Word of the Day List #1 (9/14-10/3)

9/14 empirical [adj.]

Based on or proved by observation and experimentation.

(“They collected plenty of empirical data from their experiments.”)

9/15 quorum [n.]

Smallest required number of people at a meeting for official decisions to be made; any select group.

(“A quorum of this meeting shall not be less than ten members.”)

Comes from Latin word quorum, “of whom”

9/17 watershed [n.]

A crucial dividing point, line, or factor; a ridge from which rivers drain on either side, or an area that includes a river/lake and all the water that flows into it.

(“The protests marked a watershed in the nation’s history.”)

Comes from German word Wasserscheide, a ridge of land separating rivers/stream flowing in one direction from flowing in the opposite.

9/18 churlish [adj.]

Rude or impolite.

(“I was shocked by the churlish remarks made by my opponent.”)

Began in Old English form ceorlisc, meaning the rank of a ceorl (free peasant)

9/19
aggrandize [v.]

To enhance power, wealth, position, or reputation; to increase or enlarge; to praise highly.

(“Critics of the book argue that the author aggrandizes corrupt politicians.”)

Comes from Latin word grandis, “fully grown, large, great.”

9/20
volition [n.]

The power to make your own choices and decisions.

(“Every choice I made was of my own volition and not due to outside influence.”)

Comes from Latin word velle, “to wish” or “to will.”

9/21
elegiac [adj.]

Related to an elegy, a sorrowful poem or song, especially for someone dead; describes writing that mourns something now past.

(“The elegiac tone of the singer’s first album always leaves me in tears.”)

Comes from Latin word elegiacus and Greek words elegeiakos & elegeion (“elegiac couplet”).

9/22
nemesis [n.]

A formidable foe who is difficult to defeat; also the Greek goddess of vengeance.

(“She will be playing against her old nemesis for the championship.”)

9/23
compendious [adj.]

Writing that provides most or all of the information wanted or needed; full and wide-ranging knowledge; comprehensive and concise.

(“The coveted book prize was awarded to a compendious history of environmental literature in the United States.”)

Comes from Latin adjective compendiōsus, “both comprehensive and succinct.”

9/24
pundit [n.]

Someone (usually an expert) who presents their opinions and ideas on something via media.

(“Grandpa likes watching political pundits spar about the issues of the day on the Sunday morning talk shows.”)

9/25
tactile [adj.]

Relating to touch; perceptible by touch.

(“With the introduction of haptics to smartphones, receiving a call from a friend became a much more tactile experience.”)

Comes from Latin verb tangere, “to touch.” Also comes from Latin adj tactilis, “tangible”

9/26
confabulate [v.]

To generate a false memory by filling in memory gaps with fabrications; to talk informally/chat.

(“Patients who have this type of memory disorder are known to confabulate.”)

Comes from Latin noun fābula, a conversation/story.

9/16 facsimile [n.]

An exact copy; system of transmitting & reproducing graphic content.

(“The forged painting was an impressive facsimile of the original.”)

Comes from Latin phrase fac simile, "make alike."

9/27 bellwether [n.]

Serving as an indicator of trends; someone/something that leads others.

(“Event organizers say the concert series is a bellwether, demonstrating that good shows can bring visitors to the town.”)

Comes from Middle English words belle (“bell”) & wether (male sheep).