts or questions the authenticity of accepted beliefs. This is extracted to apply to someone who generally mistrusts people and ideas.

Use it when you genuinely need convincing evidence to change your mind or your position.

septic

This word carries a collection of ancient and recent history in its core.

Arising from the Greek  'sepein' which means 'to cause to decay', its origins in English are found in the noun, 'sepsis' which, in medical terms, is the name given to the presence of bacteria that give rise to pus in the body.

In this form, it came into the language via Latin in the 19 Century, at the time that the root-causes of disease were being discovered.

As an adjective, its orgins lie in sepein and its derivative, septos (Greek for decayed) which became septikos (Greek) and septicus (Latin); the latter appearing in the 17 Century.

In recent history, we identify it in relation to sanitation methods, via the 'septic tank'.

fast, four letter word

Here is another common word that has multiple meanings and applications.

Arising from Old English 'faest' for 'strong', and 'tight', the word is found in Old High German 'festi' meaning 'firm' and Old Norse 'fastr' meaning 'solid, together'. All of these languages were related to one another via their common Indo-European link. The word itself carries the history of the settlement of Ancient Briton within it.

As an adjective, its most common meaning is 'rapid'. This can apply to people, events, time and concepts. Thus, it is a flexible, multi-purpose word.

The additional meaning of 'tight' or 'firm', is found in phrases such as 'fast friends', a door 'shut fast' and a 'fast dye' - one that is unlikely to fade.

Look out for it in these contexts and enjoy applying it in contexts that are relevant to you

inept

This elegant adjective serves as an alternative to someone (or something) that is awkward, clumsy or incompetent.

Note as well, that the prefix 'in' which is embedded in this word represents the negative. When used in this way, the word means not suitable, not appropriate, not fitting. It arises in the 17 Century from the Latin, 'ineptus'.

Through the addition of suffixes inept, the adjective can become a noun, 'ineptitute' or 'ineptness' and an adverb, 'ineptly'.

A handy word to know, particularly if you play Scrabble!

opaque

This exquisite word arises from 15 Century Latin opacus meaning 'shady'.

Used literally, it means 'not transmitting light'; neither transparent nor translucent and not reflecting light. Thus the meaning contains within it, not having any  shine therefore being dull or dark. In these contexts, it applies to art, painting and photography and is used deliberately to create depth, darkness or contrast.

Figuratively it can be used as an alternative to something being dull or hard to understand. It is in this context that is may be useful in general conversation.

Lumber and lumbar - watch out for the spelling!

I covered the unique uses of lumber a few weeks ago.

In that post I neglected to mention that the spelling of the word is important.

Find more about lumber here.

'Lumbar' derives from the Latin 'lumbus' which translates as 'loin'. It is the area of the body, front and back, where you find the lower ribs and the hip bones.

Arising from lumbar is 'lumbar puncture' which is a medical procedure during which fluid is withdrawn from or injected into the spine via a hollow needle.

And 'lumbago' is related and refers to the pain that may arise in the lower back if there is strain or damage to that region of the body.

convivial

In direct contrast to 'verbose' we have 'convivial' company in which we are enjoying sociable, friendly interactions in an easy, relaxed way.

When a person is convivial, they are likely to be sought out as companionable, a wonderful icebreaker at dinner parties, humourous and entertaining without dominating the floor.

Conviviality is something to aspire to!

verbose

So many pictures, even caricatures, are carried in this word.

Mostly used as an adjective, it means excessive wordiness in someone's communication that renders the speaker boring, pedantic or pompous.

Be mindful of the context in which you use it because of the negative connotations.

lumber

This interesting word is used differently and with various meanings across the US, Canada, Britain and Australia. It's worth exploring iin all those contexts.

As a noun, in the US and Canada, lumber refers to sawn logs or ready-to-use timber.

In contrast, in the UK, lumber, as a noun, refers to useless, irrelevant household articles that are stored somewhere out of sight. Imagine this.. One of those deserted manor homes with lumber in each cupboard of every room!

As a verb the word sustains its various geographical interpretations.

In the US and Canada, the verb 'to lumber' is associated with one working in the wood and timber industry - the 'lumbering' industry. A 'lumberjack' is someone who earns his living in wood and timber industries.

In the UK, the meaning of the verb 'lumber', implies that someone is encumbered with unwanted goods and materials or has had the same foisted upon them unwillingly. It is also used to indicate that one is burdened with a tiresome, tedious task or situation.

