abattoir (noun)§
A slaughterhouse. (NOA)
Note: It's a better word than slaughterhouse, right? It is French of course; only the French could have such a beautiful word for slaughterhouse.
abeyance (noun)§
Note: It's a better word than slaughterhouse, right? It is French of course; only the French could have such a beautiful word for slaughterhouse.
abeyance (noun)§
A state of temporary disuse or suspension. (NOA)
A state of temporary inactivity; suspension. Used chiefly in the phrase: in abeyance. (MW)
A state of not happening or being used at present. (CD)
A state of temporary inactivity; suspension. Used chiefly in the phrase: in abeyance. (MW)
A state of not happening or being used at present. (CD)
Temporary cessation or suspension. A temporary halt to something, with the emphasis on temporary. It is usually used with the word in or into; in abeyance suggests a state of waiting or holding. It comes from the Anglo-French word abeiance, a legal term for waiting or hoping to receive property. Nowadays, the word is used in a similar way. Different legal rights, like property rights, can be held in abeyance until matters are resolved. (VC)
Of a right or title, the position of waiting for or temporarily being without a claimant or owner. Also, a period of being without a claimant or owner. Temporary inactivity or disuse; suspension; latent condition. Chiefly in abeyance. (OED)
abeyant (adjective)
abrogation (noun)§
In Islam, the doctrine in which later pronouncements, revelations, of the prophet take precedence over his earlier pronouncements.
(Robert Spencer, The Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation, 2006)
In Arabic: Naskh (exegetical theory in Islamic law).
aesthetics (noun): The branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of beauty and artistic taste. (OD)
amaranthine (adjective)§
Eternally beautiful and unfading, as the poetic amaranth; undying, everlasting. Also a deep purple-red color. (WN)
amaranth (noun): Any plant of the genus Amaranthus, typically having small green, red, or purple tinted flowers. Certain varieties are grown for food. A purple color. Also, an imaginary flower that never fades. (OD)
amiable (adjective)§
Referring to a person’s friendly disposition; describes people
Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner. (NOA)
Friendly, sociable, and congenial; generally agreeable. (MW)
amicable (adjective)§
Referring to friendliness or goodwill between people or groups; describes relationships between people
Characterized by friendliness and absence of discord. (OD)
Characterized by friendly goodwill; peaceable. (MW)
Of relations between people, having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor. (NOA)
antepenultimate (adjective)§
Last but two in a series; third last. (NOA)
apogee (noun)§
The highest point in the development of something; a climax or culmination. (NOA)
apotheosis (noun)§
The highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax. The elevation of someone to divine status; deification. (NOA)
assemblage (real estate term)§
The combining of two or more adjoining parcels into one large tract. This is usually done to increase the value of the individual parcels because a larger building capable of producing a larger net return may be erected on the larger parcel. The resulting added value is called plottage value. The developer often makes use of option contracts to tie up the right to purchase the desired adjacent parcels. Care must be taken through exact surveys to avoid the creation of gaps or strips between the acquired parcels through faulty legal descriptions.
(John Reilly, The Language of Real Estate, 2000)
See: plottage
at sixes and sevens (idiom) – See sixes and sevens
augury (noun)§
avuncular (adjective)§
Suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality. Of or relating to an uncle. (MW)
abrogation (noun)§
In Islam, the doctrine in which later pronouncements, revelations, of the prophet take precedence over his earlier pronouncements.
(Robert Spencer, The Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation, 2006)
In Arabic: Naskh (exegetical theory in Islamic law).
