Optics

Building Your Power of Expression Optics, n., pl. Pronunciation: ˈäptiks Meaning: Although this is a plural noun, it is usually treated, in practice, as a singular noun (similar to economics, politics, etc.) While the word originally pertained to the scientific study of sight and the behavior of light, I tend to use the word in […]

Building Your Power of Expression Surgical, adj. Pronunciation: ˈsərjək(ə)l Meaning: Outside the practice of medicine, I often use this word to convey the idea of doing something with precision. Many others, especially in military circles, use the term to describe a type of attack on a military target that is done swiftly and with high […]

Building Your Power of Expression Sublimate, v. Pronunciation: ˈsəbləˌmāt Meaning: To sublimate is to divert or modify (an instinctual impulse) into a culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity, such as to quell or suppress one’s darker impulses. Usage: “My guess is he would tend to sublimate his hurt and anger into humor. ” “Freud […]

Building Your Power of Expression Parity, n. Pronunciation: ˈperədē Meaning: This word has in mind the state or condition of being equal, especially on matters of status or pay. Usage: “The issue is the euro’s parity with the dollar.” “Ultimately we are seeking parity of between rural workers and those in industrial occupations. ” “The […]

Building Your Power of Expression Sonorous, adj. Pronunciation: ˈsänərəs Meaning: This nifty word has in mind, when speaking of a person’s voice or some other sound, something that is deep and full and rich and resonant. It describes something that is capable of producing a deep or ringing sound. It often implies a voice or […]

Building Your Power of Expression Abeyance, n. Pronunciation: əˈbāəns Meaning: A state of temporary inactivity, disuse, or suspension. Usage: ”Matters were held in abeyance pending further inquiries. “After the manager resigned, the decision-making process fell into abeyance.” “Legal proceedings were kept in abeyance while both parties attempted to reach a settlement.”

Building Your Power of Expression Dormant, adj. Pronunciation: ˈdôrmənt Meaning: Anything that is dormant is temporarily inactive. It could refer to a volcano that, while not currently active, could become active in the future. It could refer to seeds that are not growing at the moment but are still able to sprout under the right […]

Building Your Power of Expression Affable, adj. Pronunciation: ˈafəb(ə)l Meaning: Refers to people who are good-natured, friendly, or easy to talk to. It is pleasant to interact with such persons. Usage: “He made for an affable and good-natured conversationalist.” “Her now affable nature was in stark contrast to her formerly surely disposition.” “For this job […]

Building Your Power of Expression Inimitable, adj. Pronunciation: iˈnimədəb(ə)l Meaning: Things (or people) that are very unique can be said to be inimitable. The word points to something (or someone) who is so good or unusual as to be impossible to copy. A one-of-a-kind. . . Usage: “She was mesmerized by the inimitable ambiance of […]

Building Your Power of Expression Parochial, adj. Pronunciation: pəˈrōkēəl Meaning: Although this word usually refers to things relating to a church parish, it can also be used in a symbolic sense to mean having a limited, narrow outlook or scope. Usage: “His worldview seems incredibly naïve and parochial.” “How can a place be at once […]