Scope (pronounced skəʊp) (My comment: most kids know this word from ‘rifle scope’ in computer games!) = (noun) The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant; e.g., We widened the scope of our investigation.// e.g., Such questions go beyond the scope of this book.// e.g., The sheer (= nothing other than; unmitigated (used for emphasis)) scope of the work can only be fully appreciated from the air./// The opportunity or possibility to do or deal with something; e.g., The scope for major change is always limited by political realities.// e.g., Currently there is parking available for about 30 cars and ample (= plentiful) scope for expansion./// A telescope, microscope, or other device having a name ending in -scope; e.g., Infrared night scopes./// The length of cable extended when a ship rides at anchor. See http://www.go2marine.com/productcenters/anchoring/anchor-scope.jpg /// The range of the effect of an operator such as a quantifier or conjunction; e.g., An operator, like always, within a relative clause does not like to take wider scope than operators outside the relative.//// Scope something out = (verb with object) Assess or investigate something; e.g., They’d scoped out their market./// Set the scope of a projected undertaking; e.g., It is important that a project is scoped correctly to ensure the budget can be accurately defined.// e.g., ‘You can end up having to scope your project differently.’// e.g., At least there was plenty of empty ground on which to scope out a hurried new design.//// Look at carefully; scan; e.g., They watched him scoping the room, looking for Mary.// e.g., We were late, and he was scoping the room for an empty table.// e.g., ‘I looked over at Jenny scoping the guys in the bar.’/// (suffix) Denoting an instrument for observing, viewing, or examining; e.g., Microscope./// telescopic sight (or scope) = an optical sighting device that is based on a refracting telescope. Telescopic sights are used with all types of systems that require accurate aiming but are most commonly found on firearms, particularly rifles. It is equipped with some form of graphic image pattern (a reticle) mounted in an optically appropriate position in its optical system to give an accurate aiming point. Other types of sights are iron sights, reflector (reflex) sights, and laser sights. The optical components may be combined with optoelectronics to form a night scope (*****).
Homemaker = (noun) A person, especially a housewife, who manages a home; e.g. The TV show panel was an interesting mix of college students, government officers, lawyers, and homemakers.// e.g., Homework has also permitted women homemakers to combine housekeeping, cooking, and child-rearing (= bringing up) with wage-earning activities.
Austere (pronounced ɔːˈstɪə(r)) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Severe or strict in manner or attitude; e.g., He was an austere man, with a rigidly puritanical outlook.// e.g., He looks and sounds every inch the austere, reserved and respected university lecturer that he once was.// e.g., He is very reserved and austere, just as you would imagine a grand old man of ancient times to be./// (of living conditions or a way of life) Having no comforts or luxuries; e.g., Conditions in prison could hardly be more austere.// e.g., ‘I have lived and worked in austere conditions, lifted and carried heavy equipment.’ // e.g., The squadron (= a unit of one of the armed forces, especially (in Britain) the air force or the navy) face austere conditions in the desert, living under canvas (= a strong, coarse unbleached cloth made from hemp, flax, cotton, or similar yarn, used to make items such as sails and tents and as a surface for oil painting; pronounced ˈkanvəs)./// Having a plain and unadorned appearance; e.g., The cathedral is impressive in its austere simplicity.// e.g., The compound loomed (loom = appear as a shadowy form, especially one that is large or threatening) in front of him, the cement walls austere and forbidding (= unfriendly or threatening in appearance).// e.g., Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth but supreme beauty, a beauty cold and austere like that of sculpture.
Austerity (pronounced ɔːˈster.ə.ti) (My comments: we mostly meet this word in economics) = (noun) Sternness (= strictness) or severity of manner or attitude; e.g., He was noted for his austerity and his authoritarianism.// e.g., His chin is firm, mouth straight and serious, a hint of austerity balanced by humor in the corners.// e.g., She has added an element of sophisticated glamour to his image of Presbyterian austerity./// Plainness and simplicity in appearance; e.g., The room was decorated with a restraint bordering on austerity.// e.g., It had charm despite its austerity: a few books and an empty vase on the sideboard.// e.g., ‘Like it or not, the beauty of mathematics springs (spring = move or jump suddenly or rapidly upward or forward) from its rigorous austerity.’/// usually as austerities = (countable noun) = A feature of an austere way of life; e.g., His uncle’s austerities had undermined his health.// e.g., ‘Suddenly, the austerities of the past two months, as well as the glorious thoughts, dreams and visions all merged within my consciousness.’ // e.g., As he approaches 85 (age), he seems to be relaxing some of the long-held austerities of his art./// (economic) austerity = difficult economic conditions created by government measures to reduce public expenditure (spending); e.g., The country was subjected to acute economic austerity./// (countable noun) e.g., The austerities of post-war London.// e.g., Further (expenditure) cuts and austerity measures affecting social expenditure can already be foreseen.
Unadorned (pronounced ʌnəˈdɔːnd) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Not adorned; plain; e.g., Plums, a bird that he saw in the Discovery channel a week ago, is now in his home in unadorned and plain wood form.// e.g., It was very simple, its walls unadorned.// (metaphorically) e.g., The unadorned truth.
Dabble (not to be confused with ‘double’) = (verb with object) Immerse one’s hands or feet partially in water and move them around gently. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_JhcYac0ZA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F05Dr0SEDDU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v6gVZMW40g and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De1H-c6CiQo // e.g., She dabbled her toes in the reflective water below, as he came and sat down beside her.// e.g., They dabbled their feet in the rock pools. // e.g., John and Sarah dabble their feet in the swimming pool./// (verb; no object) (of a duck or other water bird) Move the bill (= the beak of a bird) around in shallow water while feeding. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaW66BVuZgM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWFlSCVOYi8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSRXRBXStNM // e.g., Teal (= a small duck) dabble in the shallows.// e.g., Meanwhile, the green-winged teals were dabbling about in the water looking for things to eat.// e.g., Although they are considered divers, they often feed by dabbling/// Take part in an activity casually or superficially; e.g., She dabbled in writing as a young woman.// e.g., Tom dabbled in politics for three years as a lobbyist for the auto industry.// e.g., ‘I dabbled a little bit with smoking when I was at (not ‘in’) school, but quickly gave it up because I did not like it.’
Teal (pronounced tiːl) = (noun) A small freshwater duck, typically with a greenish band on the wing that is most prominent in flight. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/Flickr_-_Rainbirder_-_EurasianTeal_in_flight_%28cropped%29.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Common_Teal_%28Anas_crecca%29_near_Hodal%2C_Haryana_W_IMG_6512.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkz-0aSbPI and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Blue-Winged_Teal.jpg/1200px-Blue-Winged_Teal.jpg // A dark greenish-blue color. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Blue-Winged_Teal.jpg/1200px-Blue-Winged_Teal.jpg
Lyricist (pronounced ˈlɪrɪsɪst) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A person who writes the words to a popular song or musical; e.g., Songs from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s represent collaboration with lyricists Oscar Hammerstein II, Ira Gershwin, and others.// e.g., The songs written by a young lyricist, Nandakumar, focus on maternal affection.
Showdown = (noun) an important argument that is intended to end a disagreement that has existed for a long time; e.g., The president is preparing for a showdown with Republicans over his plans to reform the economy.// e.g., Millions of dollars were spent on lawyers in a courtroom showdown between the two companies ((*) for the definition and the first 2 examples).// e.g., (soccer) England now face a quarter-final showdown with host nation Portugal.// e.g., A York boy who risked other people's lives in a rooftop showdown with police was today starting a four-month sentence.
Shoot-out = (noun) a decisive gun battle; e.g., ''Or people dying in any other way - war, bomb blasts, shoot-outs whatever…''
Shoot it out = (phrasal verb) If opposing groups or people armed with guns shoot it out, they shoot at each other until one of the groups or people is dead or defeated (*).
