VOCABULARY
Neologism (noun)
Definition:
a new word or expression, or a new meaning for an existing word.
Example:
Petulant (adjective)
Definition:
easily annoyed and complaining in a rude way like a child.
Example:
Recluse (noun)
Definition:
a person who lives alone and avoids going outside or talking to other people.
Example:
He is a millionaire recluse who refuses to give interviews.
Gratuitous (adjective)
Definition:
(of something such as bad behavior) not necessary, or with no cause.
Example:
A lot of viewers complained that there was too much gratuitous sex and violence in the film.
Eloquent (adjective)
Definition:
giving a clear, strong message.
Example:
She made an eloquent appeal for action.
Sunday, 29 March 2015
Saturday, 28 March 2015
Words of the day (26/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Bastion (noun)
Definition:
something that keeps or defends a belief or a way of life that is disappearing or threatened.
Example:
British public schools are regarded as one of the last bastions of upper-class privilege.
Conflagration (noun)
Definition:
a.a large fire that causes a lot of damage.
Definition:
b.a large and violent event, such as a war, involving a lot of people.
Example:
They may succeed in turning a little local difficulty into a full-blown regional conflagration.
Efface (verb)
Definition:
to remove something intentionally.
Example:
The whole country had tried to efface the memory of the old dictatorship.
Befuddled (adjective)
Definition:
confused.
Example:
I'm so tired, my poor befuddled brain can't absorb any more.
Irksome (adjective)
Definition:
annoying.
Example:
The vibration can become irksome after a while.
Words of the day (24/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Tactile (adjective)
Definition:
If something is tactile, it has a surface that is pleasant or attractive to touch.
Example:
Her paintings have a very tactile quality.
Tenacity (noun)
Definition:
the determination to continue what you are doing.
Versatile (adjective)
Definition:
able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used for many different purposes.
Example:
He's a very versatile young actor who's as happy in horror films as he is in TV comedies.
Vicarious (adjective)
Definition:
experienced as a result of watching, listening to, or reading about the activities of other people, rather than by doing the activities yourself.
Example:
They get a vicarious thrill from watching motor racing.
Bane (noun)
Definition:
a cause of continuous trouble or unhappiness.
Example:
That cat is the bane of my life!
Tactile (adjective)
Definition:
If something is tactile, it has a surface that is pleasant or attractive to touch.
Example:
Her paintings have a very tactile quality.
Tenacity (noun)
Definition:
the determination to continue what you are doing.
Versatile (adjective)
Definition:
able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used for many different purposes.
Example:
He's a very versatile young actor who's as happy in horror films as he is in TV comedies.
Vicarious (adjective)
Definition:
experienced as a result of watching, listening to, or reading about the activities of other people, rather than by doing the activities yourself.
Example:
They get a vicarious thrill from watching motor racing.
Bane (noun)
Definition:
a cause of continuous trouble or unhappiness.
Example:
That cat is the bane of my life!
Words of the day (25/3/2013)
VOCABULARY
Condone (verb)
Definition:
to accept or allow behavior that is wrong.
Example:
If the government is seen to condone violence, the bloodshed will never stop.
Eclectic(adjective)
Definition:
Methods, beliefs, ideas, etc. that are eclectic combine whatever seem the best or most useful things from many different areas or systems, rather than following a single system.
Example:
An eclectic style/approach.
Voluble (adjective)
Definition:
a.speaking a lot, with confidence and enthusiasm.
Example:
Many see Parker as the obvious leader, whose voluble style works well on TV
Definition:
b.expressed in many words.
Example:
It's not often that one hears such voluble praise for this government.
Strut (verb)
Definition:
to walk in a proud way trying to look important.
Example:
The boys strutted around trying to get the attention of a group of girls who were nearby.
Rancor (noun)
Definition:
bitter anger or unfriendly feelings.
Example:
Can we settle this disagreement without rancor?
Condone (verb)
Definition:
to accept or allow behavior that is wrong.
Example:
If the government is seen to condone violence, the bloodshed will never stop.
Eclectic(adjective)
Definition:
Methods, beliefs, ideas, etc. that are eclectic combine whatever seem the best or most useful things from many different areas or systems, rather than following a single system.
Example:
An eclectic style/approach.
Voluble (adjective)
Definition:
a.speaking a lot, with confidence and enthusiasm.
Example:
Many see Parker as the obvious leader, whose voluble style works well on TV
Definition:
b.expressed in many words.
Example:
It's not often that one hears such voluble praise for this government.
Strut (verb)
Definition:
to walk in a proud way trying to look important.
Example:
The boys strutted around trying to get the attention of a group of girls who were nearby.
Rancor (noun)
Definition:
bitter anger or unfriendly feelings.
Example:
Can we settle this disagreement without rancor?
Weekly novel review (Torn by Amanda Hocking)
Novel info:
The second book in this page-turning trilogy from the phenomenal Amanda Hocking
Acknowledging that she was different from everyone else wasn’t difficult for Wendy Everly – she’d always felt like an outsider. But a new world and new family is a hard for any girl to accept easily.
Leaving behind the mysterious country of her birth, she is determined to fit back into normal life. But the world she’s left behind won’t let her go that easily. Kidnapped and imprisoned by her true family’s enemies, Wendy soon learns that the lines between good and evil aren’t as defined as she thought. And those things she’d taken for granted may have been lies all along. With the help of the dangerously attractive Loki, she escapes back to the safety of Förening – only to be confronted by a new threat.
It’s time to make a choice – can she put aside her personal feelings for the sake of her country? Torn between duty and love she must make a choice that could destroy her one chance at true happiness.
