12th Grade Unit 2 Vocab 2nd Sem. w/ Proofreading (Etymology)

chimerical (adj.)

From the Greek mythological creature known as the Chimera - a fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent.

asinine (adj.)

Latin asinus (“ass” or “donkey”). Since these animals have a reputation for being stubborn, “___” acquired the meaning of stupid like a donkey.

bellwether (n.)

An old word in English referring to a castrated male sheep (“whether”) that had a bell around its neck and would lead other sheep.

limbo (n.)

Latin limbus (“border”). Limbo referred to a region that borders hell, but without hell’s agonizing punishments.

plagiarize (v.)

Ancient Romans called a sea raider or plunderer plagiarus, from the Latin plaga (“net”), for these raiders seized booty and victims in their nets.

titanic (adj.)

Greek mythology recounts how the Titans — giants with incredible strength — lorded over the universe. They were eventually replaced by Zeus and his pantheon.

irony (n.)

The Greek eiron was a traditional character in ancient Greek drama who feigned ignorance and used his tricks to outwit his bragging opponent.

effete (adj.)

Latin effetus (“worn out by childbearing”). This word entered English to first describe livestock being worn out after childbearing.

hyperbole (n.)

Greek hyperbole (“exaggeration”) from hyper (“beyond") + bol (“throw”).

diabolic (adj.)

Greek diablos (“slanderer”). A word for the devil that conveyed the idea of the devil throwing slimy lies across the path of his victim.

dunce (n.)

The brilliant philosopher John Duns Scotus (1265-1308) challenged another philosopher of his time. His followers were ridiculed for their narrow-mindedness.

charlatan (n.)

Italian ciarlatano (“babble”, “phony”). This word comes from the Italian village of Cerreto which was known for its cheaters and swindlers.

sycophant (n.)

Greek sykophantes (“one who makes the sign of the fig”) were trying to gain the favour of a judge with flattering or insincere talk.

anachronism (n.)

Greek ana (“back”) + chronos (“time”) refers to something “back-timed” or “out of time.”

draconian (adj.)

The Greek Athenian statesman Draco codified a system of rules in 621 BCE that punished nearly every crime with the death sentence.

plummet (v.)

Latin plumbum ("lead”). Sailors used to measure the depth of the water with a plumb line or plummet — a string whose end was a lead weight.

vindicate (v.)

Latin vindicare (“revenge” or “set free”). One way of settling disputes in ancient Rome was for two contestants to take rods and cross them as if to fight. The judge would then render his decision, and the winner would break the loser’s rod or vindiciae. (v.)

vindictive (adj.)

Latin vindicare (“revenge” or “set free”). One way of settling disputes in ancient Rome was for two contestants to take rods and cross them as if to fight. The judge would then render his decision, and the winner would break the loser’s rod or vindiciae. (adj.)

fatal (adj.)

The three goddesses in Greek mythology who spun out, measured, and cut the thread of life were called the Fates. Consequently, whatever they decreed, came to pass.

nefarious (adj.)

Latin ne (“not”) + fari (“speak”) meant something that couldn’t be spoken because it was unholy.