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.

hyperbole

Arising from the Greek hyper (enlarge or increase) + bole (meaning to throw) this lovely word carries the meaning of intense, over-exaggeration.

Its synonyms include magnification, amplification and enlargement.

Notice that sight, sound and sensation are increased extensively to capture the exaggeration, hype and overstatement inherent in the word.

ballast - noun and verb

Here is another example of how words take on additional resonances while drawing on the central meaning of their origin. Notice the history in ‘ballast’ which is both a noun and a verb.

As a noun, this word refers to the dense, heavy material that stabilises a ship or similar seafaring vessel which is not carrying its cargo or a full load.

It is thought to have arisen from Old German (16 Century) via Old Danish or Old Swedish from bar (bare, mere) + last (load)

The word is used in building contexts where the crushed rock is used to stabilise road or rail foundations.

More recently, it is used in electronics as the name for the device that maintains current flow in a circuit.

It can be used as a verb where to ballast means to stabilise or give weight to an object.

gratuitous

A few months ago I came across this adjective in the international news pages of my local paper. It was used in the context of needless and wanton violence perpetrated by a state on its citizens.

In work contexts it can be applied to behaviours, actions and attitudes that are unjustified and unwarranted. 

If you are going to use gratuitous in this context, be able to back up your statements and observations with evidence.

perspicacity

In professional contexts this noun refers to the qualities of a person who has insight, acumen and discernment.

effete

As an adjective, this word can be applied to a person’s character or a person’s or object’s state of being.

In the context of character, effete means cowardly, weak-willed, wimpish or ineffectual.

In the context of a state of being, it means worn-out, spent or wasted. It can also refer to a sterile, barren, unproductive state.

nepotism

A favourite of some journalists, nepotism means just that – the favouritism shown to members of their family (or their friends) by people in positions of power and influence.

Historically, the use of the word can be traced to 17 Century Italian and the former papal practice of bestowing special favours to nephews and other relatives.

It arises from the Italian nepotismo derived from nepote meaning nephew.

transform

This verb means to change or be changed radically in form or function, as an object or process.

 The same verb can apply to people whose thoughts, deeds and emotions have been radically changed by themselves or others.

Use the word wisely, as it holds within it the concept of depth and breadth in change and the changes being made.

constraint

This noun refers to a mechanism, physical or emotional, that prevents a person from taking action due to threatened violence or damage to themselves or their property.

The word can be applied to the situation of being restricted, the person doing the restriction or the person being affected by the restriction.

Plan your sentence with care in order to position the word accurately and demonstrate its meaning in the sentence.

bombast, the noun and bombastic, the adjective

In a most particular sense, bombast (the noun) and the resulting adjective, bombastic, refer to pompous and grandiloquent use of language.

Its meaning has expanded to include people being pretentious, flamboyant or boastful in social contexts.

The history of word has little to do with its current use. The now obsolete meaning refers to material used for padding, from the Medieval ‘bombax’ – cotton. 

In this context, look at bombacaceous – a family of tropical trees eg kapok (from which ancient tribes sourced a type of cotton – West Africa, South East Asia and Indonesia) and baobab with very thick stems that have water-storage capacity.

The adjective bombastic arises from the same source…. Just love the picture – a person as full of words as the baobab tree is full to bursting with water!

flamboyant

This vivid adjective captures a theatrical, showy, extravagant, striking way of being in gesture, clothing and physical presentation.

Use it with care as it can carry positive and negative connotations which will be attached to the use of the word in its unique context.

violate

Also a verb, this word means to break, disregard or infringe an agreement or the law.

In particular contexts, it means to sexually assault or rape a person and, in relation to places of worship and memorials, to break in upon and disturb a sanctuary.

It arises from 15 Century Latin violare which means to use strength to do violence to someone or something.

vindicate

In the majority of sentences, this verb means to clear from guilt, accusation or blame by means of evidence or argument.

Also, it can be used to provide justification for a particular quality in a person.

In addition, it is used in the context of upholding, maintaining or defending a cause or a a principle.

atrium

Originally, the main central court of a Roman house which was open to the air, this word has several, specific meanings.

