Word of the Day: March 15

Quixotic: foolishly impractical pursuits, especially regarding romantic ventures or chivalrous actions

Today I am in love with love. I am celebrating my third anniversary with my other half. His name is Bill, and I love him dearly.

Perhaps I am alone in this, but I am always in awe of how love can beat the odds. I grew up in a divorced family and have seen heartbreaks triumph over happiness enough times to cause an irreversible callous on my heart. Thankfully, that has not happened yet and I hope it never does. I am thankful every day for my relationship and a person who wants to work as a team with me, but I still can't shake my belief that love, in and of itself, seems very irrational. Yet whether I believe it is rational or not, the love perseveres. It is in those feelings that this word builds its home, where it stands strong against the nay-sayers and rough winds that come to destroy its progress. I chose this word today because it laughs in the face of statistics and declares that "Love is enough."

Here is an example of how to use this starry-eyed word:

She was a princess and he was a pauper, but as he promised her the future and the world, quixotic vows etched a bond deeper than the ink on any marriage contract. 

I encourage you to get to know this word better, to let your hair down and enjoy each other's company. Take it on a spontaneous trip around the world or perhaps declare your unconditional love for it. Don't think, just do.

Word of the Day: March 14

Noumenon: a thing or event that is believed or known about, despite its inability to be detected via the five human senses

This word can be used to describe something that leaves room for uncertainty, as you cannot taste, see, hear, smell, or feel it. From infancy, we use our senses as a primary method of learning, yet isn't it always the unseen that becomes our favorite to explore? Think about it. God, love, aliens and ghosts (if you believe in that sort of thing) all leave room for questions. And though centuries of questions have been left unanswered, there are so many people who still dedicate their lives to chasing the unknown. 

Here's an example of how to use this elusive word:

Eric was hesitant to believe in ghostly creatures, but a baffling brush of his arm in an empty room made him acutely aware of the noumenon's presence.

Give this word some credit despite its lack of tangibility. You may be surprised how useful the unseen can be.

Word of the Day: March 13

Opalescent: exhibiting a milky iridescence like that of an opal

Well, this word seems like a good choice for a Hump Day. For those of you who don't know what an opal is, it is a precious stone (birthstone for all you October babies) and in its precious form, it somewhat resembles the iridescent qualities of a pearl. Though this word would make good use of itself describing gemstones, it could also be used to describe the complexion of a lover.

For example:

The linen sheet dropped just low enough to reveal her form, opalescent skin glistening in candlelight, drawing a shadowy path across her neck to her chest to the delicate hearth that would capture his soul.

Take an insurance policy out on this one and keep a velvet bag handy, because this precious jewel is one you will want to keep around for a while. This word is the kind that only becomes more valuable with age.

Word of the Day: March 12

Pontific: relating to pontiffs, priests, or popes; papal

I chose this word today because the papal conclave is smeared across every network television station worldwide. While I am not Roman Catholic, I respect the tradition of this whole ceremony and have high hopes for whomever is chosen to take the place of Pope Benedict.

This word can be used to describe specifically papal duties, or to describe a person or activity that would be considered pompous or dogmatic in nature.

Here is an example of how to use the word:

It became commonplace for company to feign deafness when the Baron began his postulations, each pontific thought lasting no less than thirty minutes before conclusion.

If you are going to the Vatican any time soon, bring this word along in your carry on. And if you see any white smoke coming out of the chimney, let us know!

Word of the Day: March 11

Capitulate: to surrender to opposition or unwelcome demands

I thought this would be an interesting word to choose considering the past few short stories I recommended for reading. I am currently in the process of writing a short story about a young woman who is caught in a less than savory situation, and is left with no choice but to capitulate to a captor. It can be used with less serious intent, but let's be frank - we all love reading the drama. So use this one with the big guns.

Here's an example of how to use this one from your arsenal:

Damien spoke with a voice as sweet as a harp, but the words he used confirmed her greatest fear; if Elinor did not capitulate to every haunting request, she had no hopes of leaving his apartment alive.

Stand strong with this one, and don't let it see your weak spots. If you put on your big boy (or girl) pants and show it who's boss, it may just back down.

Word of the Day: March 10

Inchmeal: performed gradually, or little by little

I picture a little worm with a big goal when I see this word, or one of those colonies of ants that sends 50 soldiers for one wayward leaf or piece of bread. Though the effort may seem dismal and the goal far off, something about the meaning of this word inspires me. We live in such a fast paced world, people become disappointed without immediate results. This word reminds me that lots of things can be achieved a little at a time.

Here is an sentence putting this word to use:

This was his seventh week at the gym and he was starting to become discouraged. He wasn't expecting and 8-pack to show where an inner tube once was, but this inchmeal approach to a slim physique was making his enthusiasm drop like elephant out of an airplane.

Don't give up hope on this one, or any of your own inchmeal goals for that matter. It's the journey that really matters, not the end result. And just think of it - all those little inches you earn eventually add up to feet, to yards, to miles. You can do it! 

