impede

This verb means to restrict something from happening, to slow down an action’s progress, to hinder and even obstruct action. Again there is a sense of ‘degree’ in the word which is gathered from the context.

The source of the word is 17 Century Latin, impedare which means to hinder (literally, via shackles on the feet).

impel

Contrast this verb with the previous one and you’ll find opposites at work.

'Impel' arises earlier, from 15 Century Latin impellere, meaning to push against, to drive forward.

It means to urge or force into action, to motivate people to action.

Once again, we take degree into account from the context.

Be aware that ‘impel’ can be used in a negative sense to force a person into an action that they do not desire to take.

The resulting outcome (against their well-being) is what motivates them to take the action.

decry

I’ve noticed that newspaper journalists favour this verb when space is tight.

It smoothly replaces longer words like disparage or disapprove.

In specific contexts, 'to decry' means to publicly denounce a person or an event via a formal proclamation.

Feculent and fetid (foetid)

Feculent is an adjective that is sometimes misused.

It refers to fluid that is contaminated; filthy, muddy, scummy and foul … extending in some contexts to having excrement or faeces within it.

Fetid (also spelt as foetid) is particular in its meaning. It applies to something that is foul-smelling; offensively stale and nauseating.

fecund, adjective

The opposite of barren, fecund means ‘fertile’.

Again, this adjective can be used literally and figuratively.

The latter, particularly in relation to creativity and innovation, implies an excess of productivity and ideas-generation.

barren, adjective

Here is another example of a word, an adjective, that is used literally and figuratively. These are useful to have in your vocabulary as they contribute to understanding.

In the most common context, barren means sterile, unable to reproduce – seed, fruit, offspring.

Its use may also refer to soil which is unable to support life.

In figurative terms, barren refers to a lack of ideas; little that is new or stimulating; and unproductive periods in creativity or business contexts.

cantankerous

This adjective carries within it vivid pictures and experiences of specific behaviour.

It means 'quarrelsome' or 'irascible' (another lovely word to use). Its beauty lies in the word’s ability to communicate a serious message or humourous one. Thus it is very valuable to use in narratives that illustrate preferred behaviours.

Its origins are obscure, but there are sources that find it in 14 Century via the obsolete conteckour meaning 'a contentious person' from conteck meaning 'strife' from the Anglo-French.

I find the presence of the letter k rather charming, sitting there, in the middle of the word. Its serves as a reminder of the irritability inherent in its meaning.