Paean

Building Your Power of Expression Paean n. Pronunciation: ˈpēən Meaning:A paean is a rich word loaded with meaning and energy. The word can refer to a song of praise or triumph, such as the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, or the National Anthem (“The Star Spangled Banner”) of the United States. Additionally, a paean can be […]

Building Your Power of Expression Pining, pine n. Pronunciation: pin ng Meaning: To pine is to yearn for something with deep intensity – especially something that is unattainable. If a person longs for the return of something (e.g., a person, an earlier state of affairs, etc.,) they could said to be pining for that thing from […]

Building Your Power of Expression Specter, n. Pronunciation: ˈspektər Meaning: Although this word originally referred to a ghost, which for some people is scary enough, the meaning of this word has expanded to encompass anything that is widely feared as a possible unpleasant or even dangerous occurrence. Usage: The direction you are suggesting may well lead […]

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 […]