It is the central, glass-roofed hall that can extend through several storeys in a building such as a shopping centre or hotel.

Atrium also referred to a court in front of an early Christian or medieval church, especially those flanked by colonnades.

In medical contexts, it refers to a cavity or chamber in the body such as the chambers of the heart.

salutary

Look how closely this adjective’s history relates to the previous word post. It shows how meanings flow into language across the centuries.

From 15 Century Latin salutaris (wholesome) from salus where the original meaning is ‘safety’.

In context, the adjective promotes an improvement or a beneficial effect.

salubrious

From 16 Century Latin salubris with the stem salus being ‘health’, this adjective means wholesome.

When describing an action or event as ‘salubrious’, this demonstrates the subject is conducive or favourable to health.

limpid

This adjective means clear or transparent. In this context, I have heard it used in relation to water.

In literary contexts it refers to clear writing styles and expression.

It has evolved further to be used in relation to calm, peaceful surroundings.

The Latin source is limpidus meaning ‘clear’ which was absorbed into French and became limpide.

The meaning was retained as it was taken into English in 17 Century as limpid.

langour

The noun arises from 14 Century Latin languor via Old French languere.

Its meaning is physical or mental laziness or weariness; a state of dreamy relaxation.

In total contrast to the above, and with the meaning taken from the context in which the word appears, langour can refer to oppressive silence or stillness.  Think about the Australian bush on a very hot day in summer and you'll remember the meaning.

languid

From the Old French, languere, into 16 Century Latin languidus this adjective has several, related meanings.

The word can mean being without energy or spirit; without interest or enthusiasm; sluggish or inactive.

Within the context of work it has a negative impact.

When on holiday it is entirely positive and speaks of relaxed, easy, take-them-as-they-arise days!

lambast

In most circumstances now, this verb refers to a severe reprimand or a scolding.

It has its roots in physical punishment for wrongdoing where the perpetrator of an action was beaten or whipped for what they did.

ideology

This noun refers to a collection of ideas, beliefs or doctrines that a particular group, system or country refers to and uses within a society and for governance.

An ideology can be philosophical, economic, political, religious, social and a blend of all or any of the above.

impel

Contrast this verb with the previous one and you’ll find opposites at work.

Impel arises earlier, from 15 Century Latin impellere, meaning to push against, to drive forward. It means to urge or force into action, to motivate them.

Once again, we take degree into account from the context.

Be aware that ‘impel’ can be used in a negative sense to force a person into an action that they do not desire to take.

The resulting outcome (against their wellbeing) is what motivates them to take the action.

alienate

Within this verb there is ‘degree’ which, in this context, means a potentially varying amount of action in the verb itself.

The verb means to divert, to turn away, to cause someone to become indifferent, unfriendly or hostile.

The inherent ‘degree’ in the word relates to the intensity of feelings that arise from the act of alienating someone.

The degree of alienation is usually gained from the context in which the word is used.

gargoyle

Instantly associated with gothic architecture in the Middle Ages this word is the generic name for grotesque sculptures (and amusing caricatures) that abound on the high points of those buildings.

Some gargoyles perform a practical purpose as waterspouts on those buildings.

In some examples, the distorted faces and expressions of the gargoyles were created as caricatures of political and religious figures of the time.

The word arises in 15 Century from the Old French gargouille (throat) which is related to the verb gargouiller to gargle. Perhaps this recalls the sound of water gurgling down the spout…

atrophy

As a noun, this word refers to the wasting away of a plant or organ due to poor nutrition or disease.

As a verb the word captures the degeneration of an organism due to lack of use.

In current speech, I have heard it used as a metaphor in relation to the wasting away of previous practices, systems or attitudes. 

grotesque

In junior school, I was fascinated by the spelling of this word. To my eye, the meaning of the word was fulfilled in the strange look of the word itself.

It is an adjective describing an object which is bizarre, strange or fantastically distorted; even absurd and ludicrous.

It arose in the 16 Century where aspects of the human form, plants and animals were distorted or exaggerated in sculpture or art.

incite/insight

Here is yet another example of two words that have identical phonemes, very different meanings and require different emphasis in their pronunciation.