Shoot up = (informal) (phrasal verb) Inject oneself with a narcotic drug; e.g., She went home and shot up alone in her room./// (phrasal verb) (especially of a child) grow taller rapidly; e.g., When she hit (the age of) thirteen she shot up to a startling 5 foot 9.// e.g., Looking at Jim this morning, we both don’t think he’s grown much in the last couple of weeks; he shot up after the first week but now seems to have stalled (= stop or cause to stop making progress)./// (of a price or amount) rise suddenly. [My comment: we often use the term ‘shoot up’ to describe the jump at the values of a figure in the graph].// e.g., The number of emergency patients admitted to the hospital has shot up, reaching a figure of 1,800 in March.// e.g., In fact, the value of all these paintings shoots up to unimaginable rates as they grow older and older.// e.g., The price shoots up for larger sites in sought-after locations with pre-approved planning.
Afro picks (My comment: it may be offensive; a politically correct term would be ‘hair pick for curly hair’) = a type of comb that has loose, thick teeth and is usually used on kinky or Afro-textured hair. It is longer and thinner than the typical comb, and it is sometimes worn in the hair (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/06/Handmade_African_%27Afro%27_Combs.png and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpHqjHJydkQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN5T3tgzvP8
Toothpick (My comment: I just mention it for those who don’t know it) = a small thin stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance with at least one and sometimes two sharp ends to insert between teeth to remove detritus, usually after a meal. Toothpicks are also used for festive occasions to hold or spear small appetizers (like cheese cubes or olives) or as a cocktail stick and can be decorated with plastic frills or small paper umbrellas or flags (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/Holzzahnstocher.jpg and (dental woodstick) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Oral_B_toothpicks_dental_woodsticks.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Toothpick_s.jpg
Sign (or signed) languages = languages that use the visual-manual modality to convey meaning. Sign languages are full-fledged natural languages with their own grammar and vocabulary. That means they are not universal, and they are not mutually intelligible, although there are also striking similarities among sign languages. Linguists consider both spoken and signed communication to be types of natural language, meaning that both emerged through an abstract, protracted aging process and evolved over time without meticulous planning. Sign language should not be confused with "body language", a type of nonverbal communication (*****). See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2O_ymoCIR0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYhAAMDQl-Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ianCxd71xIo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Raa0vBXA8OQ
Pericles (pronounced ˈpɛrɪkliːz) = (c. 495 – 429 BC) a prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator (= someone who is good at public speaking; pronounced ˈɒr.ə.tə(r) (*)) and general of Athens during the Golden Age – specifically the time between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars (*****). e.g., Pericles' famous funeral oration.// e.g., Pericles is the father of democracy, a system of government invented by Cleisthenes (pronounced ˈklʌɪsθəniːz) (my own example).
Bestow (pronounced bɪˈstəʊ) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) Confer or present an honor, right, or gift; e.g., Too many honors have been bestowed on him, surely he should say ‘enough is enough!’ // e.g., The office was bestowed on him by the monarch of this realm/ the chief of state.// e.g., Many honors have been bestowed on this outstanding algebraist.// e.g., Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other people, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.// (archaic) Put something in a specified place; e.g., Stooping to bestow the presents into eager hands.
Stoop (pronounced stuːp) = (intransitive verb) to bend the top half of the body forward and down. [Note: A partial squat (also known as standing, shallow, incomplete or monkey squat etc.) is an intermediate stage between standing and full squatting, that is, standing but with the knees and hips bent. In contrast, stooping involves bending at the waist rather than just the knees and hips ((*****) for this Note)]. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Jeremy_Brockie.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D77ILvSoEoQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNmEWvlFCvs /// e.g., Something fell out of his coat pocket, and he stooped down and picked it up (*).// e.g., She stooped down and reached towards the coin.// e.g., Johan stooped to pick up the bottles.// e.g., (verb with object) The guy stoops his head./// Have the head and shoulders habitually bent forwards; e.g., He tends to stoop when he walks.// e.g., His tall, stooping figure appeared regularly on television./// Lower one’s moral standards so far as to do something reprehensible (= deserving censure or condemnation); e.g., Josh wouldn't stoop to thieving.// e.g., He was unwilling to believe that anyone could stoop so low as to steal from a dead man.// e.g., It is astonishing the columnist (= a journalist contributing regularly to a newspaper or magazine) could stoop so low.// e.g., (+ gerund) e.g., He was amazed that a reputable firm would stoop to selling the names of their clients to other companies ((^^) for the last example). /// (of a bird of prey) swoop down on a quarry (= an animal pursued by a hunter, hound, predatory mammal, or bird of prey; pronounced ˈkwɒr.i). See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQAdMTqx5Is and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2TXCGxnOkQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MykC1mOfc3A // e.g., We witnessed an eagle stooping on its prey.// e.g., Occasionally, a kite (= a large bird of prey (= a bird that eats other birds and small animals)) stoops and grabs a dragonfly, one of its favorite meals./// (adjective) e.g., This is small and slightly stooped ((^^) for the meaning as an adjective)./// (noun) (in singular) A posture in which the head and shoulders are habitually bent forwards; e.g., A tall, thin man with a stoop.// e.g., Now 75 (years old), he is tanned (tan = to become brown, or to make someone’s body or skin, etc. brown, from being in the sun (*)) and tall, with a slight stoop./// The downward swoop of a bird of prey; e.g., They descended on the village like a falcon in stoop.// e.g., There was a horrible sensation of plunging (plunge = to cause someone or something to move or fall suddenly and often a long way forward, down, or into something; pronounced plʌndʒ (*)) into the abyss, falling, falling as swiftly (= quickly) as a falcon in stoop./// (US English) A porch (= a covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a building) with steps in front of a house or other building. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Presidents_Chester_A_Arthur_123_Lexington_Ave.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Lewis_Hine%2C_Newsboys_on_a_stoop%2C_Wilmington%2C_Delaware%2C_1910.jpg
Eaves (pronounced iːvz) = (plural noun) The part of a roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a building. See https://www.allbusiness.com/asset/image/glossaries/4967031.gif and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Italianate_eave_with_brackets.jpg and http://www.build.com.au/files/images/Eaves_0.jpg and https://i.pinimg.com/736x/3d/ff/85/3dff85fc1f553d25aefeb82b88fbe1a8--roof-eaves-hip-roof.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/RYNNA_019_UBT.JPG // e.g., Wild bees nest under the eaves./// (in singular) e.g., Under the eave and the window is a workbench.// e.g., He stood under the eaves of the roof allowing the rain to give himself a shower.
Eavesdrop (pronounced ˈiːvzdrɒp) = (verb; no object) Secretly listen to a conversation; e.g., My father eavesdropped on my phone calls.// e.g., ‘I know it is trivial, but you don’t often get to eavesdrop on the private conversations of US presidents.// e.g., ‘Try eavesdropping on a conversation the next time you're on the bus.’
Convent (pronounced ˈkɒn.vənt) = (noun) A Christian community of nuns living together under monastic vows. Synonym = a nunnery. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Agreda_-_Convento_Concepcion_06.JPG and http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/04/08/article-2599724-1CEF6AC700000578-615_634x417.jpg and http://www.annarbor.com/091709_convent.jpg // e.g., Sister Mary entered the convent at the age of eighteen.// e.g., Christian monasteries and convents assumed this role in the Middle Ages to discourage the abandonment of children and unwanted infants. /// A school attached to and run by a convent; e.g., She reported this to the Archbishop and she also offended him by not inviting him to manage her convent school.//// The building or buildings occupied by a convent; e.g., The long windy path behind the convent.// e.g., The building, which was once a convent, was in much disrepair.
Ponder = (verb with object) Think about something carefully, especially before deciding or reaching a conclusion; e.g., ‘I pondered the question of what clothes to wear for the occasion.’// e.g. The Spanish Civil War itself proved a fitting setting for a film that ponders death and its finality.// (verb; no object) e.g., He sat pondering over his problem.// e.g., And if he is pondering this career move, it is unlikely to be the first time.