In Australia, the meaning is specific: it means to arrest or imprison and, not surprisingly, this usage arises in the 17 Century.

Cutting across all these conventions is the verb that describes a particularly awkward walk. When someone 'lumbers along' they are certainly struggling to walk and are likely to be physically encumbered while doing so. In this context, the verb can be applied to a living or mechanical modes of transport. Thus elephants, used as beasts of burden, would lumber along forest tracks in Thailand as much as a heavily laden goods train would lumber along its track, making a deafening noise as it did so.

I would encourage you to use this word as one of those that provides texture and mental pictures to your listeners. Placed in accurate context, it could serve well as a punch line or as an essential component of a narrative.

furphy

This uniquely Australian word is and most relevant on the eve of ANZAC Day.

The Furphy was a water cart made in Victoria in a foundry run by the Furphy family. The carts were used during WW1 to distribute drinking water to the troops.

In its language context, a 'furphy' is a rumour or unsubstantiated piece of information, or an entirely fictitious story. And, can you just see how the use of the word arose!

It is one of my favourites.

fossick

This word, uniquely from Australia and New Zealand, lends itself most generously to serious and humorous contexts.

Serious because, in its true sense, 'to fossick' is to dig for gold and precious stones in abandoned, deserted, remote places.

Light-hearted because we may choose to fossick for lost and mislaid items in our homes, places of work, cupboards and, without doubt, backyard sheds!

The word most likely arose from 'fussock', English dialect meaning 'to fuss'.

I'm sure you'll agree that its origin completes a glorious picture of the word.

beneficent

For some strange reason, when I hear or read this word, what comes to mind is the period of the Medici family's extensive influence in Italy and Europe.

Odd, because while the Medicis were generous with their wealth, doing much to advance culture and the arts, they were also splendid at intrigue and political game playing.

The term 'beneficent', carries within it the concepts of 'doing good' of 'kindness' and 'charitable acts'. And yes, in that context, the Medicis were benefactors.

capricious

This delightful word finds it source in caprice which draws its meaning from both French and Italian in the 17th Century.

The meaning is rich with story and includes sudden changes in behaviour and a shiver, as if one's hair is standing on end. The latter particularly from capo (head) plus riccio (hedgehog) which brings to mind the hedgehog's prickly spines which manifest when in danger or suspicion of attack.

Capricious is used as an adjective to capture impulsive, fickle changes in attitude or behaviour.

impostor or imposter?

Here is a delicious word that is full of meaning, intrigue and hints of unique story.  Currently, it can be spelt with an 'or' or an 'er'. Scrabble players - take advantage!

Used as a noun, it means someone who deceives others particularly via assuming a false identity.

It comes from the late Latin in 16th Century.  History shows that this was a time of great intrique, deception, political plotting and social and cultural upheaval across Europe.

How apt that the word entered the language at that time.

nimble

As children, we learn some wonderful words without even realising the value that lives within them.

Do you recall the nursery rhyme, 'Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candlestick'?
The picture I remember is of a small boy with an eager expression on his face taking a run up to tall candlestick holding a lighted candle. The idea of him leaping over this candlestick was relatively daunting.


Nimble implies physical speed as well as dexterity, agility, skill at a specific task. It can also be applied to mental ability; as an alert, acute thinker and listener.

It originates from the Old English and holds three closely related concepts within the word. The source is the Old English verb 'niman' - to take which evolved into 'naeme' (quick to grasp) and numol (quick at seizing). 

All of these attributes were as relevant in those times and they are today.  Enjoy using the word!

Mire

Here is another apt, direct short word, one that can serve as a noun and a verb.

It finds it source in Old Norse and was first used in English in the late Middle Ages.

As a noun, the word means a marshy or boggy area of ground; a place where one is likely to become stuck in the mud and grime. Yes, dirt, mud and muck are clearly associated with mire.

As a verb, it means to become bogged or stuck in mud. It is a handy word to use if you need a metaphor for being bogged down in or by specific circumstances.


Look out for more four-letter words in future posts!

intransigent

This adjective means 'not willing to compromise'.

The addition of the prefix 'in' provides the negative which is neatly embedded in the word.

Taken from the Spanish in the 19th Century, 'los intransigentes' translates as 'the uncompromising ones' and was applied to a group of political extremists.