Novel Review:
Who I really liked in this book was Tove. He’s great, fun and intriguing, and has so many layers that he’s never once boring. I also liked Elora, although I still dislike her sometimes. Even though at first she was creepy to Wendy but now i understand why she was being like that. She taught Wendy a lot this time. Wendy started to understand her mother more than previous. Besides that, the characters were just so much more fleshed-out and developed, they really came to life on these pages.
I’m a bit disappointed by Finn though. I understand where he’s coming from, but there’s only so many times you can keep on making the same excuses and yet making the same mistakes all over again. I wanted him to give up his daft attitude before Wendy changed him for Loki, but it seems Finn has trouble getting the message. He should has married to Wendy. He shouldn't always hide his feelings and keep hurting Wendy heart. I bet Wendy must be hurt a lot because of him.
As far as Loki is concerned, I don't really like him at first. There’s a lot of chemistry between him and Wendy, and it really shows on the pages. Although it's kind of weird but he felt in love with Wendy.
The story, while obviously an in between-story for the real climax in book three i guess. It drew me in from the start. I actually liked it even more than Switched, and I already liked that one a lot. It’s a more mature story. I kind of like Mrs. Hocking's novels, where she has the 'wow' talent to attract a reader like me to read the series. I have no trouble understanding why over a million people bought this series, and where Ms. Hocking’s success comes from.
If you love young adult novels, or paranormal romance, don’t miss out on this series. There’s a reason why it’s so successful – these books are great. I highly recommend them to all fans of this genre.
Words of the day (23/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Rectitude (noun)
Definition:
honesty and correct moral behavior.
Example:
An austere man of unquestioned moral rectitude, Nava inspired deep devotion in those who worked for him.
Reprimand (verb)
Definition:
to express to someone your strong official disapproval of them.
Example:
She was reprimanded by her teacher for biting another girl.
Rudimentary (adjective)
Definition:
a.basic.
Example:
Her knowledge is still only rudimentary.
Definition:
b.Rudimentary methods, equipment, systems, or body parts are simple and not very well developed.
Example:
Some unusual fish have rudimentary legs.
Sarcasm (noun)
Definition:
the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say, made in order to hurt someone's feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way.
Example:
"You have been working hard," he said with heavy sarcasm, as he looked at the empty page.
Stipulated (verb)
Definition:
to say exactly how something must be or must be done.
Example:
She agreed to buy the car, but stipulated racing tyres and a turbo-powered engine.
Rectitude (noun)
Definition:
honesty and correct moral behavior.
Example:
An austere man of unquestioned moral rectitude, Nava inspired deep devotion in those who worked for him.
Reprimand (verb)
Definition:
to express to someone your strong official disapproval of them.
Example:
She was reprimanded by her teacher for biting another girl.
Rudimentary (adjective)
Definition:
a.basic.
Example:
Her knowledge is still only rudimentary.
Definition:
b.Rudimentary methods, equipment, systems, or body parts are simple and not very well developed.
Example:
Some unusual fish have rudimentary legs.
Sarcasm (noun)
Definition:
the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say, made in order to hurt someone's feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way.
Example:
"You have been working hard," he said with heavy sarcasm, as he looked at the empty page.
Stipulated (verb)
Definition:
to say exactly how something must be or must be done.
Example:
She agreed to buy the car, but stipulated racing tyres and a turbo-powered engine.
Words of the day (22/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Opulence (adjective)
Definition:
expensive and luxurious.
Example:
An opulent lifestyle.
Pathos (noun)
Definition:
the power of a situation, piece of writing, work of art or person to cause feelings of sadness, especially because of sympathy.
Example:
There's a pathos in his performance which he never lets slide into sentimentality.
Plaudits (noun)
Definition:
praise.
Example:
The quality of his photography earned/won him plaudits from the experts.
Prospectus (noun)
Definition:
a document giving details of a college, school, or business and its activities.
Example:
You will find details of all our courses in the prospectus.
Raze (verb)
Definition:
to completely destroy a city, building, etc.
Example:
The town was razed to the ground in the bombing raid - not a building was left standing.
Opulence (adjective)
Definition:
expensive and luxurious.
Example:
An opulent lifestyle.
Pathos (noun)
Definition:
the power of a situation, piece of writing, work of art or person to cause feelings of sadness, especially because of sympathy.
Example:
There's a pathos in his performance which he never lets slide into sentimentality.
Plaudits (noun)
Definition:
praise.
Example:
The quality of his photography earned/won him plaudits from the experts.
Prospectus (noun)
Definition:
a document giving details of a college, school, or business and its activities.
Example:
You will find details of all our courses in the prospectus.
Raze (verb)
Definition:
to completely destroy a city, building, etc.
Example:
The town was razed to the ground in the bombing raid - not a building was left standing.
Words of the day (21/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Mandate (verb)
Definition:
to give official permission for something to happen.
Example:
The UN rush to mandate war totally ruled out any alternatives.
Manifesto (noun)
Definition:
a written statement of the beliefs, aims, and policies of an organization, especially a political party.
Example:
In their election manifesto, the Liberal Democrats proposed increasing taxes to pay for improvements in education.
Modicum (noun)
Definition:
a small amount of something good such as truth or honesty.
Example:
There's not even a modicum of truth in her statement.
Notoriety (noun)
Definition:
the state of being famous for something bad.
Example:
He achieved/gained notoriety for being difficult to work with as an actor.
Obsequious (adjective)
Definition:
too eager to praise or obey someone.
Example:
She is almost embarrassingly obsequious to anyone in authority
Mandate (verb)
Definition:
to give official permission for something to happen.
Example:
The UN rush to mandate war totally ruled out any alternatives.
Manifesto (noun)
Definition:
a written statement of the beliefs, aims, and policies of an organization, especially a political party.
Example:
In their election manifesto, the Liberal Democrats proposed increasing taxes to pay for improvements in education.