Incite, the verb, means to stir up or provoke. It arises in the 15 Century from the Latin incitare meaning to excite. To pronounce this accurately, half-stress is found on the first syllable and full stress falls on the second syllable of the word.

Insight is a noun. It refers to the ability of a person to perceive clearly or deeply; perception that is sudden, penetrating and gives significant understanding of a problem or situation. Accurate pronunciation reflects the full stress on the first syllable and half stress on the second syllable of the word.

sanguine

This adjective will aptly describe a cheerful and confident person, an optimist.

Its origin is reflected in an adjunct meaning, someone of ruddy appearance, being red-cheeked and consistently flushed with red in their skin.

It arises from Latin sanguis meaning ‘blood’ and taken, via 14 Century Latin sanguineus, meaning ‘bloody’, into English.

violate

Used in general contexts, violate means to break, disregard or infringe an agreement or the law.

Specifically it can meak to sexually assault or rape a person, or to break in upon and disturb a sanctuary, a holy or revered place.

From 15 Century Latin violare means to use strength to do violence to something or someone.

lugubrious

This adjective arises from 17 Century Latin lugubris from lugere meaning ‘to grieve’.

Common synonyms are ‘doleful’ or ‘mournful’.

impede

This verb means to restrict something from happening, to slow down an action’s progress, to hinder and even obstruct action. Again there is a sense of ‘degree’ in the word which is gathered from the context.

The source of the word is 17 Century Latin, impedare which means to hinder (literally, via shackles on the feet).

impel

Contrast this verb with the previous one and you’ll find opposites at work.

'Impel' arises earlier, from 15 Century Latin impellere, meaning to push against, to drive forward.

It means to urge or force into action, to motivate people to action.

Once again, we take degree into account from the context.

Be aware that ‘impel’ can be used in a negative sense to force a person into an action that they do not desire to take.

The resulting outcome (against their well-being) is what motivates them to take the action.

decry

I’ve noticed that newspaper journalists favour this verb when space is tight.

It smoothly replaces longer words like disparage or disapprove.

In specific contexts, 'to decry' means to publicly denounce a person or an event via a formal proclamation.

Feculent and fetid (foetid)

Feculent is an adjective that is sometimes misused.

It refers to fluid that is contaminated; filthy, muddy, scummy and foul … extending in some contexts to having excrement or faeces within it.

Fetid (also spelt as foetid) is particular in its meaning. It applies to something that is foul-smelling; offensively stale and nauseating.

fecund, adjective

The opposite of barren, fecund means ‘fertile’.

Again, this adjective can be used literally and figuratively.

The latter, particularly in relation to creativity and innovation, implies an excess of productivity and ideas-generation.

barren, adjective

Here is another example of a word, an adjective, that is used literally and figuratively. These are useful to have in your vocabulary as they contribute to understanding.

In the most common context, barren means sterile, unable to reproduce – seed, fruit, offspring.

Its use may also refer to soil which is unable to support life.

In figurative terms, barren refers to a lack of ideas; little that is new or stimulating; and unproductive periods in creativity or business contexts.

cantankerous

This adjective carries within it vivid pictures and experiences of specific behaviour.

It means 'quarrelsome' or 'irascible' (another lovely word to use). Its beauty lies in the word’s ability to communicate a serious message or humourous one. Thus it is very valuable to use in narratives that illustrate preferred behaviours.

Its origins are obscure, but there are sources that find it in 14 Century via the obsolete conteckour meaning 'a contentious person' from conteck meaning 'strife' from the Anglo-French.

I find the presence of the letter k rather charming, sitting there, in the middle of the word. Its serves as a reminder of the irritability inherent in its meaning.

salient

An adjective, often relating to a particular feature (e.g. of a building) that means prominent, striking or conspicuous.

In Geometry the meaning is specific and applies to a particularly prominent angle of a polygon, one that is less than 180°.

In a military context it refers to the projection of the forward line reaching into enemy territory.

It comes from 16 Century Latin, salire (to leap forward) which is why it is applied to those animals that leap.

I admit, I’ve never heard it used in this context, but it makes sense. Think of kangaroos.

legacy

A legacy is lasting gift, one given by a will, often of money or a precious possession.