Finality (pronounced fʌɪˈnalɪti) = (mass noun) The fact or impression of being final and irreversible; e.g., The abrupt finality of death.// e.g. The Spanish Civil War itself proved a fitting setting for a film that ponders death and its finality.// e.g., For the 400 students who sat the country’s toughest exam, the walk down the corridor to receive their results had a definite air of finality. /// A tone or manner which indicates that no further comment or argument is possible; e.g., ‘No,’ he said with finality.’ // e.g., His sister replied with a finality that ended the discussion.’ // e.g., The tone of her voice indicated finality to the conversation./// (countable noun) An action or event that ends something irreversibly; e.g., Death is the ultimate finality.// e.g., ‘In fact, isn't that exactly how we experience life, as a series of finalities?’ // e.g., One only may anticipate the finalities of existence with an enforced apathy (= lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern).
Livery (pronounced ˈlɪv(ə)ri) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) resembling liver in color or consistency; e.g., He was short with livery lips.// e.g., Then he licks keenly at her livery hand, hoping to find more./// (informal) Liverish; e.g., Port always makes you livery./// (noun) (UK English) A special pattern or design that is put on things that a company owns and sells ((^^) for this meaning); e.g., A new livery design for Lufthansa commercial aircrafts (from the media)./// (noun) A special uniform worn by a servant or official. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Yeomen_of_the_Guard.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Koninklijk_Koetsier_2013_74.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Auguste_Serrure_A_distraction_from_chores.jpg and https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f1/07/1a/f1071a7e2e997f417ec77067d914ce4f.jpg and https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5b/99/64/5b996409503f45cf64fc6f8a3248468f--vintage-clothing-mens-clothing.jpg // e.g., Several servants and guards dressed in Iven liveries.// e.g., Yeomen of the guard wearing a royal red and gold livery.// e.g., (mass noun) Pageboys in scarlet (= a brilliant red color) and green livery./// (in the UK) The members of a livery company collectively. [Note: a livery company is a name used for a guild in the city of London; an association of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their craft/trade in a specific area. Members of the company could dress their servants in the distinctive uniform of their trade, and the company's charters enabled them to prevent others from embarking upon the trades within the company's jurisdiction. (*****) (for the Note)]. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Jan_de_Bray_002.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Rembrandt_-_De_Staalmeesters-_het_college_van_staalmeesters_%28waardijns%29_van_het_Amsterdamse_lakenbereidersgilde_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg /// A special design and color scheme used on the vehicles, aircraft, or products of a particular company; e.g., The city’s trams are painted in a red and white livery./// (US English) short for livery stable/ yard = a stable where horses are kept at livery or let out for hire.
Liverish (pronounced ˈlɪv(ə)rɪʃ) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Slightly ill, as though having a disordered liver (Note: jaundice, also known as icterus, is a yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclera) due to high bilirubin levels (*****). It is a medical condition with yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from excess of the pigment bilirubin and typically caused by obstruction of the bile duct, by liver disease, or by excessive breakdown of red blood cells. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Jaundice08.jpg ]; e.g., The liver is very sensitive to stress, so eating lots of fatty foods can make you feel liverish and may aggravate (= make a problem, injury, or offense worse or more serious) the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and disrupt sleeping patterns.// e.g., Everyone’s feeling a bit liverish this morning, because we had to have the reception at Herman’s House last night. /// Unhappy and bad-tempered; e.g., Jupiter, the god of Rome, looks liverish.// e.g., ‘The weather made me liverish..’ /// Resembling liver in color; e.g., A liverish red.// e.g., On the walls, liverish or bilious colors such as some shades of green can be difficult, as can very bright fluorescent shades.// e.g., The most striking Delubac piece is a diamond serpent necklace with liverish amethyst spots and protruding cabochon eyes.
Usurp (pronounced juːˈzɜːp in British English and juːˈsɜːp in North American English) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) Take a position of power or importance illegally or by force/ to take control of a position of power, especially without having the right to; e.g., Local control is being usurped by the central government ((* for the 2nd part of the definition and the 1st example).// e.g., Richard usurped the throne.// e.g., The Pope’s quarrel with the Italian state, which had usurped his position in Rome, made it all the more necessary to reach a settlement with the French Government.// e.g., She usurped power from her husband and established her rule for almost two decades./// Take the place of someone in a position of power illegally; supplant; e.g., The Hanoverian dynasty had usurped the Stuarts.// e.g., His father’s second wife was first in line to the usurped Ming dynasty.// e.g., The ruler belonged to Rai dynasty, a Shudra king, who was usurped by a Brahmin named Chach.
Supplant (pronounced səˈplɑːnt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) Supersede and replace e.g., Domestic production has been supplanted by imports and jobs have been lost.// e.g., Science, by which he meant rational inquiry, would eventually supplant religion, he maintained, and guide the direction of human progress.// e.g., ‘I have no problem with comedians who use politics as the backbone of comedy; the problem comes when nastiness supplants humor.’ // e.g., Small-scale, short-run production processes depending on multi-skilled labor were now supposedly supplanting the era of mass production.
Supersede (pronounced ˌsuː.pəˈsiːd) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) Take the place of a person or thing previously in authority or use; supplant; e.g., The older models of car have now been superseded.// e.g., ‘Be careful to note in this clause (= a particular and separate article, stipulation, or proviso in a treaty, bill, or contract) that the will supersedes all previous wills, making them null and void.’ // e.g., In the commercial world new technologies supersede the old.// e.g., Most of the old road has been superseded by the great interstate highways ((**) for the last example).
Snap election (not ‘snap elections’) = an election called earlier than expected. Generally, it refers to an election in a parliamentary system called when not required either by law or convention, usually to capitalize on a unique electoral opportunity or to decide a pressing issue. It differs from a recall election in that it is initiated by politicians, usually the head of government or ruling party, rather than voters. It also differs from a by-election in that the winners will serve an entire term as opposed to the remainder of an already established term (*****).//// (in some countries) an election that is announced suddenly and unexpectedly; e.g., The point of a snap election is to have a poll without a long campaign.// e.g., There is speculation about whether the Prime Minister will call a snap election in the coming weeks ((*) for the 2nd definition and examples).// e.g., The conservative leader decided to call a snap election (my example).
Rancor (US English) (UK English: rancour) (pronounced ˈraŋkə) (beware of the pronunciation!) (it’s a noun; the adjective is ‘rancorous’) = (mass noun) Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing; e.g., He spoke without rancor. // e.g., Most of his appointees have been approved with no public rancor or bitter political warfare.// e.g., But the debates were good ones, and, overall, discussions were held without rancor or venom.// e.g., ‘Can we settle this disagreement without rancor?’ ((**) for the last example).
Rancorous (pronounced ˈræŋ·kər·əs) = (adjective) Characterized by bitterness or resentment; e.g., Six miserable months of rancorous disputes.// e.g., A rancorous debate.// e.g., ‘The rest of the piece was less rancorous, and I suggest you read the whole thing, to understand what I was trying to say.’ // e.g., There were rancorous battles over pronunciation.// e.g., A rancorous dispute.// e.g., Government leaders appear increasingly rancorous ((**) for the last 2 examples).
Spiteful (pronounced ˈspɑɪt·fəl) (the adverb is ‘spitefully’) = (adjective) Showing or caused by malice (= the desire to harm someone); e.g., The teachers made spiteful little jokes about me.// e.g., The early exchanges were spiteful, nasty and never fully controlled by the referee Lucilio Batista.// e.g., It had been a spiteful encounter where each glove impact was welcomed with rancorous applause.// e.g., A spiteful child.// e.g., ‘That was a spiteful thing to say!’ ((**) for the last 2 examples).