Naskh is used to describe the abrogation or supersession of one Qur'anic verse or hadith by another. This concept is particularly significant because it deals with how later revelations might modify or cancel earlier ones in terms of legal rulings. (Grok)
abrogate (verb): To repeal a law, established usage, etc.; to abolish authoritatively or formally; to annul, to cancel. To do away with, to put an end to; occasionally, to reject or deny. To evade, neglect, or renounce an obligation or duty; to shirk a responsibility. (OED)
Abyssinia (country)§
Former name for Ethiopia. (OD)
ad hominem (adjective and adverb)§
Appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect. Marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made. (MW)
As an adjective:
abrogate (verb): To repeal a law, established usage, etc.; to abolish authoritatively or formally; to annul, to cancel. To do away with, to put an end to; occasionally, to reject or deny. To evade, neglect, or renounce an obligation or duty; to shirk a responsibility. (OED)
Abyssinia (country)§
Former name for Ethiopia. (OD)
ad hominem (adjective and adverb)§
Appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect. Marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made. (MW)
As an adjective:
Of an argument or reaction: Directed against a person rather that the position they are maintaining. (NOA)
Of an argument, criticism, etc., relating to or aimed at a person rather than directly addressing the position in dispute; specifically: (a) that impugns the character or motives of the proponent of a position rather than addressing the position proposed; (b) that criticizes a position or argument on the grounds of its alleged inconsistency with other things its proponent presupposes or asserts or does. Most commonly used to describe arguments which impugn the character or question the abilities or motivations of the person involved, typically with the implication that arguments of this kind are fallacious or unfair. (OED)
As an adverb:
In an ad hominem manner. (MW)
In a way that is directed against a person rather that the position they are maintaining. In a way that relates to or is associated with a particular person. (NOA)
With reference to the conduct of an argument, in a way that aims criticism at the proponent of a position rather than directly at the position in dispute, as by impugning their character or motives or by arguing that the position is inconsistent with other things its proponent presupposes or asserts or does. (OED)
addlepated or addle-pated (adjective)§
Being mixed up; confused. Eccentric. (MW)
Befuddled. (WN)
Of an argument, criticism, etc., relating to or aimed at a person rather than directly addressing the position in dispute; specifically: (a) that impugns the character or motives of the proponent of a position rather than addressing the position proposed; (b) that criticizes a position or argument on the grounds of its alleged inconsistency with other things its proponent presupposes or asserts or does. Most commonly used to describe arguments which impugn the character or question the abilities or motivations of the person involved, typically with the implication that arguments of this kind are fallacious or unfair. (OED)
As an adverb:
In an ad hominem manner. (MW)
In a way that is directed against a person rather that the position they are maintaining. In a way that relates to or is associated with a particular person. (NOA)
With reference to the conduct of an argument, in a way that aims criticism at the proponent of a position rather than directly at the position in dispute, as by impugning their character or motives or by arguing that the position is inconsistent with other things its proponent presupposes or asserts or does. (OED)
addlepated or addle-pated (adjective)§
Being mixed up; confused. Eccentric. (MW)
Befuddled. (WN)
Stupid and confused. (VC)
Confused or stupid; befuddled. (AHD)
addle-brained: Of a person, having a supposedly addled or diminished brain; lacking clear or rational thought; muddled; stupid; of an action, scheme, etc., motivated or characterized by incorrect or irrational thinking; unsound; ridiculous. (OED)
Describes someone who is confused, muddled, or foolish. It can refer to a state of mental confusion or disorientation, often implying that the person's thinking or reasoning is impaired or not functioning clearly. The term combines addle, which means to muddle or confuse, with pated, referring to the head or mind. (Grok)
Describes someone who is confused, muddled, or foolish. It can refer to a state of mental confusion or disorientation, often implying that the person's thinking or reasoning is impaired or not functioning clearly. The term combines addle, which means to muddle or confuse, with pated, referring to the head or mind. (Grok)
Note: The OED definition of addle-pated is simply addle-brained.
adjuvant (noun)§
adjuvant (noun)§
Immunology
A substance that enhances the body's immune response to an antigen. (NOA)
A treatment that enhances an existing medical regimen, as a pharmacological agent added to a drug to increase or aid its effect. An immunological agent that increases the antigenic response. (AHD)
A substance, such as one added to a vaccine, enhancing the immune response to an antigen. (MW)
Substance that enhances the effect of a particular medical treatment. In immunology an adjuvant is a substance that increases the body’s reaction to a foreign substance. (EB)
A substance that strengthens the body's immune response, ability to fight harmful substances, disease, etc. (CD)
A substance that enhances the immune response stimulated by an antigen when injected with the antigen. (CDC)
An additive that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment. (VC)
A substance that enhances or modifies the immune response to an antigen with which it is administered. (OED)