It can also be something that is handed down to or received from an ancestor or predecessor.

Used metaphorically, it refers to a previous generation’s gift to their successors. In this context, it can be an insight, a breakthrough development or significant discovery that changes the next generation's thinking and actions.

congruent

This elegant words means ‘in agreement with’ or ‘corresponding to’ in the context of principles, concepts or ideas.

In physical contexts, such as buildings, designs and art, it refers to items that have identical shapes so that all parts correspond.

It arises from 15 Century Latin congruere which means ‘to meet together’.

cement

This is a powdery mixture made of limestone, clay and sand that, when water is added, acts as an adhesive to bind stones and bricks together.

Metaphorically, the word is used in the context of 'joining together'. Here, it can refer to personal and business relationships.

The history of the word dates back to early times as follows – 13 Century Old French ciment, arising from the Latin caementum meaning ‘stone from the quarry’ arising from the verb caedere which means ‘to hew' - to cut or cleave with an axe.

luminary

The word 'luminary; refers to a person who enlightens or influences others.

They could also be a person of note and fame.

The word comes into English via Old French of the 15 Century which arose from the Latin Thus luminare meaning 'lamp' arises from lumen meaning 'light'.

dignitary

A 'dignitary' is a person of high rank; one serving in an official position.

The word is often associated with government or a religious body.

Beware of the spelling, it can cause confusion. Learn how to write it and say it!

council/counsel

A council (noun) is an assembly of people meeting for discussion, consultation and examination of an issue.

The noun, 'council' can refer to an official body of people elected to perform an administrative, legislative or advisory role.

People who serve on this are known as councilors.

The use of counsel as a noun, refers to the advice or guidance on conduct, behaviour or procedure.

In a legal context, 'counsel' refers to the barrister or barristers who are conducting cases in a court of law.

As a verb, to counsel someone is the action of giving advice or guidance.

It is important to examine the context of the word and its position in the sentence. This will help you to determine the accurate spelling of the word and its particular meaning.

weary

Weary provides a rich alternative to ‘tired’ particularly as it can apply to both physical and emotional states. Listen to its pronunciation.

It is not to be confused with ‘wary’ meaning watchful or cautious and is pronounced like this. 

vagrant

Most commonly, this noun applies to a person who is without a permanent living place. In some instances, it applies to a person whose job and income is erratic.

Interestingly, it can be applied to a migratory bird or insect that is off course.

disingenuous

This adjective describes a person who is not sincere.

It arose in an article that I was reading about leadership where the lack of candour from some leaders was contrasted with the direct, raw reality that others express as change rolls out.

It is a lovely word to use in relevant contexts.

protocol

This very specific noun applies to clearly defined, formal procedures or set of behaviours as they apply to ceremonies and similar events.

Protocol applies to written, formal missives that document how things have been done, are currently done and will continue to be done.

The expectation is that protocol will be followed without diversions unless these diversions have been confirmed and consolidated in writing.

In the law, government and diplomatic contexts, the breaching of protocol is a serious offence. 

current

This word has several meanings and can be applied as an adjective and a noun.

In the first instance, it means ‘up-to-date’; happening in the immediate present; commonly known and accepted (as in ‘current practice’).

As a noun, it refers to the natural flow of air or water in a particular direction. Thus, rivers and winds are often driven by currents.

The word is applied symbolically to trends, conventions and change.

currant

This is the name of a type of fruit found growing in the Mediterranean area and in similar climates.

It is served either fresh or dried and is very like a small grape. 

The word is not to be confused with ‘current’ (to be published by 5 May).

perceptive and perspective

If a person is ‘perceptive’ it means that they have advanced abilities to observe and notice particular aspects of others' behaviours, actions and changes to these.

'Perspective' refers to anyone’s ability to take up a position or a particular view on something; being able to see and comment on an event or action from a defined point of view. It includes but is not limited to a person being able to be objective about the situation, action or event.

serial/cereal

For a number of reasons these two words can be confusing. Their origins and their meanings are entirely different, but which spelling belongs to which word? Be aware that, in your local area, there may be regional differences in the pronunciation of these words.