Modicum (noun)
Definition:
a small amount of something good such as truth or honesty.
Example:
There's not even a modicum of truth in her statement.
Notoriety (noun)
Definition:
the state of being famous for something bad.
Example:
He achieved/gained notoriety for being difficult to work with as an actor.
Obsequious (adjective)
Definition:
too eager to praise or obey someone.
Example:
She is almost embarrassingly obsequious to anyone in authority
Words of the day (20/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Intuition (noun)
Definition:
(knowledge from) an ability to understand or know something immediately based on your feelings rather than facts.
Example:
Often there's no clear evidence one way or the other and you just have to base your judgment on intuition.
Invoke (verb)
Definition:
a. to use a law in order to achieve something, or to mention something in order to explain something or to support your opinion or action.
Example:
a. Police can invoke the law to regulate access to these places.
Definition:
b.to request help from someone, especially a god, when you want to improve a situation:
Example:
b.Their sacred dance is performed to invoke ancient gods.
Definition:
c.to make someone have a particular feeling or remember something.
Irony (noun)
Definition:
a situation in which something which was intended to have a particular result has the opposite or a very different result.
Example:
The irony is that the new tax system will burden those it was intended to help.
Lackadaisical (adjective)
Definition:
showing little enthusiasm and effort.
Example:
The food was nice enough but the service was somewhat lackadaisical.
Lamentable (adjective)
Definition:
deserving severe criticism; very bad.
Example:
The lamentable state of the economy.
Intuition (noun)
Definition:
(knowledge from) an ability to understand or know something immediately based on your feelings rather than facts.
Example:
Often there's no clear evidence one way or the other and you just have to base your judgment on intuition.
Invoke (verb)
Definition:
a. to use a law in order to achieve something, or to mention something in order to explain something or to support your opinion or action.
Example:
a. Police can invoke the law to regulate access to these places.
Definition:
b.to request help from someone, especially a god, when you want to improve a situation:
Example:
b.Their sacred dance is performed to invoke ancient gods.
Definition:
c.to make someone have a particular feeling or remember something.
Irony (noun)
Definition:
a situation in which something which was intended to have a particular result has the opposite or a very different result.
Example:
The irony is that the new tax system will burden those it was intended to help.
Lackadaisical (adjective)
Definition:
showing little enthusiasm and effort.
Example:
The food was nice enough but the service was somewhat lackadaisical.
Lamentable (adjective)
Definition:
deserving severe criticism; very bad.
Example:
The lamentable state of the economy.
Words of the day (16/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Cognition (noun)
Definition:
the use of conscious mental processes.
Example:
A book on human learning, memory, and cognition.
Discernment (noun)
Definition:
the ability to judge people and things well.
Example:
It's clear that you are a person of discernment.
Disingenuous (adjective)
Definition:
(of a person or their behavior) slightly dishonest; not speaking the complete truth.
Example:
It was disingenuous of her to claim she had no financial interest in the case.
Distend (verb)
Definition:
(usually of the stomach or other part of the body) to swell and become large (as if) by pressure from inside.
Example:
In the refugee centres we saw many children whose stomachs were distended because of lack of food.
Egotists (noun)
Definition:
a person who considers himself or herself to be better or more important than other people.
Example:
Politicians are notorious egotists.
Words of the day (19/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Hilarity (noun)
Definition:
a situation in which people laugh very loudly and think something is very funny.
Example:
What was all the hilarity about?
Husbandry (noun)
Definition:
a. farming.
Example:
a. He gave a lecture on crop and animal husbandry.
Definition:
b. careful use - the careful use of money, food, supplies, etc.
Ignominy (noun)
Definition:
public embarrassment.
Example:
The incumbent party experienced the ignominy of total defeat in the last election.
Ineptitude (noun)
Definition:
the quality of being unable to do something well.
Insipid (adjective)
Definition:
not having a strong taste or character, or having no interest or energy.
Example:
Why anyone buys music with such insipid lyrics is a mystery.
Hilarity (noun)
Definition:
a situation in which people laugh very loudly and think something is very funny.
Example:
What was all the hilarity about?
Husbandry (noun)
Definition:
a. farming.
Example:
a. He gave a lecture on crop and animal husbandry.
Definition:
b. careful use - the careful use of money, food, supplies, etc.
Ignominy (noun)
Definition:
public embarrassment.
Example:
The incumbent party experienced the ignominy of total defeat in the last election.
Ineptitude (noun)
Definition:
the quality of being unable to do something well.
Insipid (adjective)
Definition:
not having a strong taste or character, or having no interest or energy.
Example:
Why anyone buys music with such insipid lyrics is a mystery.
Words of the day (18/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Extirpate (verb)
Definition:
to remove or destroy something completely.
Fawning (adjective)
Definition:
praising someone too much and giving them a lot of attention that is not sincere in order to get a positive reaction.
Example:
A fawning young man.
Finesse(noun)
Definition:
great skill or style.
Example:
It was a disappointing performance which lacked finesse.
Fitful (adjective)
Definition:
often stopping and starting and not happening in a regular or continuous way.
Example:
Fitful breathing.
Gestures (verb)
Definition:
to use a gesture to express or emphasize something.
Example:
He made no answer but walked on, gesturing for me to follow.
Extirpate (verb)
Definition:
to remove or destroy something completely.
Fawning (adjective)
Definition:
praising someone too much and giving them a lot of attention that is not sincere in order to get a positive reaction.
Example:
A fawning young man.
Finesse(noun)
Definition:
great skill or style.
Example:
It was a disappointing performance which lacked finesse.
Fitful (adjective)
Definition:
often stopping and starting and not happening in a regular or continuous way.
Example:
Fitful breathing.
