#Merriam-Webster Dictionary of English Usage

[gramrgednangel]

National Grammar Day 2023

Martha Brockenbrough started this particular grammar ball rolling back in 2008. Because the date, March 4, is also rendered March 4th in certain circumstances, it is not only a date but an imperative with a homophone for “fourth”: March forth! It was (and presumably still is) her intention that people fond of grammar would take the day to celebrate the joys of “good grammar” (as she called it)…

[official-linguistics-post]

where to go if one wants to see first written instance of a word. is there a method/resource or do you just happen to have the good files.

it depends on the word! some dictionaries, like merriam-webster online, will include the first known usage of a word in its entry; sometimes etymonline has it; and sometimes it just hasn't been dug up (yet). i dearly wish that more resources gave the actual context of first use rather than just the date. clearly they ought to have the information if they're citing it!

those are the resources i use most often for etymology questions on this blog - i don't usually have the "good files" for english historical linguistics since i never formally studied it, but i do have years of research experience so i'm fairly quick about assessing sources.

[petermorwood]

Word changes...

All of the following is IMO, so YMMV. :->

*****

Anyone noticed how "weaponry" is used nowadays in places where "weapons" would work just fine (and is often more correct)?

Yes, they ARE interchangeable, sort-of, but it's clunky and sounds to me either slightly journo-pompous or like a failure to remember the right word so plugging the most similar one into its place.

ETA: I checked one of my dictionaries, and while "weapons" is more modern, "weaponry" is an obsolete word which has come back into favour. I wonder why...?

*****

"Decimate" turns up all the time, usually when the correct word is "devastate".

Merriam-Webster says: "It's totally fine to use 'decimate' as a synonym for 'devastate'. This is why."

Beg to differ.

As the M-W article points out, "decimate" originally meant a Roman military punishment applied to one man in ten of a guilty unit. (Initially execution, but this had a rotten effect on unit morale, so it was reduced in severity to fatigues, extra drill or restricted rations.)

That's now considered a far too specific meaning and only linguistic pedants dig their heels in. Quite right too, and I speak here as a (bit of a) linguistic pedant...

However, it remains a useful word for more generalised incomplete destruction of living things - saying a regiment, flock, herd or population was "decimated" implies there are some survivors without quibbling over how many tenths. If totally wiped out, however, that's when words like "destroyed" or "obliterated" are more appropriate.

On the other hand something inanimate like a factory, city or region would be "devastated" - and in addition, saying someone is emotionally devastated is understandable, but saying they're emotionally decimated is peculiar.

Two words, several meanings.

It's like cutlery: a spork can replace knife, fork and spoon, but individual utensils give a lot more precision and variation of use.

*****

There are also a couple of real howlers, not just transposed words but actual errors.

One I've heard several times is using "siege" (a noun, or thing) instead of "besiege" (a verb, or action).

For reference, there's a term called noun-verbing, and the practice is quite old: "table the motion / pencil you in / butter him up / he tasks me", but all are either when there isn't already a verb-form of the word, or as a more picturesque way of saying something.

(Interesting side-note about "table the motion": in US English, it means "to postpone discussion" while in UK, CA and I think AU English, it means the complete opposite, "to begin discussion". Why there's this difference, I have no idea, but it's worth remembering as a Brit-fix when writing, also in a real-life business context.)

There IS an existing verb for the action of surrounding a castle and cutting it off from outside help, and that verb isn't "sieged". It's "besieged" or "under siege". Anywhere using "sieged" as a verb is wrong. The Firefox spellchecker in Tumblr Edit Mode is telling me it's wrong right now.

Merriam-Webster, I'm looking at you again.

*****

There's also "coronate" used as a verb. "The King was coronated at Westminster Abbey". Nope. He was CROWNED.

Coronate is an adjective (meaning crown-shaped) and was coined in in the 1600s by a botanist, as a word to describe the shape of certain plants.

The current Royal-associated usage seems to be a bastard back-formation from "coronation", because the act of putting on a crown is the verb "to crown".

This is almost identical in German, French, Italian and Spanish, with noun and verb the same. The only difference is that their verbs have, what a surprise, verb-endings (-en, -er, -re and -ar) on the noun while English does not.

Because English doesn't like to make things that easy...

"Coronated" might be people trying to sound archaic, or those who've bought into the dopey "said-is-dead" school, who perform any linguistic contortion to avoid common words, and who've been taught that repetition in a sentence - "crowned with a crown" - is BAD.

Is "coronated at a coronation" in some way better?

Guess what's got uncritical examples...