Cereal refers to:

• ·         Any grass that produces edible grain e.g. wheat, barley, rice, sorghum, rye, oat and maize
• ·         The seed arising from that grass
• ·         Food made from the processing of the grain e.g. breakfast cereals

Cereal arises from the Latin, cerealis. It is derived from Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. Here is its most common pronunciation.

A serial is the publication and distribution of information or story presented in a series of separate installments which are released at regular intervals. Its origin rests in 19 Century Latin ‘serialis’ from the Latin ‘series’. Open this link to hear the common pronunciation.

artifact or artefact

Objects ancient and modern are contained in the word artifact which is also found printed as artefact.

Artifacts are produced by humans as tools, weapons, ornaments or daily living objects.

Within context, they are often found at archaeological digs where past settlements or civilisations are carefully exposed to reveal the practical and ornamental objects used by the people of that time and place.

Modern cities harbour artefacts of previous eras under existing buildings and roads.  They tell us as much as our use of words they do about our history, interests and progress.

epiphany

An epiphany is a sudden realisation of the meaning of something, a sudden insight, a flash of comprehension.

The word’s source arises in religious contexts where the Feast of Epiphany is celebrated by Christians on January 6 each year. It marks the manifestation of divinity in Jesus as represented by the Magi and their symbolic gifts.

The history of the word dates to Indo-European roots and travelled through the Latin and Greek into the Middle Ages and thus into English.

Tip: the letters 'ph' point to a word’s likely passage through Greek.

trawl

There are many words, ancient in origin, whose history is not easily traced. Trawl, which serves as a verb and a noun, is a good example.

To trawl means to fish in the deep sea with a large net, one that flows and can capture many fish at a time. A trawl is the name of the net which is derived from the action of trawling to catch fish.

Because mankind has been fishing across the world from the earliest of times, the word could have arisen from Latin, tragula, possibly Old English trahere  or Middle Dutch tragel

These days, we are more likely to ‘trawl the internet’ for information than take to the sea to fish for our family or community dinner!

profane, adjective

While this adjective is particularly applied to showing contempt or irreverence for what is sacred, it can also apply to secular contexts where being profane can be seen as uninformed, uneducated, or ignorant.

In a further expansion of this, that which is labelled profane can be seen as vulgar, coarse or being put to improper or degrading use.

The word has a rich history dating back to Indo-European roods, moving through Latin profanes then via Old French into Middle English where it became prophane.

evoke/invoke

As they are so often mixed up, it is worthwhile treating these two words in one post.

The verb evoke means to summon or call forth – the result of this summons can be feelings – anger, fear, joy, mistrust; and memories – of certain times, places and events in one’s life.

The action can also involve imagination where a writer or painter can capture, so vividly, the key attributes of the time, that the reader or observer can build an impression of that time which includes physical and emotive detail.

In contrast, to invoke means that one calls upon a higher power for assistance, support and inspiration.

In current times, invoking can appeal to a person of authority; draw on a reference or citation to receive support.

And it is being used in specific computer science contests meaning to activate or start e.g. a program.

ensure

This verb means to make sure, to make certain, a particular event or action.

As an example: “The athlete’s first place in the national event will ensure his selection as a member of the Olympic Team.”

Once again, make sure that the action and outcome are in their logical positions. It is easy to become confused!

ensue

This verb means to follow in order or as a result of something else.

Thus, look out for two actions in the sentence as in: “A daylight robbery in a crowded place, is likely to ensue in the arrest of its perpetrators”.

When using this word in a sentence, make sure that the result follows the action.

vantage

As a noun, vantage is a state, position or opportunity which enables advantage or superiority.

It can also refer to the benefit itself that is received as a result of the advantage gained.

It is often combined with vantage point – the vista from which one can gain advantage.

It arises in 13 Century French avantage which easily brings to mind political and battle ground contexts.

vintage

This word is a great example of one originating in a particular context and then being applied to additional contexts with expanded meaning.

 Arising in the specific context of grapes and the resulting wine, it has been extended to apply to particular styles, periods, writers or artists and the qualities attached to those.

As a noun – the year in which wine was pressed from a harvest of grapes. You are likely to find the vintage printed on the label. It usually quotes the year, the district and the vineyard.

