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)
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).
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)
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)
amicably (adverb)
anschluss (German noun)
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)
Kind and friendly towards a younger or less experienced person. (OD)
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)
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)
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 (adjective)
Being mixed up; confused. Eccentric. (MW)
Befuddled. (WN)
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)
admonish (verb)
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 (adjective)
Being mixed up; confused. Eccentric. (MW)
Befuddled. (WN)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Noun: A set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement. (NOA)
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)
alight (verb)
Descend from a train, bus, or other form of transport. (NOA)
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)
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)
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)
The rosy light of the setting or rising sun seen on high mountains. (NOA)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
antepenultimate (adjective)
Last but two in a series; third last. (NOA)
Coming before the next to the last in a series. (AHD)
antitheism (noun) sometimes anti-theism
Opposition to belief in the existence of a god or gods. (NOA)
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)
antitheism (noun) sometimes anti-theism
Opposition to belief in the existence of a god or gods. (NOA)
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)
aplomb (noun)
Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation. (NOA)
Complete and confident composure or self-assurance; poise. (MW)
Confidence and style. (CD)
Assurance, confidence, self-possession, coolness. (OED)
apocryphal (adjective)
aplomb (noun)
Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation. (NOA)
Complete and confident composure or self-assurance; poise. (MW)
Confidence and style. (CD)
Assurance, confidence, self-possession, coolness. (OED)
apocryphal (adjective)
Of doubtful authenticity; spurious. (MW)
Of questionable authorship or authenticity. Erroneous; fictitious. (AHD)
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)
apogee (noun)
The highest point in the development of something; a climax or culmination. (NOA)
The farthest or highest point; culmination. (MW)
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)
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)
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)
An expression of warm approval; praise. Official approval. (AHD)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
avuncular (adjective)
Kind and friendly towards a younger or less experienced person. (OD)
Friendly, kind, or helpful, like the expected behavior of an uncle. (CD)
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