Word of the Day: No 1
As well as improving my style (see post below), I am going to also try and learn a new word (usually from what I've read) or sometimes revisit a word I thought I knew because sometimes they turn out to be more interesting than I thought. Today the word is:
pusillanimous = timid, cowardly. lily-livered.
pusillanimous = timid, cowardly. lily-livered.
posted by Clare Dudman at 9:22 pm
8 Comments:
I receive a "word a day" by email from Bloomsbury publishing as well as a "Literary History" newsletter.
I signed up to receive these email newsletters when I purchased a book from them.
A lot of the words are unusual, and although I usually forget them instantly, I enjoy their daily arrival in my inbox.
You can sign up for these email newsletters here
Thanks Anne, I've just signed up...for everything they have to offer. Yes, I find fogetting words instantly is a bif problem. My mother recently told me recently that she has devised a way of learning words that is working for her at the moment. She has a blank cardboard book mark for each book that she reads, and as she encounters new words she writes them on that, with their meaning - and has found they have been sinking into her grey matter quite readily.
As an example, here's today's word from Bloomsbury:
astasia-abasia
"astasia-abasia, n. A functional inability to stand or walk despite the fact that the patient retains good muscular co-ordination while lying in bed, especially in the handling of the drinks tray and the TV remote."
I'm sure you'll find them delightful.
That is so funny! Do they also provide synonyms e.g. 'Lazy b*****' or 'My elder son' etc?
Yes they do. They often put these words into a meaningful witty sentence.
Some words are from THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY by Ambrose Bierce, for instance this one from Monday:
admiration
"admiration, n. Our polite recognition of another's resemblance to ourselves."
Oh excellent! And so true:-)
Thanks for telling me about this, Anne - sounds like this is going to be my morning's entertainment.
I rather like "lily livered"...the liver of a coward is supposedly bloodless, hence the haunting expression...
Ah, Jan, I didn't know that! Very interesting - yes, you're right, it is haunting.
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