Some vaccines that are made from weakened or killed germs contain naturally occurring adjuvants and help the body produce a strong protective immune response. However, most vaccines developed today include just small components of germs, such as their proteins, rather than the entire virus or bacteria. Adjuvants help the body to produce an immune response strong enough to protect the person from the disease he or she is being vaccinated against. Adjuvanted vaccines can cause more local reactions, such as redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site, and more systemic reactions, such as fever, chills and body aches, than non-adjuvanted vaccines. (CDC.gov)
Primary (non-immunological) definition, noun and adjective: That serves to help or assist; providing aid or assistance; auxiliary, facilitative; helpful. A person who, or more commonly a thing which, helps or provides aid or assistance; an aid; an assistant, a helper. (OED)
See: excipient
admonish (verb)§
admonish (verb)§
To counsel another against something to be avoided or warn that something is dangerous. To urge or exhort someone to do something. To remind someone of something forgotten or disregarded, as an obligation or a responsibility. To reprove gently but earnestly. (AHD)
Warn or reprimand someone firmly. Advise or urge someone earnestly. (NOA)
To indicate duties or obligations to. To express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner. To give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to. To say something as advice or a warning. (MW)
Warn or reprimand someone firmly. Advise or urge someone earnestly. (NOA)
To indicate duties or obligations to. To express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner. To give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to. To say something as advice or a warning. (MW)
Take to task. Earn strongly; put on guard. To scold. Always used with an eye on improving someone's behavior. The exact meaning of this formal verb varies in intensity depending generally on who is being corrected. If a child or subordinate is being admonished, it means scold or rebuke whereas if someone admonishes a person with equal standing, warn or advise are closer synonyms. (VC)
To tell someone that they have done something wrong. To advise someone to do something. To warn someone not to do something, usually in a kind way, or to tell someone to do something. (CD)
OED: To exhort or urge a person to do something, especially as a duty or obligation; to tell or warn a person that he or she should do something. To give advice or warning, especially by way of correction of error, or guidance as to future behavior. Now usually, to give a firm rebuke or reprimand. To advise or warn a person, especially by way of correction. Now usually, to reprove or reprimand firmly. To warn, reprimand, or rebuke a person for a fault or misdeed. To recommend or urge a course of action. To notify or remind a person of something. To inform or apprise a person about something. To warn a person of or against potential danger or future error. (OED)
To warn or notify of a fault; to reprove gently or kindly, but seriously; to exhort. To counsel against wrong practices; to caution or advise; to warn against danger or an offense. To instruct or direct; to inform; to notify. (WUD)
admonishment (noun): The action or an act of admonishing; the fact of being admonished; exhortation; warning; reproof; an instance of any of these. (OED)
admonishment (noun): The action or an act of admonishing; the fact of being admonished; exhortation; warning; reproof; an instance of any of these. (OED)
Difference between admonish and enjoin: Admonish tends to be used when pointing out a fault or mistake, often with a corrective tone. Enjoin is used more to direct or encourage someone towards action, with an emphasis on urging or commanding. Both words can convey a sense of authority, but admonish focuses on criticism or warning, while enjoin focuses on directing or compelling action. (Grok)
See: Note on the difference between admonishment and admonition.
See: admonition, enjoin
admonition (noun)§
admonition (noun)§
Cautionary advice or warning. Mild, kind, yet earnest reproof. (AHD)
An act or action of admonishing; authoritative counsel or warning. (NOA)
Gentle or friendly reproof. Counsel or warning against fault or oversight. (MW)
An act or action of admonishing; authoritative counsel or warning. (NOA)
Gentle or friendly reproof. Counsel or warning against fault or oversight. (MW)
A firm rebuke. Cautionary advice about something imminent, especially imminent danger or other unpleasantness. Advice with a hint of scolding, a warning not to do something. The strength and tone of an admonition determine whether it's a gentle, polite suggestion or more of a stern warning. (VC)
A piece of advice that is also a warning to someone about their behavior. (CD)
The action of admonishing; authoritative advice or warning; reproof, censure. An act of admonishing; an instruction, exhortation, or warning; a rebuke, a reprimand. (OED)
The action of admonishing; authoritative advice or warning; reproof, censure. An act of admonishing; an instruction, exhortation, or warning; a rebuke, a reprimand. (OED)
Gentle or friendly reproof; counseling against a fault or error; expression of authoritative advice; friendly caution or warning. Admonition is prospective, and relates to moral delinquencies; its object is to prevent further transgression. (WUD)
Difference between admonition and injunction: Admonition is typically advisory, moral, or corrective in nature, focusing on guidance or warning. Injunction implies a more direct command or prohibition, with an emphasis on enforcement or compliance, even if it's not legally binding in the context being discussed. (Grok)
See: Note on the difference between admonishment and admonition.
