Ancillary

Building Your Power of Expression Ancillary,  adj., n. Pronunciation: ˈansəˌlerē Meaning: As a noun, this word refers to something which functions in a supplementary or supporting role. As an adjective, it is the quality of providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, institution, industry, or system. Usage: I need you […]

Building Your Power of Expression Coif,  v. Pronunciation: kwäf Meaning: As a noun, this word refers to a woman’s close-fitting cap, now only worn under a veil by nuns. But I use the word in its verb form, which refers to the style or arrangement of, say, someone’s hair, typically in an elaborate way. Usage: […]

Building Your Power of Expression Embodiment,  n. Pronunciation: əmˈbädēmənt Meaning: This word suggests a tangible or visible form of an intangible (an idea, for example, or a quality of some type, or even a feeling). Usage: She seemed to be a living embodiment of vitality. It was in Germany alone that his hope seemed capable […]

Building Your Power of Expression Indomitable,  adj. Pronunciation: inˈdämədəb(ə)l Meaning: Impossible to subdue or defeat. Usage: Forget it; you cannot stop him for he is of an indomitable disposition. If we defeat last season’s champion, it is safe to say we will be, for all intents and purposes, indomitable. I’m not the least bit worried […]

Building Your Power of Expression Suffuse v. Pronunciation: səˈfyo͞oz Meaning: To gradually spread through or over. . . I often prefer to use this verb in the past tense. Usage: Her cheeks were suffused with color. The first half of the poem was suffused with idealism. The darkness suffused him, seized him, and enveloped him […]

Building Your Power of Expression Acrid adj. Pronunciation: ˈakrəd Meaning: Originally, acrid referred to anything having a repugnant taste or smell. It has come to be applied to anything that can be said to be angry or bitter. Usage: She posted many things with an acrid, near-hysterical shrillness that was very off-putting. Try to calm […]

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 […]

Building Your Power of Expression Superimpose v. Pronunciation: ˌso͞op(ə)rəmˈpōz Meaning: To place or lay one thing over another, typically so that both are still evident. Usage: The number will appear on the screen, superimposed on a flashing button. She tried to superimpose her ideas of perfection onto the lazy habits of her children. I’m wondering, […]

Building Your Power of Expression Jettison, v. Pronunciation: ˈjedəsən, ˈjedəzən Meaning: To abandon or discard something (or someone) that is no longer needed or wanted. Usage: We had one too many bulldozers on the project so we jettisoned one of them. Since we no longer need any of the temp workers, let’s jettison them – […]

Building Your Power of Expression Farcical, adj. Pronunciation: ˈfärsək(ə)l Meaning: When something is described as farcical, it is being associated with being a farce, especially due to its ridiculous aspects or its absurd properties. Usage: The presentation was so odd and disjointed that it bordered on the farcical. His account of what happened revealed that […]