If that's M-W scholarship, I'll stick to the OED and my old but utterly reliable New Elizabethan Dictionary, thanks very much.

*****

Language is funny: sometimes funny ha-ha, sometimes funny annoying, but often just funny peculiar, because English etc. etc...

[novlr]

As a writer, who's first language is not English, how can I expand my vocabulary so I wouldn't be too repetitive?

I grew up in a bilingual household with a Mother whose first language isn’t English. She is a wonderful writer who creates brilliant and engaging resources for language teachers.

One of the big things she had to work on to get to that point was vocabulary. But not just the words; it was also the context and how to use those words properly. Ironically, we discovered that English as her second language was actually of benefit to her in this, as she had to be more thoughtful about the way she used language than a native speaker would be.

Like any language, the real trick is immersion. So here are some effective strategies for growing your vocabulary to bring more variety and nuance to your writing. There is always room to expand your lexicon and take your writing to the next level, whether you’re a native English speaker or not, and these tips might also help any writer who plans to write in a language other than English! So let’s explore some practical tips for building a rich and diverse vocabulary.

Why expanding your vocabulary matters

Before we dive into the strategies, let’s take a moment to understand why expanding your vocabulary is so important for creative writers:

A diverse vocabulary allows you to express ideas with greater precision and nuance.

It helps you avoid repetition and keeps your writing fresh and engaging.

A strong vocabulary can make your writing more memorable and impactful.

It demonstrates your mastery of the language and can help you stand out as a writer.

Expanding your vocabulary can improve your reading experiences.

It can give you the confidence to explore new genres and styles that you may have previously avoided.

Strategies for expanding your vocabulary

Read widely and consistently

One of the most effective ways to expand your vocabulary is to read extensively. By exposing yourself to a variety of genres, authors, and styles, you’ll encounter new words in context, which can help you understand their meanings and usage. Again, it’s about immersion. Surrounding yourself with language helps develop your understanding, and seeing words in different contexts will cement them as second nature.

Here are some tips for making the most of your reading:

Set aside dedicated reading time each week, even if it’s just for 20-30 minutes.

Choose books, articles, and other materials that challenge you and introduce new concepts and vocabulary.

Keep a dictionary or thesaurus nearby to look up unfamiliar words as you encounter them.

Take notes on new words and phrases that resonate with you, and try writing exercises to use them in context.

Consider joining a book club or discussion group to explore new genres and authors, and to engage in conversations about language and writing.

Don’t be afraid to tackle challenging texts; they often offer the greatest opportunities for growth.

Use word-of-the-day resources

Another great way to expand your vocabulary is to make a habit of learning new words each day. There are many online resources and apps that offer “word of the day” features, which can help you discover new words and their meanings. Some popular options include:

The New York Times

Merriam-Webster

Dictionary.com

Oxford English Dictionary

Britannica

Play word games and puzzles

Word games and puzzles can be a fun and engaging way to expand your vocabulary. When we were growing up, my mother would play these games with us when we brought them home from school, and she said they were a great help in improving her own vocabulary. They challenge you to think creatively about language, can introduce you to new words and concepts, and can be a fun thing to do with friends and family! Some popular options include:

Crossword puzzles

Scrabble or Words with Friends

Boggle

Word searches

Riddles

Games from websites like the New York Times

Use a thesaurus (but use it wisely)

A thesaurus can be a valuable tool for finding new words and phrases to use in your writing. However, it’s important to use it wisely and avoid simply replacing words with their synonyms without considering the context and connotation. Here are some tips for using a thesaurus effectively:

Find words that more precisely convey your intended meaning rather than just avoid repetition.

Consider the connotation and tone of the words you choose, and make sure they fit the context of your writing.

Don’t overuse obscure or overly complex words just for the sake of it. Clarity and readability should always be your top priorities.

Use a combination of a thesaurus and a dictionary to ensure you fully understand the meaning and usage of new words.

Practice writing with your new vocabulary

Finally, the best way to solidify your new vocabulary is to put it into practice in your writing. As you learn new words and phrases, make a conscious effort to incorporate them into your work. Here are some ideas for practising with your new vocabulary:

Set yourself a challenge to use a certain number of new words as a writing prompt.

Write short stories or poems that focus on a particular theme or concept inspired by a new word you’ve learned. Use your new vocabulary to explore it in depth.

Revise older pieces of writing and look for opportunities to replace overused words with more precise or evocative alternatives.

Keep a journal or notebook where you jot down new words and reflect on how and when you might use them in your writing. Write down contextual snippets. This can help you internalise their meanings and make them a more natural part of your vocabulary.

