110 likes | 329 Views
Merriam Dictionary Word-A-Day . Apocryphal uh-PAH- kruh - ful . DEFINITION adjective : of doubtful authenticity EXAMPLES Claims that a pack of hyenas had taken up residence near the campsite were believed to be apocryphal until their tracks were discovered last week.
E N D
Apocryphal\uh-PAH-kruh-ful\ • DEFINITION • adjective • : of doubtful authenticity • EXAMPLES • Claims that a pack of hyenas had taken up residence near the campsite were believed to be apocryphal until their tracks were discovered last week.
Defenestration\dee-fen-uh-STRAY-shun\ • DEFINITION • noun • 1 • : a throwing of a person or thing out of a window • 2 • : a usually swift dismissal or expulsion (as from a political party or office) • EXAMPLES • As with all annoying electronic devices, there is a risk that my new alarm clock will meet with a sudden end by defenestration.
Toplofty\TAHP-lawf-tee\ • DEFINITION • adjective • : very superior in air or attitude • EXAMPLES • Our dinner guest was interesting but a bit toplofty as she recounted tales of her adventures abroad for us.
Ungainly\un-GAYN-lee\ • DEFINITION • adjective • 1 • a: lacking in smoothness or dexterity : clumsy b: hard to handle : unwieldy • 2 • : having an awkward appearance • EXAMPLES • The futon mattress was heavy and ungainly, without any straps to hold onto, and the two roommates struggled to carry it up the stairs.
Kerfuffle\ker-FUFF-ul\ • DEFINITION • noun • : disturbance, fuss • EXAMPLES • Predictably, the royal scandal caused quite a kerfuffle on Fleet Street.
Objurgation\ahb-jer-GAY-shun\ • DEFINITION • noun • : a harsh rebuke • EXAMPLES • "Mr. Filer was now pouring forth his nature in objurgations and oaths, and brandishing before the culprits -- Verena and Ransom -- the extreme penalty of the law." -- From Henry James' 1886 novel The Bostonians
Expedite\EK-spuh-dyte\ • DEFINITION • verb • 1 • : to execute promptly • 2 • : to accelerate the process or progress of : speed up • 3 • : issue, dispatch • EXAMPLES • To expedite the processing of your request, please include your account number on all documents.
Imbibition\im-buh-BIH-shun\ • DEFINITION • noun • : the act or action of imbibing; especially: the taking up of fluid by a colloidal system resulting in swelling • EXAMPLES • The sign at the entrance to the building stated that the imbibition of alcoholic beverages on the premises was prohibited.
Colloquial\kuh-LOH-kwee-ul\ • DEFINITION • adjective • 1 • : of or relating to conversation : conversational • 2 • a: used in or characteristic of familiar and informal conversation; also: unacceptably informal b: using conversational style • EXAMPLES • Molly can switch from formal academic language to a charmingly colloquial style, depending on the audience and subject of her writing.
Quid pro quo\kwid-proh-KWOH\ • DEFINITION • noun • : something given or received for something else; also: a deal arranging a quid pro quo • EXAMPLES • "In Hollywood no one does something for nothing," said the director, adding "there's always a quid pro quo involved."