Abortive

Building Your Power of Expression Abortive, adj. Pronunciation: əˈbôrdiv Meaning: This word denotes the failing to produce the intended result; begun or attempted but unsuccessful or brought to nothing. It is an appropriate word-choice to describe the unsuccessful outcome in producing the intended result; failing to develop fully or reach a successful conclusion. The word […]

Building Your Power of Expression Self-Permeable, adj. Pronunciation: self-pərmēəb(ə)l Meaning: Whereas the word permeable refers to a material or a membrane that allows liquids or gases to pass through it, our word self-permeable is not found in most dictionaries. Think of it as a coined or specialized compound adjective. I use it in the sense […]

Building Your Power of Expression Aforementioned, adj. Pronunciation: əˈfôrˌmen(t)SHənd Meaning: This word denotes a thing or person previously mentioned or referred to earlier, especially earlier in the same conversation, document, or piece of writing. In conversational English, it basically means “the thing/person I mentioned before.” Usage: “I will be playing various songs from the aforementioned […]

Building Your Power of Expression Scurrilous, adj. Pronunciation: ‘skaralas Meaning: This word refers to the making of scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation. Important note: it almost always carries the implication that the attack is not merely harsh but also unfair, abusive, or malicious. It is not ordinarily used for […]

Building Your Power of Expression Malodorous, adj. Pronunciation: mal’ōdərəs Meaning: This word is to be used to describe anything (or anyone) possessing an unpleasant odor. If spoiled roast beef wreaks, it could be said to be malodorous. If you are walking into a Paris subway and right in front of you is a man who […]

Building Your Power of Expression Bawdy, adj., n. Pronunciation: ‘bôdē Meaning: As a noun (which is uncommon), bawdy refers to humorously indecent talk or writing. As an adjective (more common), bawdy refers to anything dealing with sexual matters in a comical way. Usage: “Her work is characterized by irreverence and bawdy humor.” “This group regularly […]

Building Your Power of Expression Coterie, n. Pronunciation: ˈkōdərē Meaning: A coterie is a small, often exclusive group of people with share interests or tastes, or occupation, or social status, or purpose, especially one that is exclusive of other people. Usage: “The author was surrounded by a coterie of loyal admirers.” “A coterie of political […]

Building Your Power of Expression Yawning, adj. Pronunciation: ‘yôniNG Meaning: Admittedly, when referring to the reflex action of opening the mouth wide and inhaling deeply due to feelings of fatigue associated with sleepiness, the word is a noun. But the word can also be used as an adjective, which is my focus at this time. […]

Building Your Power of Expression Bovine, adj. Pronunciation: ˈbōˌvīn Meaning: While the word bovine has reference to things associated with hoofed, cud-chewing mammals such as cows, American bison, water buffalo, yaks, and several other species that have cloven hooves and favor herbivorous diets, over time the word has been used in a derogatory sense to […]

Building Your Power of Expression Implacable, adj. Pronunciation: ˈimˈplakəb(ə)l, imˈplākəb(ə)l Meaning: When something is said to be implacable, we mean it is unable to be placated. OK, I’ll stop being sassy and give you a clearer definition. It is something that is relentless, unstoppable, unappeasable, and it can even carry a sort of ruthless, heartless, […]