Word of the Day: March 9

Traduce: to slander or speak poorly of someone; to tell lies for the sake of defamation

This word sounds vicious, a perfect verb to slap on the shoulder of a conniving villain or snooty school girl. At first glance or pronunciation, it doesn't seem to pack a mean punch - honestly, when I look at it, I see a mathematical vocab word - but I think that is because the very meaning of this word implies sneaking.

Here is an example of how to use the word:

After hearing the words "no comment" for the hundredth time, Tori took matters into her own hands. She scoured the pages of every interview the senator had given to every other reporter besides her. She tweezed out snippets of sentences and poorly worded points until the congressman's own words traduced his reputation, a journalistic masterpiece in her opinion.

Be careful around this one, and watch what you share in confidence. I think using this word may be the perfect example of keeping your friends close but enemies closer.

Word of the Day: March 8

Regalia: an insignia of royalty, or attire worn for formal occasions to define status

This word should be written in gold leaf, I think. It sounds utterly snooty and overly concerned with Keeping Up with the Joneses. It can be used to describe items like a crown or a scepter, which are very much royal, but it can also simply describe gaudily expensive jewelry.

Here is an example of how to use our royal friend:

The duchess sat poised  in front of the vanity mirror as she decorated herself with radiant regalia, one piece's price tag requiring a significant reach into the taxpayers' purse.

This is the type of word that will require you to read Emily Post's Etiquette before a strut about town. You better have deep pockets, too, because it looks like this one has an eye for the finer things in life.

Word of the Day: March 7

Prosaic: lacking poetic beauty, or being commonplace

This word is derived from the idea that prose is, in fact, boring. I can understand the sentiment, and do enjoy a nice line of poetry from time to time, but considering the title of this blog, I enjoy a nice piece of well-written narrative, too. I'm not really fond of rhyming all the time, or hitting the enter key after every fifth word.

This word can be used to describe anything that is monotonous or pedestrian, lacking the ability to take anyone by surprise.

Here is an example of how to use this word:

Standing alone, she was beautiful. It was when she was matched against her elegant peers that she felt prosaic and meaningless.

You may want to take this word backpacking across the world, or even just on a day trip to visit a few museums. Broaden its worldview a bit, let it see things it has not seen before. You might find yourself feeling a bit less prosaic as well.

Word of the Day: March 6

Clandestine: Performed in a secretive manner, especially if illicit

This seemed like a good word to choose for a Hump Day, since many times the trysts in our favorite romances are surreptitious in nature. This word is used to describe those unforgettable night-time sneaks and forbidden lovers. It does not have to be in regards to an illicit affair, but honestly, isn't that use so much more fun?

Here is an example of how to use this word:

The professor flicked his desk light on and off three times, a signal to the young apprentice waiting outside. At last, the final occupied office had been emptied and a clandestine romance was ripe for the taking.

I suggest buying a cloak for this word, or perhaps meeting up with it in the wee hours of the morning. This word apparently has a lot to lose if discovered, so stealth is the key.

Word of the Day: March 5

Effluvious: having a potent scent or flavor

This word is typically used to describe food and drink, and it can be used to convey either a pleasant or undesirable smell. However when used to describe a person, it is more commonly used with a negative connotation. People are not supposed to be 'pungent'.

Here is an example of how to use this word:

She thought she was ready to be a nurse on the front lines, but nothing prepared her for the gruesome sights or effluvious smells that suffocated her beneath the army tent. 

Hopefully, this one will treat you to a perfume of roses or cherry blossoms rather than some of the less satisfying scents of this world. Perhaps take it to a park when you use it, just in case. Then you can be sure there is a lot of fresh open air.

Word of the Day: March 4

Vexatious: causing or tending to cause frustration or annoyance

I thought of this word after writing the last Short Story review, because it seems like the perfect word to describe the relationship between the black cat and its troubled owner. This is the type of word you would use to describe nails on a chalkboard - or that one person whose voice screeches like a piece of stray aluminum siding on concrete. Either way, it is a great word to use when you are fed up.

Here is an example of how to use this word, if you can stand to:

Working at the front desk became a nauseating task for Maureen after the first few weeks of summer. Sure, it was the family business, and sure, she earned some non-taxed money each week - but her days were filled with the kind of mundane, vexatious tasks that drive a girl like her out of town faster than she could turn her thumb out to hitchhike. 

You may want to keep this word at an arm's length, but it has its place in literature. Be sure to give it a chance or two, even if it rubs you the wrong way.

Word of the Day: March 3

Insularity: of, related to, or located on an island

In solidarity with yesterday's post about idyllic islands, today's word describe those persons, places, or things which are related to an island. This word is used to describe island life, while it can also be used to describe one's personality. For example, imagine a person who keeps to themselves, isolated as an island is from mainland.

Here is an example of how to use this word:

He was a quiet man, bathed in insularity. She had worked for him for over a decade, and yet she did not know so much as his birth date or home town.

Be sure to take things slow with this one, and do not be offended if it is slow to warm. This word may be the brother of our idyllic friend, but they are certainly unique in their personalities.