Its orgins lie in the Latin 'transigere' which means 'to settle'

This word is a splendid example of how new words are gathered into global usage and applied across general English language contexts.

sanctimonious

Depending on its context, this word carries a range of emotive responses to it.

Its meaning, 'affecting piety', confirms that some play-acting is taking place.

It is vital to read it as it stands, in a unique position, so that the emotive meaning is clear. It is one of those wonderful words that lend themselves to great vocal interpretation.

Arising from 'sanctity' in 17 Century Latin.

folly

English took this word from Old French (folie meaning madness) in the early Middle Ages.

At this time in history, travellers constantly crossed Europe, England and Asia Minor. They took language as well as goods, services, tales and cultures with them. It was truly a 'melting-pot' time.

It serves as a noun describing a state of foolishness, being rash, being stupid; or as the name of a mistake, an idea or a foolish action. Because it is seldom used, it can serve as a practical choice in work contexts if you want to draw attention to the possible negative impact of an idea or a concept.

 I appreciate 'folly' particularly as I have seen one on my travels!  Yes, it was a building in southern England, (though you find them anywhere) structured in the form of a castle. These 'follies' are create to satisfy a whim of a local leader or landowner and built with grandiose intentions.

The word is also used in the theatre to describe an elaborately constumed review.

Interestingly, its meaning has changed from the original. There, it brought to mind 'doing evil' and 'wickedness' with an implication of lewd or wanton behaviour accompanying the word.

provoke

As a verb, this word is a useful single alternative to using a group of words to describe the action of 'being driven to take action or respond'.

It is used in the context of strong feelings; anger, frustration and similar.

In some sentences it can imply a deliberate intent of the perpetrator to provoke a response in another.

When using this word in spoken contexts give weight and full clarity to the sounds [p] and [k] if you wish to emphasise a sharp, sudden action.  Full stress falls on the second syllable of the word.

'Provoke' is certainly a word to use sparingly and with clear intent in order to preserve its inherent power.

coerce

This word is often found on the lead pages of national and international newspapers.  It arises where the ideas and desires of a people and their government diverge or are in conflict.

When I hear it, I pick up the sharpness, the hard edge, the rough impact of the word on the ear.  This gives it a compelling sensory texture when spoken clearly.

It's a verb that means 'to compel or restrain by force of authority without regard to individual wishes or desires'.

Arising from the Latin and used in 17 Century, it has remained true to is original meaning 'to confine or restrain'.

mendicant

From the Latin, 'mendicare', meaning to beg. As a noun, it is another word, infrequently used, for 'beggar'.

Most often, it serves as an adjective, particularly describing members of a religious order who depend on alms, or on sporadic donations of goods or money for their sustenance.  The word in context appears as in 'mendicant friars'.

An evocative word that carries meaning, mental pictures, a range of emotional responses and, very likely, a memory.

loft

We tend to take short words for granted. After reading this I hope you give them more weight in your spoken words.  Here's an example:

'Loft' serves as a noun with several meanings arising from a single intention. It is a space inside a roof; a gallery particularly one for a church choir; a room over a stable to store hay; also a raised house or coop where pigeons are kept and, in US contexts, an upper storey of a warehouse or factory.

It serves in sporting contexts where, in golf, it encompases the lifting of the ball in relation to the angle of the club face and the vertical when striking the ball; the elevation of the ball itself and the height to which a ball rises once it is struck or kicked.

And has a particular meaning in marine design where the act of lofting means to layout a fullscale drawing of the lines of a vessel's hull.  All of that in just one four-letter word!

Its history is rich and deep in the past, moving from Old English into earlier Old Norse which has resonance with Old Danish and Old High German. Think of the common and diverse strains of culture entwined in the word.

It brings wonderful shades of antique ancestry to the ancient Angles, Saxons and Jutes who influenced the roots of English.  An influence that remains and is visible today, in often-spoken English words.

perspective and perceptive

Two words.  Different in meaning.  Different in intent.

But, when we confuse sounds within the syllables of some words, we arrive at misunderstandings.

'Perspective', a noun, is defined as 'a way of regarding situations, facts, events and similar, and judging their relative importance.  It is also defined as an accurate point of view or objectivity in viewing it.  In the context of art, 'perspective' relates to the 3-dimensional positioning of objects on a 2-dimensional surface.