See: admonish, injunction
adumbrate (verb)§
Report or represent in outline. (NOA)
adumbrate (verb)§
Report or represent in outline. (NOA)
To give a sketchy outline of. (AHD)
To suggest, disclose, or outline partially. (MW)
To give only the main facts and not the details about something, especially something that will happen in the future. (CD)
Describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of. Give to understand. To adumbrate something is to outline it. Adumbrate is built on the Latin root umbra, shade, and the image it evokes is of a shadow being cast around something. Your outline is like a shadow of something bigger, like the themes in that novel or the ways you have been behaving. You can also use adumbrate to mean foreshadow. (VC)
Originally Theology. To represent beforehand by a figure or type; to be an early indication or version of; to foreshadow. Also, to symbolize. To draw or describe in outline; to sketch out; to indicate faintly. In later use also more generally, to describe, state. (OED)
aesthetic (adjective)§
aesthetic (adjective)§
Of or concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste. Attractive or appealing. Characterized by a heightened sensitivity to beauty. (AHD)
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. (NOA)
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. (NOA)
Relating to the enjoyment or study of beauty. An aesthetic object or a work of art is one that shows great beauty. The particular style of appearance that something or someone has. (CD)
Noun: A set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement. (NOA)
Noun: A set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement. (NOA)
Concerning or characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste; aesthetically pleasing; relating to or dealing with the subject of aesthetics. Aesthetic, from a Greek word meaning perception, comes to us from German philosophers who used it for a theory of the beautiful. From this technical sense, it soon came to refer to good taste and to artistry in general; if something has aesthetic value, it has value as a work of art, even if nobody will pay much for it. It does not, however, refer to the objects themselves; do not talk about an aesthetic painting. (VC)
OED: Of or relating to the perception, appreciation, or criticism of that which is beautiful. Of a thing, in accordance with principles of artistic beauty or taste; giving or designed to give pleasure through beauty; of pleasing appearance. Of a person, etc., having or showing an appreciation of the beautiful or pleasing; tasteful, of refined taste. Hence: being or resembling an aesthete. The philosophy of the beautiful or of art; a system of principles for the appreciation of the beautiful, etc.; the distinctive underlying principles of a work of art or a genre, the works of an artist, the arts of a culture, etc. The attractive appearance or sound of something. (OED)
aesthete (noun): A person who has or affects to have a special appreciation of art and beauty. (OD)aesthetics (noun): The branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of beauty and artistic taste. (OD)
affectation (noun)§
Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress. A studied display of real or pretended feeling. (NOA)
Speech or conduct not natural to oneself : an unnatural form of behavior meant especially to impress others. The act of taking on or displaying an attitude or mode of behavior not natural to oneself or not genuinely felt. (MW)
A mannerism or habit that is assumed rather than natural, especially to impress others. Behavior characterized by such mannerisms or habits; artificiality. An artificial manner or behavior adopted to impress others or call attention to oneself. (AHD)
Behavior or speech that is not sincere. Speech or behavior that is not natural or sincere and is used to produce a certain effect. (CD)
An assumed manner of speech, dress, or behavior, especially one that is intended to impress others. Deliberate pretense or false display. An affecting or pretending to like, have, etc.; show or pretense. Artificial behavior meant to impress others; mannerism for effect. (CDC)
A deliberate pretense or exaggerated display. (VC)
The artificial or studied assumption of behavior; artificiality of manner; putting on airs; also, an instance of this. (OED)
A behavior, speech pattern, or mannerism that is not natural to the individual but is adopted in order to impress others, to appear more sophisticated, or to fit into a particular social context. It involves artificial or exaggerated actions or styles that are intended to create a false impression or persona. Essentially, it is a pretense or an attempt to seem different from one's true self. (Grok)
alacrity (noun)§
Brisk and cheerful readiness. (NOA)
Brisk and cheerful readiness. (NOA)
Promptness in response; cheerful readiness. (MW)
Speed and eagerness and interest. (CD)
Cheerful willingness; eagerness. Speed or quickness; celerity. (AHD)
Eager willingness or readiness, often manifested by quick, lively action. (CDC)
Liveliness and eagerness. Cheerful willingness and eager behavior. While the noun alacrity normally refers to someone's peppy behavior, it can also describe a certain mood or tempo of a musical composition, indicating how the music should be played. (VC)
Liveliness and eagerness. Cheerful willingness and eager behavior. While the noun alacrity normally refers to someone's peppy behavior, it can also describe a certain mood or tempo of a musical composition, indicating how the music should be played. (VC)
A cheerful readiness, willingness, or promptitude; joyous activity; briskness; sprightliness. (WUD)
Liveliness, sprightliness; briskness, speed; cheerful readiness or willingness. Also, an instance of this. (OED)
alight (verb)§
Descend from a train, bus, or other form of transport. (NOA)
alight (verb)§
Descend from a train, bus, or other form of transport. (NOA)
To get out of a vehicle, especially a train or bus. (CD)
To get down from a horse, to dismount; to descend or get down from, or out of, any means of transport. To get down from a horse or other means of transport; hence to finish one's ride, to stop. (OED)
Note: Perhaps with the exception of an aircraft.
Note: Perhaps with the exception of an aircraft.
See: deplane
all right or alright or orright (colloquialism)§
Great Britain
Used to greet someone at the same time as asking if they are well. (CD)
A general phrase of greeting; a question mark is assumed even if not present; often answered by all right or not so bad. (Green's)
Note: Used as a synonym for: How are you? But without the intonation of a question.