Word of the Day: March 2

Idyllic: extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque

This being a very cold and windy day in Pennsylvania, I chose a word that would insight the idea of an island. When I hear the word idyllic, I see a vibrant blue sky, hear the calm breeze in a pair of palm trees, and feel the warm sun on my skin as it mixes with the cool sting of a mojito on my tongue. In essence, I picture pure bliss, which I feel is exactly what this word wants me to feel.

Of course, this word can also be used to describe an event, not just a tropical locale.

Here is an example of how to use it:

As Sandra basked in the amber afternoon glow, she could not help but think that this place, this exclusive resort, was perfectly idyllic. It was flawless and beautiful, welcoming and warm - not a far cry from her newly found companion.

I suggest you take this word poolside and bring the SPF 45, because you're going to want to get to know it better.

Word of the Day: March 1

Perfunctory: carried out with minimum effort or reflection

This is a good word to start off the weekend, because I honestly want to do everything with minimal effort on my days off. It can be used to describe a decision that is impulsive or made with little consideration for consequences.

Here is an example of how to use this word:

Though David had only shared three nights with Evelyn, and his friends found his decision quite perfunctory, he was certain that she was his soulmate - and bought a ring to prove it.

Sit this word down on the couch and make sure you take it through a thorough pros and cons list before any big decisions. It's not exactly the pensive type!

Word of the Day: February 28

Amuse-bouche: a bite-size, often complementary, appetizer or pre-meal taste

Literally translated, this word means "to please the mouth." It is widely used to describe appetizers, as suggested above, but I like words best when they operate outside the norm. Amuse-bouche can also be used to describe an event that whets the appetite for things to come. 

Here is an example of how to use the word:

Her captor drew the knife across her skin with just enough force to draw blood. He cackled as he maniacally teased her, the slice becoming an amuse-bouche to the grandiose plans he had in store for her.

Savor this little morsel and use it wisely. Who knows what world of words it will open up to you after you've had a taste.

Word of the Day: February 27

Ephemeral: transient, or lasting a very short time

This is the type of word you use to describe a fleeting moment, one that if you blink, you may miss. Since it's Hump Day, one example could be love at first sight in a romance novel. It is something that happens so quick, yet perhaps it has a lot of meaning to your character. 

Here is an example of how to use it in a sentence:

Her name made it to the front page of the tabloids, but it was fleeting fame - an ephemeral blot on the pages of Who's Who in Hollywood.By the following Tuesday, the articles and her head shots were buried in the nearest landfill.

You might need to lock this one down - you know, like slip some kinky handcuffs on it or something. Otherwise, you may not be able to keep it around for long with that short attention span. Gee, that kind of sounds like my boyfriend...

Word of the Day: February 26

Mellifluous: sweet, musical, or pleasant to the ears.

How wonderful it is that not only the meaning of this word is pleasant, but that the word itself is a pleasant package of syllables that roll off the tongue. This word can be used to describe melodies, a person's voice, or to describe the way words or sentences sound. I think that the word itself is quite mellifluous.

Here is an example of how to use it:

As the symphony reached its conclusion, she became overwhelmed with emotions drawn out by the ominous bassoon, the sighing violins, and the fluttering harp. Each note from each instrument married with the others into a mellifluous union that beckoned a single tear from her eye.

I'll take my chances by guessing this word's ideal first date is an opera or musical, rather than a hip-hop concert or rave. Buy it a nice evening gown and perhaps some satin gloves, and make sure to behave like a perfect gentleman when you take it out. Because, let's be honest; she's too beautiful not to deserve that.

Word of the Day: February 25

Effervescent: bubbly, high-spirited or animated

Every time I hear  this word, I imagine myself soaking in one of those champagne glass tubs with bubble bath foam up to my ears. You've seen them before - you know, the ones they install in shady motels for nighttime romantics. I'm pretty sure even Beyonce took a dip in one, specifically in her music video for "Naughty Girl." 

This lively word can be used to describe the carbonated nature of soda pop or a bottle of champagne, but I like to use it to describe a vivacious someone who can't quite tame the energy bubbling up inside them.

Here's an example of how to use it:

I never listen to the instructions preceding a plane ride, but this flight attendant commanded my attention. She pointed her fingers and shook the oxygen mask with such an effervescent, sparkling charisma, I barely remembered I had seen this type of performance dozens of times before.

Order yourself a glass of Prosecco and settle in with this one in first-class. Side effects include giddiness and possible belching.

Word of the Day: February 24

Reticent: reserved in style, restrained or reluctant

This is the type of word that lends me a helping hand when I feel like my literary bag of tricks is running low. If I am writing a story about a quiet, coquettish young lady, it is only a matter of time before I start using the same few words over and over again. Quiet, reserved, shy. Boring, boring, boring. For those of you who get stuck writing "big" every time you mean "big," and "shy" every time you mean "shy," here is a word to break you from your rut.

Here is one way you could use this word in a sentence:

Though today was the final draft deadline, Celia was reticent to submit her first novella for publication; she much preferred that her personal musings stay just that, private and in her old scribbled notebook.

This is the type of word you might want to take for an afternoon tea - or maybe to that stuffy family reunion you have been avoiding for the past few years. Please don't be reticent to use it.