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.