See: mind how you go
alpenglow (noun)§
A reddish glow seen near sunset or sunrise on the summits of mountains. (MW)
alpenglow (noun)§
A reddish glow seen near sunset or sunrise on the summits of mountains. (MW)
A rosy glow that suffuses snow-covered mountain peaks at dawn or dusk on a clear day. (AHD)
A reddish light seen in the sky near a mountaintop at the start of sunrise or the end of sunset. (VC)
A reddish glow seen near sunset or sunrise on the summits of mountains. (WUD)
amaranthine (adjective)§
Eternally beautiful and unfading, as the poetic amaranth; undying, everlasting. Also a deep purple-red color. (WN)
amaranth (noun): Any plant of the genus Amaranthus, typically having small green, red, or purple tinted flowers. Certain varieties are grown for food. A purple color. Also, an imaginary flower that never fades. (OD)
Of, relating to, or resembling an amaranth flower. Eternally beautiful and unfading; everlasting. Deep purple-red. (AHD)
Unfading, as the poetic amaranth; undying. Of a purplish color. (WUD)
Of or relating to the amaranth; now somewhat rare and archaic. Immortal, undying; unfading. Of a dark reddish purple color; dark reddish purple. (OED)
amiable (adjective)§
Referring to a person’s friendly disposition; describes people
Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner. (NOA)
Friendly, sociable, and congenial; generally agreeable. (MW)
Possessing sweetness of disposition; having sweetness of temper, kind-heartedness, etc., which causes one to be liked. (WUD)
Chiefly in regard to disposition or mood, or the actions associated with such a disposition or mood, characterized by friendliness; having or characteristic of a friendly and pleasant nature or character, good-natured; affable, sociable. Also, originally and chiefly U.S., well-disposed, favorably inclined to or towards an immaterial thing. For instance: amiable to the idea. (OED)
Diffusing warmth and friendliness. Disposed to please. A friendly, pleasant person could be described as amiable. An amiable person is good-natured and easy to get along with. Add one letter and you get amicable, a word with a similar meaning. But while amiable refers to friendly people, amicable refers to friendly relations between them; two amiable people who no longer want to be married to one another might have an amicable divorce. (VC)
amiably (adverb)amicable (adjective)§
Referring to friendliness or goodwill between people or groups; describes relationships between people
Characterized by friendliness and absence of discord. (OD)
Characterized by friendly goodwill; peaceable. (MW)
Of relations between people, having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor. (NOA)
Friendly; proceeding from, or exhibiting, friendliness; after the manner of friends; peaceable; as, an amicable disposition, or arrangement. (WUD)
Of an arrangement, agreement, etc., especially following a dispute, or in circumstances where ill feeling might otherwise be expected, characterized by a lack of discord; done with mutual goodwill, or without quarreling or use of force; peaceable, harmonious. (OED)
Characterized by friendship and good will. Amicable means friendly, but in particular, use it when describing relations one might otherwise expect to be unfriendly. (VC)
amicably (adverb)
anschluss (German noun)§
amicably (adverb)
anschluss (German noun)§
The Anschluss: Annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938. Hitler had forced the resignation of the Austrian Chancellor by demanding that he admit Nazis into his cabinet. The new Chancellor, a pro-Nazi, invited German troops to enter the country on the pretext of restoring law and order. (OD)
A political or economic union, especially the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany (1938). (CDC)
Usually disparaging. Annexation of a country or region, union of countries or regions; specifically, now historical, the annexation of Austria by Germany, either as actually implemented in 1938 or as proposed before that date. In early use also in weaker sense, close political association. To annex, take over, join with. (OED)
antepenultimate (adjective)§
Last but two in a series; third last. (NOA)
Coming before the next to the last in a series. (AHD)
antitheism or anti-theism (noun)§
Opposition to belief in the existence of a god or gods. (NOA)
antitheism or anti-theism (noun)§
Opposition to belief in the existence of a god or gods. (NOA)
The theory or belief that the doctrines of theism are wrong; opposition to or rejection of theism or theists. (OED)
antitheist: One opposed to belief in the existence of a god.
Note: From Christopher Hitchens: “I'm not even an atheist so much as I am an antitheist; I not only maintain that all religions are versions of the same untruth, but I hold that the influence of churches, and the effect of religious belief, is positively harmful.” (Letters to a Young Contrarian, 2001).
aphorism (noun)§
A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. (NOA)
A general truth, or astute observation expressed in a concise, pithy, and witty manner. (WN)
antitheist: One opposed to belief in the existence of a god.