Trifle (pronounced ˈtraɪ.f(ə)l) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A thing of little value or importance; e.g., ‘We needn’t trouble the headmaster over such trifles.’// e.g., ‘Just a few trifles,’ he said of the corruption allegations.// e.g., ‘I also recalled my earlier, seeming trifles of research.’ // e.g., It had big ideas about many things, but as a result, wasted its energy on trifles./// (in singular) A small amount of something; e.g., ‘It cost me but a trifle.’ // e.g., It seems $ 1M won is a trifle as the value system of money is shaken and the social function of money is faltering in the raging lottery syndrome. // e.g., The thousand dollars she’d paid seemed the merest trifle./// (UK English) A cold dessert of sponge cake and fruit covered with layers of custard, jelly, and cream. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Trifle-w.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Trifle_4layer.jpg and http://www.oliviascuisine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/brownie-dessert-trifle-IG.jpg and https://www.onceuponachef.com/images/2015/06/Summer-English-Berry-Trifle-1024x802.jpg // e.g., Syllabubs, trifles, and other dishes.// (mass noun) e.g., Bowls of trifle followed./// Trifle with = (verb; no object) Treat without seriousness or respect; e.g., He is not a man to be trifled with.// e.g., Men who trifle with women’s affections.// e.g., ‘We should not trifle with this final opportunity of achieving peace,’ said the Senator.// e.g., A physician (= doctor in American English) cannot afford to trifle with the medical board./// Trifle something away = (verb with object) Waste something, especially time, frivolously (= in a silly way that does not take something seriously (*)); e.g., He had trifled away one month at a task which should have taken a week.// e.g., The life and health of the body appear too precious to be thus trifled away.// e.g., ‘I may be able to form an estimate of how I have spent my leisure time, whether I have been trifling it away or turning it to any particular advantage.’ /// A trifle = (phrase) a little; somewhat; e.g., His methods are a trifle eccentric (pronounced ɪkˈsen.trɪk).// e.g., Perhaps it would be a trifle rash to suggest that Australian sport has gone into terminal decline.// e.g., These gadgets, though a trifle expensive at first, brought the theatre sound right into the living room, to the great delight of those who could afford the powerful systems.
Frivolous (pronounced ˈfrɪv.(ə)l.əs) = (adjective) behaving in a silly way and not taking anything seriously; e.g., ''I think he sees her as a frivolous young woman.'' // e.g., ''I’m very frivolous – I just like to have fun.'' /// A frivolous activity or object is silly or not important rather than useful or serious; e.g., ''I feel like doing something completely frivolous today.'' // e.g., Such a teacher is marked by the way in which the pupils are treated seriously, no matter how frivolous the content of the interaction.// e.g., With our justice system, there are a lot of frivolous cases that go to court (*).
Serene (pronounced sɪˈriːn) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil (= calm and peaceful and without noise, violence, worry, etc. -pronounced træŋ.kwɪl (*)); e.g., Her eyes were closed, and she looked very serene.// e.g., Serene certainty.// e.g., He was in a calm and serene state of mind, the empty concentration that martial artists called the void.// e.g., She has a lovely serene face ((**) for the last example).
Provost (pronounced ˈprɒvəst) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (UK English) The head of certain university colleges, especially at Oxford or Cambridge, and public schools. See https://www.uh.edu/provost/_images/people/paula-short-shasta.jpg and http://www.oxfordeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/um-richard-forgette-3333-622x414.jpg /// (US English) A senior administrative officer in certain universities./// (in Scotland) The civic head of some Scottish regional councils, analogous (= comparable) to a mayor in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland./// The head of a chapter in a cathedral./// The Protestant minister of the principal church of a town or district in Germany and certain other European countries./// Prince-Provost = a rare title for a monastic superior with the ecclesiastical (= of or relating to the Christian Church or its clergy) style of provost who is a Prince of the Church in the sense that he also ranks as a secular (= (of clergy) not subject to or bound by religious rule; not belonging to or living in a monastic or other order; pronounced ˈsek.jə.lə(r)) ''prince'', notably a Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, holding a direct vote in the Imperial Diet assembly coequal to an actual Prince-abbot, as in each case treated below. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Joseph_Conrad_von_Schroffenberg.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Clemens_Wenzeslaus.jpg /// (army) Military police responsible for policing within the armed forces. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Indonesian_military_police.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Military_mp_guatemala.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Australian_Perentie_Land_Rover_and_MP_motorcycles.jpg /// An officer of local government, including the equivalent of a mayor in Scotland ((*****) for the last 3 definitions).
Eloquent (pronounced ˈel.ə.kw(ə)nt) = (adjective) Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; e.g., An eloquent speech.// e.g., He was softly eloquent, speech slow and hesitant in picking out the perfect words.// e.g., When required, he could be an eloquent speaker but preferred talking to small groups ((**) for this example)./// Clearly expressing or indicating something; e.g., The bus journey alone is eloquent of class inequality.// e.g., The testimonies of the young boys are quite eloquent of the systematic abuse spread over several years.//// Giving a clear, strong message; e.g., He made an eloquent appeal for action.// e.g., The pictures were an eloquent reminder of the power of the volcano.// e.g., The pictures of destruction served as an eloquent reminder of the hurricane’s power ((*) for the last definition and examples).
Candour (or Candor in American English) (pronounced ˈkandə) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (mass noun) The quality of being open and honest; frankness; e.g., A man of refreshing candor.// e.g., There is no bar on her honesty, she is extremely frank, although her candor tends to be clouded by the vagueness of expression.// e.g., He recognized the impact of fear, danger, confusion, and fatigue on men in battle, and wrote about them with unusual candor.// e.g., A human being, but a professional, he answers questions with generosity, intelligence, and candor.// e.g., ‘We really don't know what to do about it," he said with surprising candor’ ((**) for the last example).
(From) thence (pronounced ðɛns) = (adverb) (formal) (literary or dated) From a place or source previously mentioned; from there; e.g., They traveled to Camelot and thence to the castle ((*) for the second part of the definition and the first example).// e.g., They intended to cycle on into France and thence home via Belgium.// e.g., He passed that way a second time two days later, on his way back southward to Fort Lyon and thence to Denver, where he received a hero's welcome./// As a consequence; e.g., Studying maps to assess past latitudes and thence an indication of climate.// e.g., He won the national Hansel’s Sculpture Award in 1975 and thence established himself as among the leading artists of his generation.// e.g., There was then a re-birth of investigative journalism which immediately received widespread support, thence advertising revenue.
Parched (pronounced pɑːtʃt) = (adjective) Dried out with heat. For parched earth See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxqWUFyq-ZA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qj2q9aA89s&index=1&list=PLUuora8jBjwjfeSkaQbYMLOXNQBrUZzyF and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBQ8XUd8p5U&list=PLUuora8jBjwjfeSkaQbYMLOXNQBrUZzyF&index=2 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7cWBu-NEfI&list=PLUuora8jBjwjfeSkaQbYMLOXNQBrUZzyF&index=3 /// e.g., The parched earth.// e.g., In Florida, April is the cruelest month, dropping oak pollen onto the parched earth.// e.g., In California’s parched Mojave Desert, the mining of a new kind of liquid gold - water - is about to become big business./// (informal) (predicative) Extremely thirsty; e.g., The Witch swallowed to moisten her parched throat.// e.g., ‘I’m parched—I’ll die without a drink!’ // e.g., His parched lips parted, and the words were finally whole./// Lightly roasted. For parched corn See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOmXQyR3E0A and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY6jk7dT2lM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5liTYqr5C3c and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uitmNgaqDK0 // e.g., Our Puritan fathers lived on parched corn, but they talked about God.//// Parched grain = grain that has been cooked by dry roasting ((*****) for this definition).
Dismal (pronounced ˈdɪzm(ə)l) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Causing a mood of gloom or depression; e.g., The dismal weather made the late afternoon seem like evening.// e.g., The dismal picture that emerges is indeed depressing.// e.g., Alice led me up a narrow pathway lined with trees and brush, to a small cabin that looked desolated (desolate = make a place bleakly and depressingly empty or bare) and dismal.// e.g., The trip was a dismal failure ((**) for this example)./// (of a person or their mood) Gloomy; e.g., Her dismal mood was not dispelled (dispel = make a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear) by finding the house empty.// e.g., For some reason, any childhood memory in this city has always been bleak and dismal at best.// e.g., A dismal expression./// (informal) Pitifully or disgracefully bad; e.g., He shuddered as he watched his team’s dismal performance.// e.g., But this is the limit of the good news to be dredged from a dismal couple of days in Brussels.//// Very bad; e.g., In September, after a dismal holiday sales season, the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.// e.g., Dismal picture/ news/ outlook.// e.g., Another damper (= person or thing that has a subduing or inhibiting effect) on investment is the dismal picture for corporate (= of or relating to a corporation, especially a large company or group) profits.// e.g., Investors may be deterred by the dismal performance of telecoms shares in recent weeks ((*) for the last definition and examples).
