Wednesday, August 22, 2007

words vs. wordless

It's been a few weeks since I've posted a Words on Wednesday, thanks to our malfunctioning computer. I'm afraid that means that I have quite a pile to post today. I wonder if there will ever come a week when I don't come across any new words. Unlikely.

*internecine-relating to struggle within a nation, organization, or group (from And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts)

*inveigh-to vehemently disapprove or protest (from And the Band...)

*melange-a mixture

*abstruse-difficult to understand

*treacly-overly sweet in speech or sentiment

*lavation-the process of watching

*hegira-a flight to avoid danger (from And the Band...)

*plenary-unlimited or full (from And the Band...)

*inimical-injurious or harmful (from And the Band...)

Notes:

---I apologize for not having a source for some of these words; I just can't remember in which book I encountered them.

---My ignorance continues to astound me.

---Make me feel a little better by letting me know if any of these words were new you you as well. Or in your case Jean, just amaze me once again with your outstanding vocabulary!

Okay, and for those of you who don't get all giddy over words, how about Wordless Wednesday (hope that link works...for whatever reason I can't seem to get there this morning)...

8 comments:

Jean said...

"Lavation" stumped me this morning (and the spell-checker here doesn't seem to like it). I shall have to work it into conversation soon. I shall also have to check as to usage. If "lavation" is the act of watching, do I "lavate" when I watch? If it's something tasty, I could lavate and salivate simultaneously. This could be a very fun word to know and use.

As for vocabulary, did you read the news report on the percentage of the population that DID NOT READ EVEN ONE BOOK LAST YEAR?!?!? Sorry to shout, but it was pretty depressing to learn that 1 in 4 adults did not read a single book last year. 1 in 4!?!?! Considering some of the people I meet, it should not surprise me, but it does. And saddens me.

Have a great getaway!

Debi said...

Jean-

I just read that article through a fellow blogger's link (hi Chris!). It was horribly depressing, wasn't it? Though I have to admit, I actually was surprised. Almost everyone I know is an avid reader. Granted, I don't know that many people.

Anonymous said...

What a pretty picture!!!

chrisa511 said...

I've heard "melange" before, but could never have told you what it means!

Treacly...wasn't there something called treacle-pie in the Harry Potter books or am I totally dreaming this up? lol...Trust me, I wouldn't put it past me for this to just come out of my head :p

Words on Wednesday, I like this! cool post!

Ana S. said...

All those words are new to me. So don't feel bad, you are definitely not alone!

Quixotical said...

"hegira" is a new one on me! :)

gail@more than a song said...

I'm familiar with 2, melange and inimical.....how can there be so many new words out there!
Hope you're having a good trip!

Annie said...

I love new words!