Gestures (verb)
Definition:
to use a gesture to express or emphasize something.
Example:
He made no answer but walked on, gesturing for me to follow.
Words of the day (17/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Emancipate (verb)
Definition:
to give people social or political freedom and rights.
Enigmas (noun)
Definition:
something that is mysterious and seems impossible to understand completely.
Example:
The newspapers were full of stories about the enigma of the plane's disappearance.
Erudite (adjective)
Definition:
having or containing a lot of knowledge that is known by very few people.
Example:
He's the author of an erudite book on Scottish history.
Exemplar (noun)
Definition:
a typical or good example of something.
Example:
It is an exemplar of a house of the period.
Exonerate (verb)
Definition:
to show or state that someone or something is not guilty of something.
Example:
The report exonerated the crew from all responsibility for the collision.
Words of the day (15/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
Adroit (verb)
Definition:
very skillful and quick in the way you think or move
Example:
She became adroit at dealing with difficult questions.
Altruism (noun)
Definition:
willingness to do things that bring advantages to others, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself.
Example:
She's not known for her altruism.
Arbitration (noun)
Definition:
the process of solving an argument between people by helping them to agree to an acceptable solution.
Example:
Both sides in the dispute have agreed to go to arbitration.
Archaic (adjective)
Definition:
of or belonging to an ancient period in history.
Example:
An archaic system of government.
Aural (adjective)
Definition:
relating to hearing.
Example:
Aural teaching aids, such as CDs.
Adroit (verb)
Definition:
very skillful and quick in the way you think or move
Example:
She became adroit at dealing with difficult questions.
Altruism (noun)
Definition:
willingness to do things that bring advantages to others, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself.
Example:
She's not known for her altruism.
Arbitration (noun)
Definition:
the process of solving an argument between people by helping them to agree to an acceptable solution.
Example:
Both sides in the dispute have agreed to go to arbitration.
Archaic (adjective)
Definition:
of or belonging to an ancient period in history.
Example:
An archaic system of government.
Aural (adjective)
Definition:
relating to hearing.
Example:
Aural teaching aids, such as CDs.
Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Words of the day (14/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
ALIENATION (noun)
Definition:
a.(SEPARATION) the feeling that you have no connection with the people around you.
Example:
a. Depressed people frequently feel a sense of alienation from those around them.
Definition:
b. (LOSS OF SUPPORT) the act of making someone stop supporting and agreeing with you.
Example:
b. This short-sighted alienation of their own supporters may lose them the election.
BARRICADE (noun)
Definition:
a line or pile of objects put together, often quickly, to stop people from going where they want to go.
Example:
Inmates erected a barricade between themselves and the prison guards.
ENRAGE (verb)
Definition:
to cause someone to become very angry.
Example:
He was enraged at the article about him.
HOSTILITY (noun)
Definition:
a. (UNFRIENDLINESS) an occasion when someone is unfriendly or shows that they do not agree with or like something.
Example:
a. They showed open hostility to their new neighbors.
Definition:
b. (FIGHTING) fighting in a war.
Example:
b. Hostilities were suspended (= fighting stopped temporarily) during the talks.
CONTRIVE (verb)
Definition:
a. to arrange a situation or event, or arrange for something to happen, using clever planning.
Example:
a. Couldn't you contrive a meeting between them? I think they'd be ideally suited.
Definition:
b. to invent and/or make a device or other object in a clever and possibly unusual way:
Example:
b. Do you think you could contrive something for hanging my clothes on until I can get a wardrobe?
Words of the day (13/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
INTERNECINE (adjective)
Definition:
Internecine war or fighting happens between members of the same group, religion, or country.
Example:
internecine war between Syria and Iran.
INTERMITTENT (adjective)
Definition:
not happening regularly or continuously; stopping and starting repeatedly or with periods in between.
Example:
-Intermittent rain
-Although she made intermittent movie appearances, she was essentially a stage actress.
MALEVOLENT (adjective)
Definition:
causing or wanting to cause harm or evil.
Example:
The central character is a malevolent witch out for revenge.
AMITY (noun)
Definition:
a good relationship.
Example:
The two groups had lived in perfect amity for many years before the recent troubles.
EXACERBATE (verb)
Definition:
to make something that is already bad even worse.
Definition:
This attack will exacerbate the already tense relations between the two communities.
INTERNECINE (adjective)
Definition:
Internecine war or fighting happens between members of the same group, religion, or country.
Example:
internecine war between Syria and Iran.
INTERMITTENT (adjective)
Definition:
not happening regularly or continuously; stopping and starting repeatedly or with periods in between.
Example:
-Intermittent rain
-Although she made intermittent movie appearances, she was essentially a stage actress.
MALEVOLENT (adjective)
Definition:
causing or wanting to cause harm or evil.
Example:
The central character is a malevolent witch out for revenge.
AMITY (noun)
Definition:
a good relationship.
Example:
The two groups had lived in perfect amity for many years before the recent troubles.
EXACERBATE (verb)
Definition:
to make something that is already bad even worse.
Definition:
This attack will exacerbate the already tense relations between the two communities.
Saturday, 14 March 2015
Words of the day (12/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
PERTINENT (adjective)
Definition:
relating directly to the subject being considered.
Example:
Chapter One is pertinent to the post-war period.
UNWARRANTED (adjective)
Definition:
not having a good reason and therefore annoying or unfair:
Example:
People need to be protected against such unwarranted intrusions into their private lives by journalists.
INNOCUOUS (adjective)
Definition:
not having a good reason and therefore annoying or unfair.
Example:
People need to be protected against such unwarranted intrusions into their private lives by journalists.
VORACIOUS (adjective)
Definition:
very eager for something, especially a lot of food.
Example:
He has a voracious appetite.
