Archives For english

sempiternal – adj. Enduring forever; eternal. From Latin sempiternus, from semper always + aeternuseternal

roborative – adj. Who Strengthens; fortifying. From Latin roborare to consolidate

recriminatory – adj. To counter one accusation with another. From re- + Latin crīmināre, to accuse

obligingly – adv. Ready to do favors for others; accommodating; in accommodation

interminable – adj. Being or seeming to be without an end; endless. From Late Latin interminābilis

quittances – n. Release from debt or other obligation; a receipt or other document certifying this. From Old French quiter to free

commodious – adj. Spacious; roomy; Archaic Suitable; handy. From Latin commodus convenient

gimcrack – n. A cheap and showy object of little or no use; a gewgaw. adj. Cheap and tasteless; gaudy. From Middle English gibecrake, small ornament

epaulette – n. A shoulder ornament, especially a fringed strap worn on military uniforms. From Latin spatula shoulder blade

neume – n. any of various symbols representing from one to four notes, used in the notation of Gregorian chant. From Greek pneuma breath

 

I find it utterly ridiculous that a rap album can be substituted for actual academic work. A rap album is in no way equivalent to the rigor involved in creating a screenplay, novel, or poetry collection.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ODD_RAP_THESIS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-05-18-17-19-50

Are the slang, sounds, and syntax of black English a kind of lingua franca for America’s youth?

Perfunctory

October 30, 2013 — Leave a comment

Word: Perfunctory [ Per-fungk-tory]

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Done routinely with little interest or care; Acting with indifference; showing little interest or care.

Origin: Late 16th Century from Latin perfungi- to get through with

Example Sentence: The violinist delivered a perfunctory performance that displayed none of the passion and warmth he was once known for.

Derivatives: Perfunctorily (adverb), Perfunctoriness (noun)

Avaricious

October 17, 2013 — Leave a comment

Word: Avaricious [ Ah-ver-ishis]

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Immoderately desirous of wealth or gain; greedy. Characterized by avarice; greedy; covetous.

Origin: Mid 15th Century

Example Sentence: They are avaricious and will do anything for money.

Lugubrious

October 13, 2013 — Leave a comment

Word: Lugubrious [Loo-goo-brius]

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially to an exaggerated or ludicrous degree.

Origin: 17th century from Latin lugere – to mourn.

Example Sentence: The man’s face looked even more lugubrious than usual.

Revelry

October 13, 2013 — Leave a comment

Word: Revelry [Rev-ul-ry]

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: wild and noisy celebration; boisterous merrymaking

Origin: 15th century, from revel – Middle English, from Anglo-French reveler, literally, to rebel, from Latin rebellare

Example Sentence: The lottery winner was exhausted after a long night of revelry. 

Surly

October 5, 2013 — Leave a comment

Word: Surly [sir-lee]

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: bad-tempered and unfriendly.

Origin: Mid 16th century, alteration of obsolete sirly.

Example Sentence: The man left with a surly expression having lost the wager.

Derivatives: Surliness (noun), Surlily (adverb)