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.