Paramour

Building Your Power of Expression Paramour, n. Pronunciation: ˈperəˌmo͝or Meaning: Please don’t be a paramour. And please don’t acquire a paramour. A paramour is a lover – typically, however, a lover who is involved with someone married to someone else. If you are a married man and you have a paramour, you have a mistress. […]

Building Your Power of Expression Variegated, adj. Pronunciation: ˈver(ē)əˌɡādəd Meaning: Exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks. The word can also denote something that is marked by variety. Usage: The end result was a collection of variegated yellow bricks I was captivated by his variegated and amusing observations. The teenager’s variegated hair glowed […]

Building Your Power of Expression Nostrums, n. Pronunciation: ˈnästrəms Meaning: A nostrum is a word that can be used in two distinct contexts. For instance, in the field of pharmaceuticals, a nostrum could be a medicine of some sort, especially one that is not truly effective or legitimate, often prepared by a quack. But a […]

Building Your Power of Expression Puerile, adj. Pronunciation: ˈpyo͝orəl, ˈpyo͝orˌīl Meaning: This word refers to things that are childishly silly and trivial. When someone is being puerile, they are demonstrating a lack of maturity, seriousness, or good judgment. Think infantile, juvenile, inane, etc. Usage: The argument, as currently presented, betrays a rather puerile tint that […]

Building Your Power of Expression Panache, n. Pronunciation: pəˈnaSH, pəˈnäSH Meaning: Flamboyant confidence of style or manner. Usage: The line uttered by Clint Eastwood’s character in describing John Malkovich’s character was: “Oh, he’ll call again. He’s got, uh, panache.” He entertained Palm Springs society with great panache. It was a demanding role, but he carried […]