Tag: Rare Words
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The Dictionary Obscura: Coruscate
Definition: (v.) to flash, to sparkle, to glitter. Synonyms: gleam; glisten Antonyms: Etymology: from Latin coruscatus, past participle of coruscare “to vibrate, glitter”.
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The Dictionary Obscura: Peregrinate
Definition: (v.) to travel, especially on foot; to walk Synonyms: to journey Antonyms: to remain Etymology: from Latin peregrinatus, past participle of peregrinari “to travel abroad, be alien,” figuratively “to wander, roam, travel about,” from peregrinus “from foreign parts, foreigner,” from peregre “abroad,” properly “from abroad, found outside Roman territory,” from per “away” + agri,…
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Adverbial Sentences, Phrases, and Clauses
Adverbial Sentences Adverbial Sentences are sentences that start with an adverb. This may seem easy to understand at a first glance. After all, starting sentences with adverbs is something we do all the time! Take a look at these two sentences: The first sentence places emphasis on the action of creeping up the stairs. The…
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The Dictionary Obscura: Susurrus
Definition: (n.) a whispering or rustling sound. Synonyms: whisper; murmur; rustling Antonyms: roar; scream; Etymology: from Latin susurrationem, noun of action from past-participle stem of susurrare “to hum, murmur,” from susurrus “a murmur, whisper.” This is held to be a reduplication of a PIE imitative swer- “to buzz, whisper”.
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The Dictionary Obscura: Saturnine
Definition: cold and steady in mood; of gloomy or surly disposition Synonyms: depressed; cheerless Antonyms: joyous; jocose Etymology: from Middle English Saturne + –ine. Obscure Fact: Old medicine believed these characteristics to be caused or influenced by the astrological influence of the planet Saturn, which was the most remote from the Sun (in the knowledge…
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The Dictionary Obscura: Scripturient
Definition: having a strong urge to write. Etymology: late Latin scripturient-, scripturiens, present participle of scripturire to desire to write, desiderative of Latin scribere.