He's a voracious reader of historical novels.
EVANESCENT (adjective)
Definition:
lasting for only a short time, then disappearing quickly and being forgotten.
PERTINENT (adjective)
Definition:
relating directly to the subject being considered.
Example:
Chapter One is pertinent to the post-war period.
UNWARRANTED (adjective)
Definition:
not having a good reason and therefore annoying or unfair:
Example:
People need to be protected against such unwarranted intrusions into their private lives by journalists.
INNOCUOUS (adjective)
Definition:
not having a good reason and therefore annoying or unfair.
Example:
People need to be protected against such unwarranted intrusions into their private lives by journalists.
VORACIOUS (adjective)
Definition:
very eager for something, especially a lot of food.
Example:
He has a voracious appetite.
He's a voracious reader of historical novels.
EVANESCENT (adjective)
Definition:
lasting for only a short time, then disappearing quickly and being forgotten.
Words of the day (11/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
CONSUMMATE (adjective)
Definition:
perfect, or complete in every way:
Example:
A life of consummate happiness.
WANE (verb)
Definition:
a.to become weaker in strength or influence.
Example:
By the late 70s the band's popularity was beginning to wane.
Definition:
b.The moon wanes when it gradually appears less and less round, after the full moon .
STELLAR (adjective)
Definition:
a. of a star or stars:
Example:
A stellar explosion.
Definition:
b.Stellar people or activities are of an extremely high standard:
Example:
Stellar performance.
POLEMIC (noun)
Definition:
a piece of writing or a speech in which a person strongly attacks or defends a particular opinion, person, idea, or set of beliefs.
Example:
She has published a fierce anti-war polemic.
PROVOCATIVE (adjective)
Definition:
a. (CAUSING THOUGHT) causing thought about interesting subjects.
Example:
The program will take a detailed and provocative look at the problem of homelessness.
Definition:
b. (MAKE ANGRY) causing an angry reaction, usually intentionally.
Example:
In a deliberately provocative speech, she criticized the whole system of government.
Definition:
c. (SEXUAL) If behavior or clothing is provocative, it is intended to cause sexual desire.
Example:
She slowly leaned forward in a provocative way.
CONSUMMATE (adjective)
Definition:
perfect, or complete in every way:
Example:
A life of consummate happiness.
WANE (verb)
Definition:
a.to become weaker in strength or influence.
Example:
By the late 70s the band's popularity was beginning to wane.
Definition:
b.The moon wanes when it gradually appears less and less round, after the full moon .
STELLAR (adjective)
Definition:
a. of a star or stars:
Example:
A stellar explosion.
Definition:
b.Stellar people or activities are of an extremely high standard:
Example:
Stellar performance.
POLEMIC (noun)
Definition:
a piece of writing or a speech in which a person strongly attacks or defends a particular opinion, person, idea, or set of beliefs.
Example:
She has published a fierce anti-war polemic.
PROVOCATIVE (adjective)
Definition:
a. (CAUSING THOUGHT) causing thought about interesting subjects.
Example:
The program will take a detailed and provocative look at the problem of homelessness.
Definition:
b. (MAKE ANGRY) causing an angry reaction, usually intentionally.
Example:
In a deliberately provocative speech, she criticized the whole system of government.
Definition:
c. (SEXUAL) If behavior or clothing is provocative, it is intended to cause sexual desire.
Example:
She slowly leaned forward in a provocative way.
Thursday, 12 March 2015
Novel of the week (Switched by Amanda Hocking)
Novel Info:
“Switched” is the story of Wendy Everly, who discovers at 17 that she is actually a troll (or a “Trylle,” per Hocking’s nomenclature), thus proving correct her mother’s longtime assertion that she is a changeling. Exchanged with a human baby as an infant, attacked and nearly killed by a mother who recognizes her for what she is, Wendy is raised by a foster family until she is recalled by Finn, a kind of ambassador of the troll community, known as a “tracker.”
What if your entire world was built on a lie? Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in… She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why…
When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Förening, the home of the Trylle. Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring – not only to separate them, but to see the downfall everything that Wendy cares about. The fate of Förening rests in Wendy’s hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever…
Novel review:
Based on the novel above, the main character, Wendy did not know what was going on until recently, she still took advantage of her brother Matt and her aunt Maggie. She stated it herself. They did nothing but give for her so that she could live a normal, happy life. She did nothing but be a stubborn, selfish brat.
Kim and her family were the true victims, simple because they were a wealthy family and that was exactly what Elora had wanted. If I was Wendy and had found out the reasons for the changeling, especially what happened in her case, I would have switched sides. There is no way I would have stood up for people who did that.
The interesting part is the conflict relationship between Finn amd Wendy and Finn. Even though Wendy has the feelings towards Finn, but Finn didn't show up his feelings. But Wendy he has all these gooey feelings for him. Besides that, he even told her to her face that he didn't want her to feel that way which is why he insulted her at the dance. He was just doing his job. During the climax if the story, Finn finally showed up his feelings towards Wendy. This is proven when he admitted to Wendy that he was feeling jealous when she held Rhys' hand and always being closed to him.
Finn is quite a obedient person to the queen which is Wendy's mother, Elora. Even though he likes Wendy, but he didn't tell Wendy because he respects Elora. When the queen ordered Finn to leave Wendy, he didn't argue with her instead did what as she said. He did that because he loves Wendy and he had to leave her due to some reasons which was against the Tyrelle's laws. Even though he left Wendy, but at the end of the story, Finn saved Wendy from the Vittra that trying to kidnap her. He explained to Wendy that, he didn't leave her, but he was watching her.
