At each meeting, our Wordmaster presents a word that will provide a useful addition to our vocabulary. Our task, during our speaking opportunities, is to use it.
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posted May 26, 2012 7:04 PM by Tom Ginsburg
an·thro·po·mor·phism/ˌanTHrəpəˈmôrˌfizəm/
Noun: The attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.
Definition courtesy of Google.com |
posted May 20, 2012 3:37 PM by Tom Ginsburg
Belittle be·lit·tle [bih-lit-l] verb (used with object), be·lit·tled, be·lit·tling. to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.
Amateur am·a·teur [am-uh-choor, -cher, -ter, am-uh-tur] noun 1. a person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons. Compare professional. 2. an athlete who has never competed for payment or for a monetary prize. 3. a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity: Hunting lions is not for amateurs. 4. a person who admires something; devotee; fan: an amateur of the cinema. adjective 5. characteristic of or engaged in by an amateur; nonprofessional: an amateur painter; amateur tennis.
Definition courtesy of Dictionary.com |
posted May 12, 2012 5:59 PM by Tom Ginsburg
noun
A defense mechanism that allows us to act out unacceptable moulded by converting these behaviors into a more acceptable form. For example, a person experiencing extreme anger might take up kick-boxing as a means of venting frustration.
sublimational, adjective
Definition courtesy of Bob Bosso
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posted May 8, 2012 11:37 PM by Tom Ginsburg
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updated May 9, 2012 5:59 AM by bill fitler
]
White Lie
White lies are minor lies which could be considered to be harmless, or even beneficial, in the long term. White lies are also considered to be used for greater good. A common version of a white lie is to tell only part of the truth, therefore to not be suspected of lying, yet also conceal something else, in order to avoid awkward questions.
Jocose Lie
Jocose (cf. jocular) lies are lies meant in jest, intended to be understood as such by all present. Teasing and irony are examples. A more elaborate instance is seen in some storytelling traditions, where the humor comes from the storyteller's insistence that the story is the absolute truth, despite all evidence to the contrary (i.e. tall tale).
Butler Lie
...small/innate lies which are usually sent electronically, and are used to terminate conversations or save face. For example - sending an SMS to someone reading, "I have to go, the waiter is here" when you are not at a restaurant...
Definitions courtesy of Wikipedia via Bill Fitler |
posted Apr 29, 2012 9:58 PM by Tom Ginsburg
hul·la·ba·loo [huhl-uh-buh-loo] noun, plural hul·la·ba·loos. a clamorous noise or disturbance; uproar.
Definition courtesy of Dictionary.com
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posted Apr 29, 2012 9:55 PM by Tom Ginsburg
neb·u·lous/ˈnebyələs/
Adjective: In the form of a cloud or haze; hazy. (of an idea) Unclear, vague, or ill-defined.
Synonyms: vague - hazy - misty - dim - foggy - obscure - cloudy
Definition courtesy of Google.com |
posted Apr 14, 2012 9:35 AM by Tom Ginsburg
"What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue." - Thomas Paine
Courtesy of Joan Staffen |
posted Apr 8, 2012 9:33 PM by Tom Ginsburg
Congenial
Friendly, affable, amiable, pleasant, genial.
Definition courtesy of Joan Staffen |
posted Apr 2, 2012 11:19 PM by Tom Ginsburg
lu·gu·bri·ous/ləˈg(y)o͞obrēəs/
Adjective: Looking or sounding sad and dismal.
Synonyms: mournful - sad - dismal - gloomy - doleful - funereal
Definition courtesy of Anne Mitchell |
posted Mar 27, 2012 10:47 PM by Tom Ginsburg
CONFLUENCE
1. GEOGRAPHY meeting of streams: a flowing together of two
or more streams, or a point at which streams combine
2. meeting of two or more things: a meeting or joining of
two or more things, or the place where two or more things meet or join. Definition courtesy of Nickalaos Conrad |
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