'Perceptive' serves as an adjective. It usually describes a person's ability to quickly and accurately 'pick up', 'observe', 'see and take note of' the key aspects of a situation, an interaction or another person's change in state.

If you happen to be using these two words in close proximity to one another, it is useful to take your time with them and say them slowly so that you speak them clearly.

auspicious

This dignified and gracious word comes to mind on the evening before Chinese New Year in 2012.

An adjective, it means favourable, propitious and auguring well.

Co-incidentally, when checking details of the Chinese 12-year zodiac cycle, I found this:

'The dragon is the 5th sign of the Chinese zodiac and it is regarded as an auspicious symbol which stands for power, good luck, success, and happiness.

How appropriate it is to share this wonderful word with you today.

fester

This is a wonderfully vivid word.

One a purely practical level, it describes a supurating wound.

Metaphorically, it brings to mind a state of inner turmoil.  One of bubbling, seething emotion that may erupt.

When used appropriately, it will draw full attention to the matter being addressed.

meticulous

This adjective arises from 16 Century Latin. Its genesis is found in 'meticulosus' (meaning fearful) from the original word-stem 'metus' (fear).

What's interesting about 'meticulous', is that its history shows meanings change as words are integrated in different language.  

This practice is hot unusual.  Word usage changes as new words enter a language and continue to develop within past and current contexts.

In its current contexts 'meticulous' means very precise about details, even trivial ones; thus 'meticulous' can carry negative as well as a positive implications.


The implications are given to us in the meaning of the sentence as well as the tonal quality of the delivery.  Our successful understanding of the intention of the speaker relies on close attention and focused listening to tonal changes!

Here is yet another example of 'what you say' and 'how you say it' working in partnership with each other.

affect/effect

This troublesome twosome attracts constant attention.

Once again, the short vowel sounds require clarity when speaking in order to achieve accurate understanding and reduce distractions.

In writing, they are regularly confused even though their meanings differ significantly 

Here are some insights to help you apply them with confidence to your spoken and written communication:

In one instance, 'affect', a verb, means 'to be influenced by'.  In most contexts it carries the the inference of a negative impact.  For example: 'When the weather affects crops, market prices can fluctuate wildly.'

In relation to people, the use of 'affect' arises in the context of emotional impact and change.  For example: 'As her student and protege, he was deeply affected by her death.' 

As a verb, 'affect' can also mean 'to put on, immitate or assume' as in 'In a bid to make an impression, some aspiring leaders affect the speech and mannerisms of their admired role-models.'

'Affect' arises from the Latin afficiere which means 'to act upon'.

For the sake of clarity and understanding make sure that the first sound in affect is the sound in apple, hat and fact.

In contrast, 'effect' serves as a noun or as a verb.  The meaning carries either of the following:

• a result or outcome that is produced by a cause or an agent as in 'The effect of sunburn on the skin can ruin a summer holiday.'

• the power or ability to influence or produce a result as in 'By collaborating on the project, we effected a rise in sales of 20%.'

'Effect' arises from the Latin efficiere which means 'to accomplish'.

For the sake of clarity and understanding make sure that the first sound in effect is the sound in egg, leg and bed.

mendacious

Some words lend themselves to being useful in several positions in a sentences.  'Mendacious' is an example.

Arising from the Latin 'mendax'  (untruthful), it evolved into 17 Century Late Latin as 'mendacitas' and was absorbed into English as 'mendacity' where it continues to serve as a noun.

With various changes via suffixes it became mendacious (adjective), mendaciously (adverb) and mendaciousness, again, a noun.

Incompetent

There are many examples of words that carry the negative within their construction.  By adding a prefix (in this case 'in') to the word 'competent', the positive becomes negative.

Other examples of the prefix in are - 'inaccurate', 'ineligible' and 'intolerant'.

As a competent speaker of English examine your dictionary's entries for 'in'.  You'll be surprised at the length of the list.  You'll find new words for crosswords and Scrabble.  And you'll build your vocabulary.

If you are currently learning English,have a look at the dictionary entries for 'in'.  Do this for a few minutes at a time. Note those words that you hear often. Gather a few that are less familiar to you. Return to the reference. Look out for any analyses in your reference.  And remember that not all words beginning with 'in' imply the negative. Seek out those and expand your vocabulary.

There are additional prefixes used in English.  I'll be writing more on this topic in future posts.