Willa and Tove helped Wendy a lot too. Even though she didn't like them at first but she managed to get along with her soon. Tony also taught Wendy how to control her power which Willa i a understanding person who always supports her. Even though they understood her feelings, but they couldn't do anything because of her Mother who is a Queen.
Overall, i think this novel is well written. The plot is understandable but less action. I hope the next suquel of this novel will be even more interesting. That's all for now, enjoy reading this novel :)
Monday, 9 March 2015
Words of the day (10/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
REALM (noun)
Definition:
a. an area of interesting activity.
Example:
Her interests are in the realm of practical politics.
Definition:
b.formal a country ruled by a king or queen.
Example:
The matter was hotly debated in all the towns of the realm.
DECISIVE (adjective)
Definition:
able to make decisions quickly and confidently, or showing this quality.
Example:
You need to be more decisive.
PONDEROUS (adjective)
Definition:
a.slow and awkward because of being very heavy or large.
Example:
He had a rather slow and ponderous manner.
Definition:
b.If a book, speech, or style of writing or speaking is ponderous, it is boring because it is too slow, long, or serious.
Example:
The ponderous reporting style makes the evening news dull viewing.
HIATUS (noun)
Definition:
a short pause in which nothing happens or is said, or a space where something is missing.
Example:
The company expects to resume production of the vehicle again after a two-month hiatus.
INGENIOUS (adjective)
Definition:
(of a person) very intelligent and skilful, or (of a thing) skilfully made or planned and involving new ideas and methods.
Example:
Johnny is so ingenious - he can make the most remarkable sculptures from the most ordinary materials.
REALM (noun)
Definition:
a. an area of interesting activity.
Example:
Her interests are in the realm of practical politics.
Definition:
b.formal a country ruled by a king or queen.
Example:
The matter was hotly debated in all the towns of the realm.
DECISIVE (adjective)
Definition:
able to make decisions quickly and confidently, or showing this quality.
Example:
You need to be more decisive.
PONDEROUS (adjective)
Definition:
a.slow and awkward because of being very heavy or large.
Example:
He had a rather slow and ponderous manner.
Definition:
b.If a book, speech, or style of writing or speaking is ponderous, it is boring because it is too slow, long, or serious.
Example:
The ponderous reporting style makes the evening news dull viewing.
HIATUS (noun)
Definition:
a short pause in which nothing happens or is said, or a space where something is missing.
Example:
The company expects to resume production of the vehicle again after a two-month hiatus.
INGENIOUS (adjective)
Definition:
(of a person) very intelligent and skilful, or (of a thing) skilfully made or planned and involving new ideas and methods.
Example:
Johnny is so ingenious - he can make the most remarkable sculptures from the most ordinary materials.
Words of the day (9/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
PREROGATIVE (noun)
Definition:
something that certain people are able or allowed to do or have, but is not possible or allowed for everyone.
Example:
Alex makes all the big decisions - that's his prerogative as company director.
- the Royal Prerogative (= the special rights of the ruling king or queen)
VACILLATE (verb)
Definition:
to be uncertain what to do, or to change often between two opinions.
Example:
Her mood vacillated between hope and despair.
CIRCUITOUS (adjective)
Definition:
not straight or direct.
Example:
a circuitous route/path.
a circuitous (= long and indirect) explanation.
MEDIOCRE (adjective)
Definition:
not very good.
Example:
The film's plot is predictable and the acting is mediocre.
Parents don't want their children going to mediocre schools.
IMPECCABLE (adjective)
Definition:
perfect, with no problems or bad parts.
Example:
His English is impeccable.
Words of the day (8/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
PEDANTIC (adjective)
Definition:
giving too much attention to formal rules or small details.
Example:
They were being unnecessarily pedantic by insisting that Berry himself, and not his wife, should have made the announcement.
PRUDENT (adjective)
Definition:
careful and avoiding risks.
Example:
It's always prudent to read a contract properly before signing it.
DECIMATE (verb)
Definition:
to kill a large number of something, or to reduce something severely.
Example:
Populations of endangered animals have been decimated.
ENSHROUD (verb)
Definition:
(KEEP SECRET) to make something difficult to know or understand.
Example:
The whole affair was enshrouded in secrecy.
DOMICILE (noun)
Definition:
the place where a person lives.
Example:
He currently staying below the bridge as his domicile.
PEDANTIC (adjective)
Definition:
giving too much attention to formal rules or small details.
Example:
They were being unnecessarily pedantic by insisting that Berry himself, and not his wife, should have made the announcement.
PRUDENT (adjective)
Definition:
careful and avoiding risks.
Example:
It's always prudent to read a contract properly before signing it.
DECIMATE (verb)
Definition:
to kill a large number of something, or to reduce something severely.
Example:
Populations of endangered animals have been decimated.
ENSHROUD (verb)
Definition:
(KEEP SECRET) to make something difficult to know or understand.
Example:
The whole affair was enshrouded in secrecy.
DOMICILE (noun)
Definition:
the place where a person lives.
Example:
He currently staying below the bridge as his domicile.
Words of the day (7/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
ANARCHY (noun)
Definition:
a situation in which there is no organization and control, especially in society, because there is no effective government.
Example:
-The country has been in a state of anarchy since the inconclusive election.
-If the pay deal isn't settled amicably there'll be anarchy in the factories.
REITERATE (verb)
Definition:
to say something again, once or several times.
Example:
The government has reiterated its refusal to compromise with terrorists.
AGGRESSION (noun)
Definition;
a. spoken or physical behavior that is threatening or involves harm to someone or something:
Example:
- Some types of dog are bred for aggression.
Definition:
b. forceful playing in sport that is intended to win points.
PIQUE (noun)
Definition:
a feeling of anger, especially caused by damage to your feeling of being proud of yourself.
Example:
He stormed from the room in a fit of pique, shouting that he had been misunderstood.