Shudder (pronounced ˈʃʌdə) = (verb; no object) (of a person) Tremble convulsively, typically because of fear or revulsion. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMFHdPgCE2s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8S1fxtfRfk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74_Nr1fiCkw // e.g., She still shuddered at the thought of him.// e.g., Many women who were once prostitutes shudder when they look back on their experience.// e.g., ‘I shuddered with horror.’ // e.g., The sight of so much blood made her shudder.// e.g., She shuddered at the thought of kissing him./// (especially of a vehicle, machine, or building) shake or vibrate deeply. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUHHgaLHdTg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHZ5XYm7gB0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGaPhpoZoyM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrEv7Z97DVo // e.g., The train shuddered and edged forward.// e.g., The aircraft shuddered to a stop and began a rapid rollback (My comment: I think the term ‘stall’ describes this).// e.g., Then suddenly there was a loud, disconcerting sound, and the building shuddered slightly /// (usually as adjective shuddering) = (of a person's breathing) be unsteady, especially because of emotional disturbance; e.g., He drew a deep, shuddering breath.// e.g., The Welshman took a deep, shuddering breath, yet when he spoke his voice was steady.// e.g., Jack awoke instantly, shuddering and gasping for breath (My comment: perhaps he suffered from a sleep apnea syndrome or orthopnea)./// (noun) An act of shuddering; e.g., The elevator rose with a shudder.// e.g., ‘A tremor rose up inside me, somewhat like a shudder or shiver, but I wasn’t cold or afraid.’ // e.g., The nearness of him sent shudders lightly through her body.
Bleak (pronounced bliːk) = (noun) (of an area of land) lacking vegetation and exposed to the elements. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orPtU_-GXTI and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXlk0g_G9-M and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMbFxzNE9P0 // e.g., A bleak and barren (= (of land) too poor to produce much or any vegetation) moor (= a tract of open uncultivated upland; a heath).// e.g., He looked up miserably at the bleak mountains surrounding them.// e.g., Our UN (= United Nations) vehicle traveled along a barren and bleak landscape to reach the town from Sofia (= the capital of Bulgaria)./// (of a building or room) charmless and inhospitable; dreary (= dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing). See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlc2JMTjHD8 // e.g., He looked around the bleak little room in despair.// e.g., She now lives alone in a one-bedroom flat on a bleak housing estate in Stranraer, Wigtownshire.// e.g., They were ushered (usher = show or guide someone somewhere; pronounced ˈʌʃ.ə(r)) into a huge bleak room with some chairs, a bar with food and drinks, and a flat-screen television.//// (of the weather) cold and miserable. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJsJrS8tQ1I and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYXD6DJKQNs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nhVXn0jwyg // e.g., A bleak midwinter’s day.// e.g., Our weather was bleak, and in the US the climate was no better, the gloom reflecting the mood of the nation.// e.g., There was little vegetation and a bleak wind blew down from the snows of the high passes.//// (of a situation) not hopeful or encouraging; unlikely to have a favorable outcome; e.g., He paints a bleak picture of a company that has lost its way.// e.g., The future looks bleak.// e.g., Conditions are so bleak in so many areas we seem on the verge of a social emergency.//// (of a person’s expression) cold and forbidding; e.g., His mouth was set and his eyes were bleak.// e.g., Although his expression was bleak, he smiled at that.// e.g., He looked so hopeless and bleak, his expression scared me. //// A small silvery shoaling fish of the carp family found in Eurasian rivers. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Alburnoides_bipunctatus_sujt%C3%A1sos_k%C3%BCsz.jpg
Damper (pronounced ˈdampə) = (noun) A person or thing that has a subduing (subdue = to reduce the force of something, or to prevent something from existing or developing; pronounced səbˈdʒuː (*)) or inhibiting effect; curb; e.g., This will be a damper on the liberal agenda for the next couple of years.// e.g., ‘I think the Japanese hosts ruined the World Cup this year and ultimately put a permanent damper on the sport for years to come.’ // e.g., The lorry (= truck) strike has certainly thrown a damper on the affairs of the market for the last three days.//// (Music) A pad silencing a piano string except when removed by means of a pedal or by the note being struck. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPccjhQ4QoQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LT3bxgdEIo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf038y2-uUU /// (also known as dashpot or shock absorber) A device for reducing mechanical vibration, in particular, a shock absorber on a motor vehicle. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Strombergcarb2.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Mini_Shocks.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Ammo_monotubo.gif and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Ammortizzatore_con_serbatoio.jpg //// (a kind of diode) A conductor used to reduce oscillation (= movement back and forth at a regular speed) in an electric motor or generator. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/Diode-closeup.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Dioden2.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Diode-english-text.svg ///// A movable metal plate in a flue or chimney, used to regulate the draught and so control the rate of combustion. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Air_damper.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/Zone_Damper_1.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Zone_Damper_2.jpg /// (New Zealand & Australian English) An unleavened loaf or cake of flour and water baked in wood ashes. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Damper_%28food%29.jpg (My comment as an Aussie: never tasted!).
Keel = (noun) The lengthwise timber or steel structure along the base of a ship, supporting the framework of the whole, in some vessels extended downwards as a ridge to increase stability. See (number 5) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Sailingboat-lightning-num.svg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/MariahQuarterView.jpg andhttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/The_keel_plate_of_USS_United_States_%28CVA-58%29_being_laid_in_a_construction_dry_dock_on_18_April_1948.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Capsizing_effect_of_keel.svg and https://media1.britannica.com/eb-media/90/1890-004-52F26B90.jpg and https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w800h500/photo-stx-europe-23672.jpg //// (literary) A ship e.g., ‘To buy a new keel with my gold and fill her with such things as she may hold.’/// (Zoology) A ridge along the breastbone of many birds to which the flight muscles are attached; the carina. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/Br%C3%A9chet.png/1200px-Br%C3%A9chet.png /// (Botany) A prow-shaped pair of petals present in flowers of the pea family. See http://bobklips.com/bobs_website/Apios-americana-flower.jpg /// Keel over = (verb; no object) (of a boat or ship) Turn over on its side; capsize. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j22bcrEDtJE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHR6iVNELU4 // e.g., It's going to take more wind to make this boat keel over.// e.g., It proved the final blow for the Neptune; the ship slowly keeled over and sank./// (informal) (of a person or thing) Fall over; collapse; e.g., A wardrobe was about to keel over on top of him.// e.g., Shortly after mating, the male usually keels over and dies (For post-coital (after sex) death in nature See https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/02/animals-sex-death-cannibalism/).
Vaping = (mass noun) The action or practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Naomi_214.2_%2812883884613%29.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Smoke_Screen_%2816582794210%29.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Vape-cloud-montage-scaled.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/The_Dragon_%2819388697256%29.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Vaping-Vape_Cloud-E-Cigs_%2826113473285%29.jpg // e.g., There is a concern that young people may take up vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking.// e.g., (as modifier) An online forum for vaping enthusiasts.
Cloud-chasing = the activity of blowing large clouds of vapor using an electronic cigarette (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Vape-cloud-montage-scaled.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/The_Dragon_%2819388697256%29.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Vaping-Vape_Cloud-E-Cigs_%2826113473285%29.jpg
Impudent (vs) Imprudent
Impudent (pronounced ˈɪmpjʊd(ə)nt) (beware of the pronunciation!) (the noun is impudence) = (adjective) not showing due respect for another person; rude; impertinent; e.g., He could have strangled this impudent upstart./// e.g., An impudent remark/ child ((^^^) for the last example) // e.g., ‘It may have sounded somewhat impudent, particularly in my sullen (= gloomy) tone of voice.’ // e.g., ‘I glared at her, not caring if she thought me rude or impudent.’ // e.g., ‘Do not be impudent,’ the elders said, still speaking as one.
Imprudent (pronounced ɪmˈpruː.dənt) (beware of the pronunciation!) (= not prudent) = (adjective) Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash; e.g., It would be imprudent to leave her winter coat behind.// e.g., It would be imprudent of the Pentagon not to be developing contingency (= a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty) plans.// e.g., Making an immediate move seems imprudent and unnecessary.
