Building Your Power of Expression

Preen v.

Pronunciation: prēn

Meaning: While this word is often found in the field of ornithology (the study of birds – i.e., when a bird cleans its feathers with its beak, it is preening itself) the word also pertains to people who are busy making themselves look attractive and/or admiring their own looks. It can even have reference to situations when a person congratulates oneself for a job well done.

Usage:

• The tween girls were preening in front of their bedroom mirrors.
• He tried to remain stoic, but could not resist the chance to preen himself on his high achievement
• She stood preening in their midst, delighted with all the attention and adulation.