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!