Irreverent = (adjective) Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously; e.g., He is irreverent about the whole business of politics.// e.g., Student films have a reputation for being somewhat obscure and irreverent, but entertaining.// e.g., She had a reputation for being a wild, irreverent and disrespectful young girl.// e.g., An irreverent comment/ approach/ attitude.// e.g., Irreverent thoughts ((**) for the last 2 examples).
Cheeky (pronounced ˈtʃiːki) = (adjective) Impudent (pronounced ˈɪm.pjə.dənt ; = rude and not showing respect, especially towards someone who is older or in a more important position (^^)),or irreverent (= showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously), typically endearingly or amusingly// slightly rude or showing no respect, but often in a funny way; e.g., Children who talk back are regarded as cheeky and disrespectful.// e.g., ''Don't be cheeky to your mother, please!'' ((*) for the second part of the definition and the first 2 examples).// e.g., ‘Some of his questions were a bit cheeky, and I applaud you for revealing your income.’ // e.g., A cheeky grin (= wide smile).// e.g., ‘I suppose it was a bit cheeky of me to draw someone while they were sleeping, but I couldn't resist it.’// e.g., He said he did not feel fearful of speaking to Prince Charles, nor of appearing cheeky in asking for help.//// (informal) (of something pleasurable) Consumed or done in an unplanned, rather a self-indulgent way; e.g., Venturing south for a cheeky weekend away.// e.g., A cheeky pint (= a unit of liquid or dry capacity equal to one half of a quart).
Impertinent (pronounced ɪmˈpəːtɪnənt) = (adjective) not showing proper respect; rude; e.g. An impertinent remark/ question.// e.g., ‘I hope she didn’t think me impertinent when I asked her about her private life’ (^^^).// e.g., They can ask us the most impertinent or rude questions but, obviously, we cannot ask, hint at or even think about anything approaching the same.’ // e.g., Admittedly, the question was cheeky (= impudent (pronounced ˈɪm.pjə.dənt ; = rude and not showing respect, especially towards someone who is older or in a more important position (^^)),or irreverent (= showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously), typically endearingly or amusingly), perhaps even a little impertinent.//// (formal) Not pertinent (= relevant) to a particular matter; irrelevant; e.g., ‘Talk of ‘rhetoric’ and ‘strategy’ is impertinent to this process.// e.g., However the compilation (= a thing, especially a book, record, or broadcast program, that is put together by assembling previously separate items) fits together so seamlessly that it would be rather impertinent to keep on discussing individual items.
Impertinence (pronounced ɪmˈpɜː.tɪ.nəns) = (noun) lack of respect; rudeness; e.g., They gasped at the impertinence of the suggestion.// e.g., Nevertheless, unlike other years, several of the participants seem to have minds and personalities of their own, an impertinence that hasn’t gone down well with the judging panel.// e.g., He even had the impertinence to lecture me on the importance of hygiene (= the degree to which people keep themselves or their environment clean, especially to prevent disease; pronounced ˈhaɪ.dʒiːn (*)) ((**) for the last example).
Insolent (pronounced ˈɪns(ə)l(ə)nt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect. Synonym = impertinent.// e.g., ‘I hated the insolent tone of his voice.’// e.g., An insolent gesture/ remark.// e.g., An insolent child/ young man ((^^^) for the last 2 examples).// e.g., One should not be arrogant or insolent but rather be kind, considerate and courteous (= polite, respectful, or considerate in manner) towards them.
Presumptuous (pronounced prɪˈzʌm(p)tʃʊəs) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) (of a person or their behavior) failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate; arrogant. Synonyms = brazen, overconfident, arrogant.// e.g., He acts sweet, kind and nice on the outside, but inside he's as rude and presumptuous as I am.’ // e.g., That was a phenomenal mistake and his own presumptuous arrogance led to his downfall.// e.g., ‘It would be presumptuous of me to comment on the matter ((^^^) for this example).// e.g., ‘I hope I won't be considered presumptuous if I offer some advice.’ // e.g., ‘I was so presumptuous as simply to indicate that without even giving you the courtesy (= the showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others) of asking you.’
Brazen (pronounced ˈbreɪ.z(ə)n) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Bold and without shame; e.g., The book is subtitled ‘bold females and their brazen acts.’ // e.g., ‘Is she going to be this brazen, this bold all the time?’ // e.g., ‘How can such brazen defiance (= open resistance; bold disobedience; pronounced dɪˈfaɪ.əns) of health and safety regulations be tolerated?’ // e.g., Attack against the Russian ex-spy and his daughter in Salisbury was brazen and reckless (from the media)./// Harsh in sound; e.g., The music’s brazen chords (chord = a group of (typically three or more) notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony; pronounced kɔːd).// e.g., The first movement is full of blistering winds and brazen sounds, as from an ancient, pagan army.// e.g., Jim asked, hoping to make himself sound brazen as he returned the phone to his ear./// Brazen something out = (verb with object) Endure an embarrassing or difficult situation by behaving with apparent confidence and lack of shame; e.g., There was nothing to do but brazen it out.// e.g., ‘I’m not sure I’d be as confident in my abilities - or at least in my ability to brazen it out when I was wrong.’ // e.g., ‘Is anyone in this Government prepared to take political responsibility for what has occurred or are they simply going to brazen it out as normal?’
Mischief (pronounced ˈmɪstʃɪf) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (mass noun) Playful misbehavior, especially on the part of children. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIDVqYtpIm8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db5BI6Z_qb8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEZ-jBc0jao and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL4H-KoIaCI //// e.g., ‘They are both six-year-old and are always up to mischief!’ // e.g., She'll make sure Dennis doesn't get into mischief.// e.g., Bambo is a little monkey, which always gets into mischief and problems. /// Playfulness that is intended to tease or create trouble; e.g., His eyes twinkled (= had a bright, intelligent expression (*)) with irrepressible mischief.// e.g., John nodded seriously, with mischief twinkling in his eyes.// e.g., As boys are wont to be, they were full of nonsense and mischief./// Harm or trouble caused by someone or something; e.g., He was bent on making mischief.// e.g., I didn't hear any yelling, so daddy didn't cause any mischief.// e.g., New technology keeps showing up, making more mischief, or benefits, possible./// (Law) A wrong or hardship (= something that causes difficult or unpleasant conditions of life, or an example of this (*)) that a statute (= a written law passed by a legislative body; pronounced ˈstætʃ.uːt) is designed to remove or for which the common law affords a remedy; e.g., The statute was passed to prevent a mischief in respect of which the defendant was already under a duty at common law.// e.g., This mischief has now been remedied by section 53 of the Supreme Court Act 1989./// ‘Do someone (or oneself) a mischief’ = (phrase) (informal) Injure someone or oneself; e.g., ‘I would have done myself mischief if I’d carried on.’ // e.g. He leapt (or 'leaped') out of her stretch position without doing himself a mischief that would be regretted later and called the story into the news desk.// e.g., ‘Steady on,’ said a male voice from within, ‘you'll do yourself a mischief.’
Digression (not to be confused with ‘discretion’) (pronounced dʌɪˈɡrɛʃ(ə)n) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing; e.g., ‘Let's return to the main topic after that brief digression.’// e.g., ‘Anyhow, digressions aside, this guy was completely incapable of performing his job with any degree of skill.’ // e.g., ‘Anyway, my minor digression leads me to my point.’ // e.g., Talking about money now would be a digression from the main purpose of this meeting ((**) for the last example).
Mentality = (derogatory) The characteristic way of thinking of a person or group; e.g., ‘I had inherited not only my father's blood but his bourgeois (= of or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes; pronounced ˈbɔːʒ.wɑː in British English and ˈbʊrʒ.wɑː in North American English) mentality as well.’// e.g., ‘You have got to be someone with a different kind of mentality to make that work for you.’// e.g., ‘I suppose we've just got that winning mentality, and that can become a habit.’ // e.g., ‘I can't understand the mentality of people who hurt animals’ ((**) for the last example).