As an adjective – representative of the best or most typical e.g. vintage Spielberg.

The word also refers to a group of styles, objects and people of the same period e.g. Edwardian, Art Deco.

Arising from 15 century French vendage out of the Latin vindemia which literally means vin – ‘wine’ demere – ‘taking away from’.

trailblazer

This noun comes up in articles where someone has led the way in a particular field or endeavour.

Trailblazers break new ground, pioneer discoveries and achieve desired outcomes in innovative or unexpected ways.

Taking the word literally, they are people who have cut a new trail in their industry.

harmony

Harmony means being in accord with, being in balance with itself and its environment.

It applies to many contexts; a work of art, a structure and particularly to sound – music, chords and their relationship with each other and the pleasing sound as it reached the ear.

Its history stretches back in time to its Indo-European language roots (ar-) into harmos meaning ‘joint’, through the Greek harmonia meaning ‘articulation’ and ‘agreement’, to the Latin harmonia and finally through Old French into Middle English armonie.

So, in one word, we have a fragmented history of the world!

disparage

Arising in the 14^th Century from the Old French desparagier, this verb means to speak badly of, to be contemptuous of another.

The meaning can extend to damaging another’s reputation.

Be aware of the differences between 'deprecate', 'derogatory' and 'disparage'.

derogatory

While this word, as an adjective, is a close relation to deprecate (the verb), when one is derogatory, one is intending to be actively offensive to the person, event or activity.

deprecate

This word is a perfect example of how words change their meaning over time.

Originally, deprecare in Latin meant to pray (precare) in order to ward off something undesirable. 

Gradually, the word’s meaning shifted to one of disapproval. From that point it changed to its current meaning which is to belittle, to reduce, to diminish. This can apply to an activity, a person and/or their character.

When one deprecates an event, action or person, one is expressing disapproval and belittling the value of the event, action or person. 

guerilla

Arising in the 19^th Century from the Spanish ‘guerra’ meaning ‘war’, a guerilla is a member of a band of armed fighting men who attack a regular army via stealth, sabotage and harassment.

Guerilla warfare thus is a war that is fought by small bands of people using surprise tactics, sabotage and harassment to unseat a regular army or political force.

bizarre

When I explored this word, I was intrigued by its history.

Originally taken into English from the French after it had been absorbed from the Spanish bizarro (meaning brave), where it had, in turn, been adopted from the Basque bizar which translates as ‘beard’.

What a journey!

It is used as an adjective in English to describe a person or object that is unconventional, even far-fetched, in style or appearance.

It is a word that provides living proof that language constantly changes!

adamant

This word describes a person or action as being unyielding in opinion or substance, fiercely determined to fulfil their purpose.

It has an interesting history arising from Indo-European roots, then travelling through Greek, Latin into its Middle English source where it meant a hard, precious stone.

It now chiefly serves us as an adjective where its original quality has become a metaphor for a particular attitude.

dramatic

This word originates in the theatre where it describes the action of a performed a story (a piece of drama) that is full of emotion and action.

Over time, we have applied the word to events, situations and circumstances where emotions run high and actions or activities are fast and ever-changing.

Thus we are likely to hear of a dramatic change of events, a dramatic rescue, a dramatic tropical storm. All of these convey a similar combination of intensity in emotions, actions and responses.

convection

Convection is the process of heat or mass transfer through air or fluid. It is caused by the movement of molecules from cool to warmer regions.

The word arises from the Latin convehere which means to bring together. I mention ‘convection’ in this blog as inaccuracies in pronunciation often cause it to be mistaken for ‘convention’.

The easiest way to understand the process is via meteorological changes to air and temperature where hot air rises, then cools, forms rain clouds and results in cooler air.

We generally hear this word in relation to convection ovens where the process heats and cooks food in the contained environment of the oven.

convention

This noun is used in two common contexts:

A convention is a formal event at which many people meet and gather to discuss current matters that are relevant to their discipline or industry.

A convention is a method, an agreed way of doing something that has become common practice.

Be sure that you understand the context in which this word is being used. That way you will avoid confusion!