Note: From Christopher Hitchens: “I'm not even an atheist so much as I am an antitheist; I not only maintain that all religions are versions of the same untruth, but I hold that the influence of churches, and the effect of religious belief, is positively harmful.” (Letters to a Young Contrarian, 2001).
aphorism (noun)§
A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. (NOA)
A general truth, or astute observation expressed in a concise, pithy, and witty manner. (WN)
A terse formulation of a truth or sentiment; adage. (MW)
A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion; an adage. (AHD)
A short clever saying that is intended to express a general truth. (CD)
A short witty sentence which expresses a general truth or comment. A short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim. A short, pointed sentence expressing a wise or clever observation or a general truth; adage. A terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation. (CDC)
A short pithy instructive saying. A statement or saying that is both efficiently presented and either witty or wise. (VC)
A comprehensive maxim or principle expressed in a few words; a sharply defined sentence relating to abstract truth rather than to practical matters. (WUD)
Any principle or precept expressed in few words; a short pithy sentence containing a truth of general import; a maxim. (OED)
aplomb (noun)§
Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation. (NOA)
Complete and confident composure or self-assurance; poise. (MW)
aplomb (noun)§
Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation. (NOA)
Complete and confident composure or self-assurance; poise. (MW)
Assurance of manner or of action; self-possession. (WUD)
If you do something with aplomb, you do it with confidence in a relaxed way. Equanimity, self-confidence, or self-possession. Self-possession; assurance; poise. Imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance. (CDC)
Great coolness and composure under strain. Aplomb is the ultimate test for cool: Grace under pressure. Use aplomb to show great restraint under even the most trying circumstances. In retail, it's always a good idea to handle the angry customers with aplomb. When you think of aplomb, think cool, calm and collected. Not frazzled, furious, and fiery. (VC)
Assurance, confidence, self-possession, coolness. (OED)
apocryphal (adjective)§
Assurance, confidence, self-possession, coolness. (OED)
apocryphal (adjective)§
Of a story or statement of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true. (NOA)
Of doubtful authenticity; spurious. (MW)
An apocryphal story is probably not true although it is often told and believed by some people to have happened. (CD)
Of questionable authorship or authenticity. Erroneous; fictitious. (AHD)
Being of questionable authenticity. Urban legends are classic examples of apocryphal tales. They are told as if they are true, but no one can ever verify their origins or authenticity. Today, any dubious or unverifiable story may be dismissed as apocryphal. Originally, however, apocryphal was reserved for religious writings that were not included in the Torah or the New Testament of the Bible because the divinity of the texts was not certain. (VC)
Not canonical; of uncertain authority. (JDO)
Not canonical. Hence: Of doubtful authority; equivocal; mythic; fictitious; spurious; false. (WUD)
Of doubtful authorship, authenticity, or authority; not established as genuine or accurate; spurious. Pretended, sham; not genuine; fake. (OED)
apodictic (adjective)§
Clearly established or beyond dispute. (NOA)
Expressing or of the nature of necessary truth or absolute certainty. (MW)
Necessarily or demonstrably true; incontrovertible. (AHD)
That can clearly be shown or proved; absolutely certain or necessarily true. Incontestable because of having been demonstrated or proved to be demonstrable. (CDC)
Self-evident; intuitively true; evident beyond contradiction. (WUD)
Of a proposition, necessarily true or logically certain. Anything apodictic is certain; it cannot be disputed. The existence of gravity is apodictic. This word comes from a Greek verb meaning to demonstrate, and it applies to things that have been demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt. An apodictic statement is absolutely, completely, unquestionably true. Usually, this applies to the logic of a statement or argument that is airtight. Lawyers try to make apodictic arguments: Flawless arguments. If something is apodictic, there is no point in questioning it. Slavery is wrong is an apodictic statement. (VC)
Of clear demonstration; established on incontrovertible evidence. (By Kant applied to a proposition enouncing a necessary and hence absolute truth.) (OED)
apogee (noun)§
The highest point in the development of something; a climax or culmination. (NOA)
The farthest or highest point; culmination. (MW)
The farthest or highest point; the apex. (AHD)
Highest or greatest point, of something such as a culture or a business. (CDC)
Highest or greatest point, of something such as a culture or a business. (CDC)
Figuratively, the farthest or highest point; culmination. (WUD)
The highest point, climax, culmination. (OED)
apotheosis (noun)§
The highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax. The elevation of someone to divine status; deification. (NOA)
The perfect form or example of something; quintessence. The highest or best part of something; peak. Elevation to divine status; deification. (MW)
approbation (noun)§
Approval or praise. (NOA)
Exaltation to divine rank or stature; deification. Elevation to a preeminent or transcendent position; glorification. An exalted or glorified example. (AHD)
The best or most extreme example of something. The act of making someone into a god. (CD)
Deification; the rite of adding any one to the number of gods. (JDO)
The act of elevating a mortal to the rank of, and placing him among, the gods; deification. Glorification; exaltation. (WUD)
OED: The action, process, or fact of ranking, or of being ranked, among the gods; transformation into a god, deification; elevation to divine status. Also: An instance of this. Glorification or exaltation of a principle, practice, etc. Also: An instance of this; a glorified ideal. Attribution of more or less divine power or virtue to a person; glorification or exaltation of a person. Also: An instance of this. The best or most highly developed example of something; the highest point or culmination, the acme. (OED)
Note: Jack Ohman cartoon (2008).