Indomitable (pronounced ɪnˈdɒm.ɪ.tə.bəl) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Impossible to subdue (= overcome, quieten, or bring under control a feeling or person) or defeat; e.g., A woman of indomitable spirit.// e.g., As the exhibition demonstrates, he has become an icon of indomitable spirit and hope.// e.g., Their energy is bottomless, their spirit indomitable, their contribution invaluable.// e.g., An indomitable spirit/ will.// e.g., The indomitable Mr. Smith said he would continue to fight for justice ((**) for the last 2 examples).
Stoat = (noun) A small carnivorous (pronounced ˌkärˈniv(ə)rəs, i.e., feeding on other animals) mammal of the weasel family that has chestnut fur with white underparts and a black-tipped tail. It is native to both Eurasia and North America, and in northern areas, the coat turns white in winter. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Mustela_erminea_upright.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Mustela_erminea_winter_cropped.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Dama_z_gronostajem.jpg
Ermine (pronounced ˈəːmɪn) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) a stoat, especially when in its white winter coat. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vLOmQt3Q3Q and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Dama_z_gronostajem.jpg and http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/1812632070_216b917ca4_o.jpg /// (mass noun) The white fur of the stoat, used for trimming garments, especially the ceremonial robes of judges or peers; e.g., The men were dressed in costly ermine and sable-edged cloaks./// (mass noun) (Heraldry) Fur represented as black spots on a white ground, as a heraldic tincture; e.g., (postpositive) On a canton ermine a lion rampant sable./// A stout-bodied moth that has cream or white wings with black spots. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Yponomeuta_evonymella01.jpg/1200px-Yponomeuta_evonymella01.jpg
Heraldry (pronounced ˈher.(ə) l.dri) = (noun) the system by which coats of arms and other armorial bearings are devised, described and regulated. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Hyghalmen_Roll_Late_1400s.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Pursuivant.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Coat_of_Arms_of_Baldomero_Espartero%2C_Prince_of_Vergara.svg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Turiec.jpg // e.g., The color of blue on the flag is ‘argent’ as described in heraldry.
Arms (related to weapons) = (plural noun) Weapons; armaments; e.g., Arms and ammunition.// (as modifier) e.g., Arms exports./// Distinctive emblems or devices originally borne on shields in battle and now forming the heraldic emblem of families, corporations, or countries; e.g., Other princes and princesses fly a standard with the royal arms in an ermine border./// Coat of arms = a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon (= shield), surcoat, or tabard ((*****) for this). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Arms_of_Duke_of_Richmond_02817.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/Liptov_coatofarms.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Vaasa.vaakuna.svg For the Wales four lions coat of arms heraldry See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Arms_of_Llywelyn.svg/1200px-Arms_of_Llywelyn.svg.png For the Great Seal of the US See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Great_Seal_of_the_United_States_%28obverse%29.svg
Escutcheon (pronounced ɪˈskʌtʃ.(ə)n) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Blason_Champagne-Suze.svg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Erik_av_Pommern_2000px.png and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Svenska_Vapenkollegiet_vapen.svg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/Coats_of_arms_at_Cardinal%27s_Wharf%2C_Bankside%2C_Southwark_-_panoramio.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Escutcheon_of_pretence_demo.svg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Arms_of_Catherine_Middleton.svg //// A flat piece of metal for protection and often ornamentation, around a keyhole, door handle, or light switch. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escutcheon_(furniture)#/media/File:Brass_escutcheon_plate.png /// (medicine) The distribution of pubic (= of or near the sexual organs on the outside of a person’s body (*)) hair (*****).
#/media/File:Brass_escutcheon_plate.png){kind=link}
Insignia (pronounced ɪnˈsɪɡnɪə) = (plural noun) A distinguishing badge or emblem of military rank, office, or membership of an organization. See https://www.6sigma.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/6sigblog_10_16_15.jpg For the US marine corps insignia See http://www.armedforcesinsignia.com/data/shopcart7/image_db/7081240.jpg // e.g., A khaki uniform with colonel’s insignia on the collar.// e.g., The royal insignia of Scotland./// A sign or token of something; e.g., The ruins are devoid of moss and ivy, the romantic insignia of age and decay.// e.g., We ourselves circulate as so many signs, carrying on our bodies innumerable minor signs and insignias.
Regalia (pronounced rɪˈɡeɪlɪə) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (plural noun) (treated as singular or plural noun) The emblems or insignia (= a badge or distinguishing mark of military rank, office, or membership of an organization; an official emblem) of royalty, especially the crown, scepter, and other ornaments used at a coronation. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/King_Haakon_VII_and_Queen_Maud.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Kronjuwelen2%2C_Schatzkammer_Residenz_M%C3%BCnchen.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/Crown%2C_Sword_and_Globus_Cruciger_of_Hungary2.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/The_Throne_of_Kandyan_Kings.jpg // e.g., In such a private meeting as he represents in the Hemetes image, the Queen would probably not have worn her coronation regalia.// e.g., We saw the Scottish Crown Jewels, the second most expensive in Europe and the oldest royal regalia in Britain.//// The distinctive clothing worn and ornaments carried at formal occasions as an indication of status. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/King_Haakon_VII_and_Queen_Maud.jpg // e.g., The Bishop of Florence in full regalia.// e.g., ‘I expected him to emerge in full Navy regalia, dress uniform, and everything.’
Toggle = (noun) A short rod of wood or plastic sewn to one side of a coat or other garment, pushed through a hole or loop on the other side and twisted to act as a fastener. See https://www.jcrew.com/s7-img-facade/A8879_WP8590_m?fmt=jpeg&qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=.1,0,0,0&wid=636&hei=636 and https://cdna.lystit.com/photos/2012/09/20/burberry-camel-brit-mawdesley-hooded-toggle-coat-product-1-4775918-680263333.jpeg // e.g., But she was fastened into her duties like a toggle into a duffle coat./// Toggle bolt (also known as a butterfly anchor) = a fastener for hanging things on hollow walls such as drywall ((*****) for this definition). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Toggle_bolts.JPG /// (typing) A key or command that toggles between two modes, such as the caps lock key./// (verb) (typing) Switch from one effect, feature, or state to another by using a toggle; e.g., ‘While you are typing, there’s a button which toggles between CAPS, lower case, numbers, and punctuation modes.’/// Provide or fasten with a toggle or toggles.//// Toggling harpoon = an ancient weapon and tool used in whaling to impale a whale when thrown. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Harpoon_head_1.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Harpoon_head_2.JPG ///// Feature toggle (also known as feature switch, feature flag, or feature flipper) = a technique in software development that attempts to provide an alternative to maintaining multiple source-code branches (known as feature branches), such that a feature can be tested even before it is completed and ready for release. Feature toggle is used to hide, enable or disable the feature during runtime. For example, during the development process, a developer can enable the feature for testing and disable it for other users./// Toggle rope = a part of the standard equipment of British commandos and the Parachute Regiment during World War II. It was 6 feet (1.8 m) long and had a toggle at one end in a tightly fitting eye splice, with a larger eye at the other end. This enabled them to be fastened together to create an ersatz (= (of a product) made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one, for something else) rope ladder, or to secure around a bundle for hauling (haul = (of a person) pull or drag with effort or force; pronounced hɔːl), among other uses. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Commando_on_a_toggle_rope_bridge.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Generaal_Kruls_bezoekt_officiers-_en_onderofficiersopleidingskamp_in_Bloemendaal%2C_Bestanddeelnr_901-4951.jpg ((*****) for the last 3 definitions).
Tote (pronounced təʊt) = (verb with object) (informal) Carry, wield, or convey something heavy or substantial; e.g., Here are books well worth toting home.// e.g., Gun-toting security guards were posted at all the entrances.// e.g., He always totes around his cell phone ((**) for the first 2 examples)./// e.g., In one drill, he toted a 3-pound football, about three times heavier than a regulation model.// e.g., ‘I noted that our ground crew made a point of toting a bottle of champagne around, in case a peace offering was in order.’ // e.g., She usually toted the baby around in a backpack.// e.g., Bodyguards toting sub-machine guns ((^^^) for the last 2 examples)./// (noun) (informal) Tote bag = a large and often unfastened bag with parallel handles that emerge from the sides of its pouch ((*****) for this definition). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Wikipedia_tote_bag.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Totebag.jpg // e.g., A chocolate brown leather tote with ponyskin appliqué.//// (in the UK) A brand name for a system of putting bets on horses or dogs in a race ((*) for this definition).
