Vocab Chapter 8: Word Histories and Etymologies

Paradox

The question, “If God can do anything, can he make a stone that he cannot lift?” is a paradox. If he can make an unliftable stone than he cannot lift it, but he can do anything. The statement directly contradticts itself.

Admonish

N/A

Penitent

In times past, churches provided a special room called a “penitentiary” for those wanting to atone for their sins. The repentant sinners where known as “penitents” and therefore the adjective “penitent” assumed the meaning of “sorry for offenses.”

Accolade

Accolade entered the English language meaning the ceremonial granting of knighthood with an embrace, kiss, and tap on the shoulder with a sword. Today, accolade is similarly used in the general sense of great praise.

Nonchalant

N/A

Banal

A feudal lord in the Middle Ages compelled his tenants to use his facilities, on the lord’s terms. The French word for this was banal. From something forced, banal came to mean “commonplace” since everyone, including the tenants, used the banal facilities.

Iridescent

Iris was the ancient Greek goddess of rainbows. She gave her name to the colorful part of the eye and the colorful iris flower.

Cajole

Medieval Frenchmen often caged the European jay for a household pet. The jay would beg and whine until fed to its satisfaction, hence the French word cajoler which means to chatter like a caged jay. Today, one who gets someone to do something by begging and pleading employs cajolery.

Urbane

City dwellers have historically looked down on country folk. From the Latin word for city urbs derives urbane. Still keeping its root of “city” but it has been elevated to mean “refined” and “cultivated” as opposed to the country folk.

Stymie

Stymie is a golfing term for when an opponent’s ball lies on a direct line between the putter’s ball and the hole. Stymie acquired the general meaning of block, hinder, or confuse.