CONTRITE (adjective)
Definition:
feeling very sorry and guilty for something bad that you have done.
Example:
A contrite apology/expression.
ANARCHY (noun)
Definition:
a situation in which there is no organization and control, especially in society, because there is no effective government.
Example:
-The country has been in a state of anarchy since the inconclusive election.
-If the pay deal isn't settled amicably there'll be anarchy in the factories.
REITERATE (verb)
Definition:
to say something again, once or several times.
Example:
The government has reiterated its refusal to compromise with terrorists.
AGGRESSION (noun)
Definition;
a. spoken or physical behavior that is threatening or involves harm to someone or something:
Example:
- Some types of dog are bred for aggression.
Definition:
b. forceful playing in sport that is intended to win points.
PIQUE (noun)
Definition:
a feeling of anger, especially caused by damage to your feeling of being proud of yourself.
Example:
He stormed from the room in a fit of pique, shouting that he had been misunderstood.
CONTRITE (adjective)
Definition:
feeling very sorry and guilty for something bad that you have done.
Example:
A contrite apology/expression.
Words of the day (6/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
DISARRAY (noun)
Definition:
the state of being confused and having no organization or of being untidy.
Example:
- The news had thrown his plans into disarray.
- Her clothes were in disarray.
PLEASANTRY (noun)
Definition:
a polite and often slightly humorous remark, usually made to help other people feel relaxed.
Example:
After exchanging pleasantries, the delegation revealed the purpose of their visit.
TRANQUILITY (noun)
Definition:
a peaceful, calm state, without noise, violence, worry, etc.
Example:
I love the tranquility of the countryside.
INVECTIVE (noun)
Definition:
criticism that is very forceful, unkind, and often rude:
Example:
A stream of invective from some sectors of the press continues to assail the government.
APHORISM (noun)
Definition:
a short clever saying that is intended to express a general truth.
Example:
Oscar Wilde was famous for such aphorisms as "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes".
DISARRAY (noun)
Definition:
the state of being confused and having no organization or of being untidy.
Example:
- The news had thrown his plans into disarray.
- Her clothes were in disarray.
PLEASANTRY (noun)
Definition:
a polite and often slightly humorous remark, usually made to help other people feel relaxed.
Example:
After exchanging pleasantries, the delegation revealed the purpose of their visit.
TRANQUILITY (noun)
Definition:
a peaceful, calm state, without noise, violence, worry, etc.
Example:
I love the tranquility of the countryside.
INVECTIVE (noun)
Definition:
criticism that is very forceful, unkind, and often rude:
Example:
A stream of invective from some sectors of the press continues to assail the government.
APHORISM (noun)
Definition:
a short clever saying that is intended to express a general truth.
Example:
Oscar Wilde was famous for such aphorisms as "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes".
Words of the day (5/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
LIONIZE (verb)
Definition:
to make someone famous, or to treat someone as if they were famous.
Example:
Sam was lionized by everyone in that school because he excelled in every exams.
DECRY (verb)
Definition:
to criticize something as bad, without value, or unnecessary.
Example:
Lawyers decried the imprisonment of several journalists.
ABHOR (verb)
Definition:
to hate a way of behaving or thinking, often because you think it is not moral.
Example:
I abhor all forms of racism.
MAYHEM (verb)
Definition:
a situation in which there is little or no order or control.
Example:
With 20 kids running around and only two adults to supervise, it was complete mayhem.
BANTER (verb)
Definition:
to talk to someone in a friendly and humorous way.
Example:
He stood around bantering with his colleagues.
LIONIZE (verb)
Definition:
to make someone famous, or to treat someone as if they were famous.
Example:
Sam was lionized by everyone in that school because he excelled in every exams.
DECRY (verb)
Definition:
to criticize something as bad, without value, or unnecessary.
Example:
Lawyers decried the imprisonment of several journalists.
ABHOR (verb)
Definition:
to hate a way of behaving or thinking, often because you think it is not moral.
Example:
I abhor all forms of racism.
MAYHEM (verb)
Definition:
a situation in which there is little or no order or control.
Example:
With 20 kids running around and only two adults to supervise, it was complete mayhem.
BANTER (verb)
Definition:
to talk to someone in a friendly and humorous way.
Example:
He stood around bantering with his colleagues.
Sunday, 8 March 2015
Words of the day (4/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
ACUTE (adjective)
Definition:
a.(EXTREME) If a bad situation is acute, it causes severe problems or damage:
Example:
-She felt acute concern at his behavior.
-The problem of poverty is particularly acute in rural areas.
b. An acute pain or illness is one that quickly becomes very severe.
Example:
-An acute attack of appendicitis
c.(ACCURATE/CLEVER) used to describe intelligence, senses, etc. that are very good, accurate, and able to notice very small differences.
Example:
- An acute sense of smell
- A woman of acute intelligence/judgment
BLATANT (adjective)
Definition:
very obvious and intentional, when this is a bad thing:
Example:
The whole episode was a blatant attempt to gain publicity.
INSIDIOUS (adjective)
Definition:
(of something unpleasant or dangerous) gradually and secretly causing harm.
Example:
High blood pressure is an insidious condition which has few symptoms.
INEXORABLE (adjective)
Definition:
continuing without any possibility of being stopped.
Example:
The scientist is making an inexorable progress of science.
MERIT (noun)
Definition:
a. the quality of being good and deserving praise.
Example:
An entertaining film with little artistic merit
Definition:
b. the advantages something has compared to something else:
Example:
We discussed the merits of herbal tea.
on your (own) merits
Definition:
c. according to the qualities you have or have shown, without considering any other information or comparing you to someone else:
Example:
The committee will consider/judge each applicant on his or her own merits.