Spout (pronounced spaʊt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A tube or lip projecting from a container, through which liquid can be poured. Synonym = nozzle, lip./// For a teapot with a spout See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Black_tea_pot_cropped.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Two_teapots.JPG and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teapot#/media/File:%EC%B2%AD%EC%9E%90_%EB%8F%99%ED%99%94%EC%97%B0%ED%99%94%EB%AC%B8_%ED%91%9C%EC%A3%BC%EB%B0%95%EB%AA%A8%EC%96%91_%EC%A3%BC%EC%A0%84%EC%9E%90_02.jpg and https://i.pinimg.com/originals/de/a9/04/dea9043bc446f950dd94c72cd6fdd460.jpg and http://media.buzzle.com/media/images-en/photos/utilities/kitchenware/900-20032169-spout-of-teapot.jpg For a fountain spout See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQwv_bQjlSs and https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/24/e9/df24e938eee31d5c9494a0db1a0bbfc3.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hf_eHTrpfA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMW2t6qzvx0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHnFqwSxClw // e.g., A teapot with a chipped spout./// A stream of liquid issuing from somewhere with great force. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6CJw9kVsJg For a geyser spout See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Strokkur_geyser_eruption%2C_close-up_view.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Steam_Phase_eruption_of_Castle_geyser_with_double_rainbow.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Strokkur%2C_Iceland.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLdd6oMQoOw // e.g., The tall spouts of geysers./// The plume (= a tall, thin mass of smoke, dust, or similar substance that rises up into the air; pronounced pluːm (*)) of water vapor ejected from the blowhole of a whale. For a whale's spout See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqBmkouRT44 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XlWjJsIvwo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABSp1GTbIbY For a dolphin's spout See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzhOIsdvDUA // e.g., The spout of an occasional whale./// A pipe or trough through which water may be carried away or from which it can flow out. For a pipe spout See https://www.doityourself.com/forum/attachments/toilets-sinks-showers-dishwashers-tubs-garbage-disposals/21038d1384266917-securing-wiggly-bath-spout-pipe-dsc06897.jpg and http://www.cepolina.com/photo/technology/pipe/5/pipe-spout.jpg //// Downspout = a pipe for carrying rainwater from a rain gutter (= a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater) (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Dakgoot_001.jpg // e.g., Kids love climbing along and jumping into waterspouts, especially if the spouts are sometimes unpredictable./// A sloping trough (= a channel used to convey a liquid; pronounced trɒf) for conveying grain, coal, etc. to a lower level; a chute./// Landspout = a type of tornado which forms during the growth stage of a cumulus congestus cloud by stretching boundary layer vorticity upward and into the cumulus congestus's updraft. They generally are smaller and weaker than supercell tornadoes and do not form from a mesocyclone or pre-existing rotation in the cloud. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/GID_Landspout.jpg /// Waterspout = an intense columnar vortex (usually appearing as a funnel-shaped cloud) that occurs over a body of water. Some are connected to a cumulus congestus cloud, some to a cumuliform cloud and some to a cumulonimbus cloud. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Trombe.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Giant_Waterspout_Filmed_by_RAF_Search_and_Rescue_Crew_MOD_45152038.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Punta_Gorda_waterspout.jpg //// (verb) Send out liquid forcibly in a stream; e.g., Volcanoes spouted ash and lava./// (verb; no object, with adverbial) (of a liquid) Flow out forcibly in a stream; e.g., ‘Blood was spouting from the cuts on my hand.’ /// (of a whale or dolphin) Eject water vapor and air) through its blowhole; e.g., A fountain in the center of Paris that had dolphins and lions spouting water./// Express one’s views or ideas in a lengthy, declamatory (= expressing something with strong feeling, especially in a loud voice or with forceful language; pronounced dɪˈklæm.ə.tər.i (*)), and unreflecting way e.g., She was spouting platitudes (platitude = a remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful) about animal rights.// e.g., He just spouts Marxist platitudes and courts his women in a thoroughly conventional way.// e.g., He spouts fountains of ridiculous psychobabble but has the firmest grasp on reality.// e.g., ‘When you're speaking on behalf of other people you cease to be spouting your own views.’
Nozzle = (noun) A cylindrical (pronounced səˈlɪn·drɪ·kəl) or round spout at the end of a pipe, hose, or tube used to control a jet of gas or liquid. For a water nozzle See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Water_nozzle.jpg For a rocket nozzle See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Raketend%C3%BCse.jpg For a hose nozzle See http://goodstuff.simplygoodstuffi.netdna-cdn.com/assets/images/hose_nozzle3.jpg For a pipe nozzle See https://4.imimg.com/data4/NO/PD/MY-25290786/pipe-nozzle-250x250.jpg and http://www.iag.at/files/iag/divisions/es/images/Nozzle%20pipe%20system%2C%20DLS.jpg For a showerhead nozzle See https://i.pinimg.com/474x/74/11/ee/7411ee150dc8393e87f5fd5ae661dfd0--bronze-shower-head-kid-bathrooms.jpg and https://www.dhresource.com/0x0s/f2-albu-g4-M01-EE-6F-rBVaEFcocxSAJttEAAG9n2aM2d8622.jpg/bathroom-products-pressure-five-speed-adjustment.jpg For a gas pump nozzle See http://ak8.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/5680058/thumb/7.jpg and http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/gas-pump-nozzle.jpg For a nozzle of a Nerf gun See https://img1.etsystatic.com/047/0/10479222/il_570xN.716826437_1gde.jpg and https://img0.etsystatic.com/105/0/10479222/il_fullxfull.1046846808_r24e.jpg // e.g., He twisted the nozzle of the shower head./// (with modifier) Petrol pump nozzles.// e.g., A water gun nozzle.
Parallel (pronounced ˈparəlɛl) (as a noun & verb) = (noun) A person or thing that is similar or analogous (= comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared; pronounced əˈnæl.ə.ɡəs) to another; e.g., A challenge which has no parallel in peacetime this century.// e.g., Its rich biodiversity, the potential for new natural products and recreational value has no parallel.//// A similarity or comparison; e.g., He draws a parallel between personal destiny and social forces.// e.g., There is a parallel between the anti-change cries of the ancient Athenian paternalists and the wails of today’s ‘anti-globalists’.//// Each of the imaginary parallel circles of constant latitude on the earth's surface.///// (Printing) Two parallel lines (‖) as a reference mark.///// (verb with object) Be side-by-side with something extending in a line, always keeping the same distance; run or lie parallel; to e.g., A big concrete gutter that paralleled the road.// e.g., Kathrine found the road that roughly paralleled the train’s route.// e.g., One whale paralleled us for a while, then rolled on his side and seemed to stare with his (or ‘her’) eye. /// Be similar or corresponding to; e.g., The increase in the quality of wines has paralleled the rise of interest in food.// e.g., Throughout history, the rise of the nonprofit sector has paralleled the rise of democratic societies.// e.g., Ironically, the history of hair removal in Western cultures has closely paralleled a rise in concern over hair loss! //// In parallel = (phrase) occurring at the same time and having some connection; e.g., Various elements of the booster station have been developed in parallel./// (of electrical components or circuits) connected to common points at each end; not in series.
Paternalism (pronounced pəˈtɜː.nə.lɪ.z(ə)m) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) The policy or practice on the part of people in positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in the subordinates’ supposed best interest; e.g., Freedom seems a good thing when the path is clear, but if the road gets rocky, paternalism and collective mechanisms are preferred.// e.g., ‘Should we consider these ‘flexible negotiations’ a form of benevolent (= well-meaning and kindly) paternalism?’ // e.g., Though that is hardly a brief for paternalism, it should make us at least those of us with liberal sympathies-rather concerned.//// Paternalistic (adjective) e.g., A paternalistic employer ((*) for the examples).
No comments:
Post a Comment