Abeyance

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 […]

Building Your Power of Expression Doppelgänger, n. Pronunciation: ˈdäpəlˌɡaNGər Meaning: Refers to an apparition or a double of a living person. It is usually a reference to a non-biologically related look-alike or double of a living person. The term comes from German, meaning “double walker.” In folklore and fiction, a doppelgänger is often considered a […]

Building Your Power of Expression Imperious, adj. Pronunciation: ˌimˈpirēəs Meaning: Ever hear someone say to someone else, “Who died and made you king?” The person on the receiving end of that barb was probably assuming power and authority without justification. Any time a person displays an arrogant posture or a demanding persona is probably behaving […]

Building Your Power of Expression Censorious, adj. Pronunciation: senˈsôrēəs Meaning: We hear this word used often in the media – especially conservative media (such as talk radio, one of the few mediums dominated by conservative thought). When used in such settings, it is usually in reference to accusations of censorship of conservatives by Leftists. While […]

Building Your Power of Expression Pied, adj. Pronunciation: Pīd Meaning: Refers to having two (or more) differing colors, especially in blotches or patches. It is often used to describe animals, horses in particular. Birds, cats, and dogs are often the recipients of the adjective, although the term is not exclusive to animals. It can also […]

Building Your Power of Expression Reticent, adj. Pronunciation: ˈredəsənt Meaning: This word conveys a sense of hesitancy, of caution, or of being guarded in one’s expressions. To be reticent is to be reserved, or quiet, or reluctant to express oneself. A reticent person tends to avoid speaking freely or to reveal much about themselves. Such […]