approbation (noun)§
Approval or praise. (NOA)
Commendation, praise. (MW)
Approval or agreement, often given by an official group; praise. (CD)
Approval of something or agreement to it. Approval, commendation, sanction; praise. Official recognition, sanction, or approval. (CDC)
An expression of warm approval; praise. Official approval. (AHD)
The act of approving, or expressing himself pleased or satisfied. The liking of any thing. Attestation; support. (JDO)
The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval; sanction; commendation. (WUD)
The action of formally or authoritatively declaring good or true; sanction. The action of expressing oneself pleased or satisfied with anything; or the mere feeling of such satisfaction; approval expressed or entertained. (OED)
See: disapprobation
asceticism (noun)§
Severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. (NOA)
See: disapprobation
asceticism (noun)§
Severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. (NOA)
The practice of strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline; rigorous abstention from self-indulgence. Austerity in appearance, manner, or attitude. (MW)
Asceticism is a simple, strict way of life with no luxuries or physical pleasures. The religious doctrine that one can reach a higher spiritual state by rigorous self-discipline and self-denial. The doctrine that a person can attain a high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial, self-mortification, and the like. Rigorous self-denial; extreme abstinence; austerity. (CDC)
The practice of the denial of physical or psychological desires in order to attain a spiritual ideal or goal. (EB)
Extreme self-denial and austerity. The doctrine that the ascetic life releases the soul from bondage to the body and permits union with the divine. (AHD)
The practice of living a simple life without physical pleasures, often for religious reasons. (CD)
The principles or practice of the Ascetics; rigorous self-discipline, severe abstinence, austerity. (OED)
assemblage (real estate term)§
The combining of two or more adjoining parcels into one large tract. This is usually done to increase the value of the individual parcels because a larger building capable of producing a larger net return may be erected on the larger parcel. The resulting added value is called plottage value. The developer often makes use of option contracts to tie up the right to purchase the desired adjacent parcels. Care must be taken through exact surveys to avoid the creation of gaps or strips between the acquired parcels through faulty legal descriptions.
(John Reilly, The Language of Real Estate, 2000)
See: plottage
at sixes and sevens (idiom) – See sixes and sevens
augury (noun)§
A sign of what will happen in the future; an omen. (NOA)
Omen, portent. (MW)
EB: Prophetic divining of the future by observation of natural phenomena – particularly the behavior of birds and animals and the examination of their entrails and other parts, but also by scrutiny of man-made objects and situations. The term derives from the official Roman augurs, whose constitutional function was not to foretell the future but to discover whether or not the gods approved of a proposed course of action, especially political or military. Two types of divinatory sign, or omen, were recognized: The most important was deliberately watched for, such as lightning, thunder, flights and cries of birds, or the pecking behavior of sacred chickens; of less moment was that which occurred casually, such as the unexpected appearance of animals sacred to the gods – the bear (Artemis), wolf (Apollo), eagle (Zeus), serpent (Asclepius), and owl (Minerva), for instance – or such other mundane signs as the accidental spilling of salt, sneezing, stumbling, or the creaking of furniture. (EB)
OED: The practice of predicting the future, revealing hidden truths, or obtaining guidance in future affairs on the basis of the observation and interpretation of natural signs, such as the behavior of birds or celestial phenomena, the examination of animal entrails, etc.; divination, prognostication, soothsaying. Skill or aptitude in divination or predicting the future; prophetic power or ability. An omen or portent, especially one drawn from the observation of natural signs; an event or phenomenon regarded as an indicator of the future. Indication or signification of a future event or condition provided by something; presage, promise. Foreboding or presentiment of a future event or condition; anticipation, expectation; an expectation held, or prediction made, about the future. (OED)
Noun: augur: One held to foretell events by omens. (MW)
Verb: augur: To foretell especially from omens. (MW)
Often used: augurs well for, as in: The good weather augurs well for a successful inauguration.
