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!