Reticent

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 […]

Building Your Power of Expression Sentient, adj. Pronunciation: ˈsen(t)SH(ē)ənt Meaning: Coming from the Latin word sentire, which means “to feel,” this word refers to the ability to perceive or feel things. People who are conscious and aware could be said to be sentient. Further, a sentient being could be said to be one that can […]

Building Your Power of Expression Reciprocity, n. Pronunciation: ˌresəˈpräsədē Meaning: Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit. Tit for tat. I scratch your back, you scratch mine. But it’s not a word that exclusively deals with things of a positive benefit. Think an eye for an eye. It could also […]

Building Your Power of Expression Racy, adj. Pronunciation: ˈrāsē Meaning: This word can be used in several ways. If the context has to do with speech, or writing, or behavior, the word refers to qualities such as liveliness, entertaining, and even mildly provocative or titillating in a sort of sexual manner. Conversely, if the context […]

Building Your Power of Expression Steely, adj. Pronunciation: stēlē Meaning: Although this word can be used in the sense of resembling steel in color or brightness or strength (as in “a steely blue”), I prefer to use the term in the sense of a human trait that is coldly determined and unyielding, and/or very hard […]

Building Your Power of Expression Illusory, adj. Pronunciation: iˈlo͞osərē, iˈlo͞ozərē Meaning: This word refers to things that are based on an illusion; things that are not real. Usage: “The past two weeks have been a reminder that refuge can be illusory.” “The concept of money might be the greatest illusory trick of all time.” “Some […]

Building Your Power of Expression Parlay, v. Pronunciation: ˈpärˌlā, ˈpärˌlē Meaning: Although the initial usage of this word comes to us courtesy of the world of gambling, and conveyed the idea of turning one’s initial winnings from a previous bet into a greater amount by further gambling, it has taken on an additional meaning of […]

Building Your Power of Expression Acidly, adv. Pronunciation: ˈasədlē Meaning: Anything communicated with bitterness or extreme sarcasm could said to have been done so acidly. Usage: “Is it up to you to make that decision?” she asked acidly. She replied acidly that she didn’t need his help, her tone clearly indicating her annoyance. He commented acidly […]

Building Your Power of Expression Germane, adj. Pronunciation: jərˈmān Meaning: When something is said to be germane, it is relevant to the topic under consideration. Conversely, if something is said to not be germane, the claim is being put forth that what was just said is irrelevant to the subject at hand. Usage: Your point is […]

Building Your Power of Expression Effusive, adj. Pronunciation: əˈfyo͞osiv Meaning: Any time you are expressing feelings of gratitude, praise, approval, or offering compliments in a way that is unrestrained, deeply heartfelt, or over-the-top, you are being effusive. Usage: She received quite an effusive welcoming upon her return. I couldn’t help it; I gave them effusive praise […]