autogynephilia (noun)§
Psychological disorder
Autogynephilia is defined as a male's propensity to be sexually aroused by the thought of himself as a female. It is the paraphilia that is theorized to underlie transvestism and some forms of male-to-female transsexualism. Autogynephilia encompasses sexual arousal with cross-dressing and cross-gender expression that does not involve women's clothing per se. Autogynephilia exemplifies an unusual paraphilic category called erotic target identity inversions, in which men desire to impersonate or turn their bodies into facsimiles of the persons or things to which they are sexually attracted. (NIH)
Autogynephilia is defined as a male's propensity to be sexually aroused by the thought or image of himself as female. Autogynephilia explains the desire for sex reassignment of some male-to-female transsexuals. It can be conceptualized as both a paraphilia and a sexual orientation. The concept of autogynephilia provides an alternative to the traditional model of transsexualism that emphasizes gender identity. Autogynephilia helps explain mid-life male-to-female gender transition, progression from transvestism to transsexualism, the prevalence of other paraphilias among male-to-female transsexuals, and late development of sexual interest in male partners. Hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery can be effective treatments in autogynephilic transsexualism. The concept of autogynephilia can help clinicians better understand male-to-female transsexual clients who recognize a strong sexual component to their gender dysphoria. (APA)
A sexual orientation defined by sexual arousal at the thought or image of oneself as a woman. Autogynephiles are typically sexually attracted to women, although they may also identify as asexual or bisexual. They are more likely to transition later in life and to have been conventionally masculine in presentation up until that point. (Ray Blanchard)
Autogynephilia is defined as a male's propensity to be sexually aroused by the thought or image of himself as a female. The term was coined by sexologist Ray Blanchard in the 1980s as part of a typology of transsexualism, where it is classified as a paraphilia, an atypical sexual interest, that may motivate some male-to-female gender transitions. It is a controversial concept, with critics arguing it pathologizes transgender identities, while proponents view it as a descriptive framework for certain patterns of arousal. (Grok)
Note: Question: Regarding male-to-female transgender men's obdurate insistence that others use their new, feminized names, and refer to them using feminine pronouns, are these dictates part of their sexual fetishes? And if so, if more people understood this possibility, perhaps they would be less likely to acquiesce to these paraphilic demands.
See: gender dysphoria
avenue (noun)§
Great Britain
A broad passageway bordered by trees. (MW)
A wide country path or road with trees on both sides. (CD)
The chief approach to a country-house, usually bordered by trees; hence, any broad roadway bordered or marked by trees or other objects at regular intervals. Sometimes used of the trees alone, with tacit disregard of the road they overshadow. (OED)
In the context of British landscaping, an avenue is defined as a straight, formal pathway or roadway lined on both sides with evenly spaced trees or shrubs, designed to create a symmetrical and visually striking approach or feature within a garden, park, estate, or woodland. Typically planned for aesthetic and practical purposes, avenues often lead to a focal point, such as a house, monument, or vista, emphasizing grandeur and order. The trees, which may include species like lime, oak, or beech, are usually planted in parallel rows to form a canopy or tunnel-like effect over time, enhancing the sense of enclosure and perspective. (Grok)
In British landscaping, an avenue is defined as a straight path or road with a line of trees or tall shrubs planted along each side. Here is a breakdown of the key characteristics:
Straight Path or Road: Avenues are typically linear, emphasizing direction and creating a sense of procession or arrival.
Trees or Shrubs on Both Sides: The defining feature is the parallel planting, which creates a corridor effect.
Emphasis on Arrival: The Latin root of the word avenue (venire, to come) highlights its purpose in emphasizing the approach to a destination, such as a house, monument, or a specific point in the landscape.
Uniform Appearance: Often, the trees or shrubs planted in an avenue are of the same species or cultivar to create a consistent and formal look along its entire length.
Avenues have a long history in British landscaping, becoming particularly fashionable in the 17th century, influenced by European styles. They were used to:
Enhance the approach to country houses and estates.
Create impressive vistas and focal points.
Provide shaded walks and drives.
Structure and define spaces within a landscape.
While the term avenue is also used for urban streets, in a landscaping context, it specifically refers to these tree-lined pathways. (Gemini)
avuncular (adjective)§
Suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality. Of or relating to an uncle. (MW)
Relating to an uncle. Kind and friendly towards a younger or less experienced person. (NOA)
Friendly, kind, or helpful, like the expected behavior of an uncle. (CD)
Of or pertaining to an uncle. (WUD)
Being or relating to an uncle. Resembling an uncle in kindness or indulgence. Someone who is kind and patient and generally indulgent with people younger than he is. (VC)
Of, belonging to, or resembling, an uncle. (OED)
Behaving in a kind and nice way to someone who is younger, rather like an uncle. (LDOCE)
Regarded as characteristic of an uncle, especially in benevolence or tolerance. (AHD)
=> B