ACUTE (adjective)
Definition:
a.(EXTREME) If a bad situation is acute, it causes severe problems or damage:
Example:
-She felt acute concern at his behavior.
-The problem of poverty is particularly acute in rural areas.
b. An acute pain or illness is one that quickly becomes very severe.
Example:
-An acute attack of appendicitis
c.(ACCURATE/CLEVER) used to describe intelligence, senses, etc. that are very good, accurate, and able to notice very small differences.
Example:
- An acute sense of smell
- A woman of acute intelligence/judgment
BLATANT (adjective)
Definition:
very obvious and intentional, when this is a bad thing:
Example:
The whole episode was a blatant attempt to gain publicity.
INSIDIOUS (adjective)
Definition:
(of something unpleasant or dangerous) gradually and secretly causing harm.
Example:
High blood pressure is an insidious condition which has few symptoms.
INEXORABLE (adjective)
Definition:
continuing without any possibility of being stopped.
Example:
The scientist is making an inexorable progress of science.
MERIT (noun)
Definition:
a. the quality of being good and deserving praise.
Example:
An entertaining film with little artistic merit
Definition:
b. the advantages something has compared to something else:
Example:
We discussed the merits of herbal tea.
on your (own) merits
Definition:
c. according to the qualities you have or have shown, without considering any other information or comparing you to someone else:
Example:
The committee will consider/judge each applicant on his or her own merits.
Words of the day (3/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
TRUCULENT (verb)
Definition:
unpleasant and likely to argue a lot.
Example:
I found him truculent and most unpleasant.
PERFIDIOUS (adjective)
Definition:
unable to be trusted, or showing no loyalty.
Example:
She described the new criminal bill as a perfidious attack on democracy.
SERENDIPITY (adjective)
Definition:
the fact of finding interesting or valuable things by chance.
Example:
Reading should be an adventure, a personal experience full of serendipitous surprises.
PRAGMATIC (adjective)
Definition:
solving problems in a sensible way that suits the conditions that really exist now, rather than obeying fixed theories, ideas, or rules:
Example:
In business, the pragmatic approach to problems is often more successful than an idealistic one.
DISCERNMENT (noun)
Definition:
the ability to judge people and things well.
Example:
It's clear that you are a person of discernment.
Words of the day (2/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
MITIGATE (verb)
Definition:
to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad.
Example:
It is unclear how to mitigate the effects of tourism on the island.
AMELIORATE (verb)
Definition:
to make a bad or unpleasant situation better:
Example:
Foreign aid is badly needed to ameliorate the effects of the drought.
DEPRECATE (verb)
Definition:
a.(NOT APPROVE) [T not continuous] to not approve of something or say that you do not approve of something.
Example:
We deprecate this use of company funds for political purposes.
Definition:
b. (NOT VALUE) [T] to say that you think something is of little value or importance:
Example:
He always deprecates my achievements.
ENDEAVOUR (verb)
Definition:
to try to do something.
Example:
Engineers are endeavouring to locate the source of the problem.
INTENSIFY (verb)
Definition:
to become greater, more serious, or more extreme, or to make something do this:
Example:
Fighting around the capital has intensified in the last few hours.
MITIGATE (verb)
Definition:
to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad.
Example:
It is unclear how to mitigate the effects of tourism on the island.
AMELIORATE (verb)
Definition:
to make a bad or unpleasant situation better:
Example:
Foreign aid is badly needed to ameliorate the effects of the drought.
DEPRECATE (verb)
Definition:
a.(NOT APPROVE) [T not continuous] to not approve of something or say that you do not approve of something.
Example:
We deprecate this use of company funds for political purposes.
Definition:
b. (NOT VALUE) [T] to say that you think something is of little value or importance:
Example:
He always deprecates my achievements.
ENDEAVOUR (verb)
Definition:
to try to do something.
Example:
Engineers are endeavouring to locate the source of the problem.
INTENSIFY (verb)
Definition:
to become greater, more serious, or more extreme, or to make something do this:
Example:
Fighting around the capital has intensified in the last few hours.
Words of the day (1/3/2015)
VOCABULARY
ARCANE (adjective)
Definition:
mysterious and known only by a few people:
Example:
He was the only person who understood all the arcane details of the agreement.
CONSOLE (verb)
Definition:
to make someone who is sad or disappointed feel better by giving them comfort or sympathy:
Example:
He tried to console her, but she kept saying it was all her own fault.
MAR (verb)
Definition:
to spoil something, making it less good or less enjoyable:
Example:
I hope the fact that Louise isn't coming won't mar your enjoyment of the evening.
MIFFED (verb)
Definition:
annoyed at someone's behavior towards you.
Example:
She hadn't called for a week and I was getting miffed.
ALLAY (verb)
Definition:
If you allay a strong emotion felt by someone, such as fear or worry, you cause them to feel it less or to feel calm again:
Example:
The government is trying to allay public fears about the spread of the disease.
ARCANE (adjective)
Definition:
mysterious and known only by a few people:
Example:
He was the only person who understood all the arcane details of the agreement.
CONSOLE (verb)
Definition:
to make someone who is sad or disappointed feel better by giving them comfort or sympathy:
Example:
He tried to console her, but she kept saying it was all her own fault.
MAR (verb)
Definition:
to spoil something, making it less good or less enjoyable:
Example:
I hope the fact that Louise isn't coming won't mar your enjoyment of the evening.
MIFFED (verb)
Definition:
annoyed at someone's behavior towards you.
Example:
She hadn't called for a week and I was getting miffed.
ALLAY (verb)
Definition:
If you allay a strong emotion felt by someone, such as fear or worry, you cause them to feel it less or to feel calm again:
Example:
The government is trying to allay public fears about the spread of the disease.
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