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.

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?

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.

perspicacity

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.