Word Nerd

[Yano]

Juxtaposition

jux·ta·po·si·tion - noun - juxtaposition - plural juxtapositions

Meaning - The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect

Coming to us from a tricky combination of Latin - Iuxta meaning near or next to and the French word , position meaning placement.

Essentially, it refers to the act of placing things close together, often with the intention of highlighting their differences or creating a contrasting effect.
https://www.google.com/search?sca_e...2ahUKEwiruvjJhOKOAxUWF1kFHcbIDUcQ3eEDegQIOBAO
A common phrase using juxtaposition as an example would be comparing , apples to oranges.

In a literary setting juxtaposition could be used to offset the traits of two characters as in the story of Cinderella when compared to her "evil" stepsisters.

 

[tommyguns2]

trenchant

pronounded TREN-chuhnt

This word is an adjective and means incisive and forceful.

From Old French trenchant (cutting), from present participle of trenchier (to cut), from Latin truncare (to cut), from truncus (trunk, as in a severed tree). Other words with same root: tranche, trench, truncate, trunk, and truculent. Earliest documented use: 1325.

This is one of those words where its original root doesn't seem to match how the word is presently used. I think of this word is forceful, as in being aggressively persuasive.

 

[Yano]

trenchant

pronounded TREN-chuhnt

This word is an adjective and means incisive and forceful.

From Old French trenchant (cutting), from present participle of trenchier (to cut), from Latin truncare (to cut), from truncus (trunk, as in a severed tree). Other words with same root: tranche, trench, truncate, trunk, and truculent. Earliest documented use: 1325.

This is one of those words where its original root doesn't seem to match how the word is presently used. I think of this word is forceful, as in being aggressively persuasive.

Trenchant is an old descriptive word usually referencing language used in conversation I think , no so much actual cutting.

Siskel and Ebert at one time offered up a trenchant and scathing review of (insert movie here hahaha).

 

[The Boogieman]

Love this thread! Im getting shrewder by the day!

 

[tommyguns2]

Love this thread! Im getting shrewder by the day!

not shrewder, "more shrewd!" LOL

 

[tommyguns2]

Today's word has two spellings.

untrammeled OR untrammelled

pronounced uhn-TRAM-uhld

This word is an adjective that means not limited or restricted.

From un- (not) + trammel (a restriction or hindrance), from Latin tremaculum (a three-layered fishing net).
Earliest documented use: 1795.

One of those words that kinda sounds like what it means. At least to me.

 

[tommyguns2]

Today's word is:

pillory

pronounced PIL-uh-ree

This word is a verb that means to subject to severe public criticism or ridicule.

In the past this word was also a noun that was a device used to publicly punish offenders by locking their head and hands in place.

From Old French pilori, probably from Latin pila (pillar). Earliest documented use: 1330.

 

[Yano]

specious - adjective - spe·cious ˈspē-shəs​

Showed up around 1390 or so , Middle English , was originally good looking or beautiful , was also thought to be borrowed from the same word in French that meant good looking as well as , plausible and has since been used that way. To describe a false truth or attractiveness that is believable.

Synonyms of specious
1
: having a false look of truth or genuineness : sophistic
specious reasoning
2
: having deceptive attraction or allure
3
obsolete : showy

speciously adverb
speciousness noun

I'll use it like this - Social media more often than not turns specious claims into dubious fact with it's use of algorithms and engagement.

 

[tommyguns2]

Today's word is:

temerity

pronounced tuh-MER-i-tee

This word is a noun that means excessive or reckless boldness.

This word can also be used as an adjective as temerarious

From Latin temere (blindly, rashly). Earliest documented use: 1475.

I've never heard this word used as an adjective. Not even sure how that's pronounced! LOL

 

[Oblivious]

Ive been called that for saying capitulation, by a NURSE mind you, I always wonder how they got through college