[a-gay-a-day]

Neopronouns

Neopronouns linguistically means “new pronouns,” which is exactly what neopronouns are: new pronouns, created for a world that does not have adequate language to discuss gender non-conformity. Though we tend to think of neopronouns, and thus, our conception of gender, as extremely modern, the first recorded use of neopronouns was in 1789. The pronouns Thon/Tho were added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 1934, but dropped due to lack of use in 1961. (As an aside, the Mercian-Webster officially recognizes they as a singular pronoun and states that it’s been grammatically correct since 1300. Take that, bigots.)

The oldest suspected rather than recorded use of a neopronouns traces back to the 1200s, and Middle English in which “ou” was used, and the pronouns E/Em/Eir were used in online communities in the 1990s.

This pdf explains how to use neopronouns. The page pronouns.org, which works to create a better understanding of the usage of all pronouns states: “If someone shares their pronouns with you, it’s meant to disrupt the culture of making assumptions, and to provide you with the information you need in order to refer to them appropriately.”

[allycryz]

Deepish Dive into the word "Reticent"

For FFXIV Write prompt 4

Definitions

From the OED's historical thesaurus (info on that here)

Definition from 1825:

"Reluctant or disinclined to speak out or express personal thoughts and feelings freely; reserved in speech; given to silence or concealment."

Definition from 1877

"Of a thing: restrained in nature; subtle, muted."

From the American Heritage Dictionary:

adjectives:

Inclined to keep one's thoughts, feelings, and personal affairs to oneself

Restrained or reserved

Synonyms

unspeaking, speechless, mute, silent, mum, inconversable

secret, close, sparing, monastic, taciturn

peaceable, reserved

Antonyms

communicative, open-mouthed, confident, extroverted, talkative, outgoing, garrulous

Usage Debate

From the America Heritage Dictionary:

Usage Note: Reticent is generally used to indicate a reluctance to speak or divulge one's thoughts or feelings. Many commentators on usage have criticized its extended use to indicate other kinds of reluctance, including a reluctance to act. In our 2017 survey, 79 percent of the Usage Panel found unacceptable the sentence A lot of out-of-towners are reticent to come to the Twin Cities for a ballgame if there's a chance the game will be rained out. · When it is used in its standard meaning, “reluctant to speak,” reticent traditionally doesn't take an infinitive phrase with to as a complement, as in I was reticent to tell my colleagues where I would be spending my vacation. Over the past fifty years, though, this construction has become more common, and it enjoys a degree of approval—in our 2017 survey, 63 percent of the Panel accepted the sentence above. But since reticence is already about speaking or communication, reticent to tell is redundant and suggests that the writer has blurred reticent and reluctant. Many of our Panelists commented that reluctant would be a better choice: I was reluctant to tell my colleagues where I would be spending my vacation. Another option is to recast the sentence without an infinitive phrase: With my colleagues, I was reticent about where I would be spending my vacation or I was reticent about my vacation plans.

From Merriam-Webster:

We hate to break it to the language sticklers among us, but use of reticent as a synonym of reluctant—though it veers away from the word’s Latin origins in the verb reticēre, meaning “to keep silent”—is well established, and there is no reason to be reticent about employing it. In fact, reticent took on its “reluctant” sense a mere 50 years after first appearing in English in the early 19th century with the meaning “inclined to be silent or uncommunicative.” Though brows may furrow and lips may purse, the development of reticent’s newer meaning has some logic to it: English speakers first used reticent synonymously with reluctant when the context was speech, as in “he was reticent to talk about his past,” keeping the word close to its “silent” beginnings. Eventually, however, exclusive association with speech was abandoned, and one can now be reticent to do anything, even if it’s to admit that language is not immutable.

You May Also Check Out:

Tongue-tied, strait-laced, mumbudget, word-bound, say-nothing, tight-lipped

[impetuousdesigns]

借用語・Loanwords

日本語には、いろんな英語の借用語がある、でも英語にはどう？「寿司」や「豆腐」などの食べ物の単語（食語😂）はもちろん、柔道、柔術、空手などの武道の言葉は世界でとても有名だ。侍、着物、鯉、盆栽、カラオケ、俳句もほとんどのアメリカ人に知られていると思う。世界中の人々は津波、可愛い、アニメ、折り紙も聞いたことがあるはず。

「天ぷら」が元々日本語だと思ったが、数年前に天ぷらが多分ポルトガル語の「tempero」という言葉から日本語に入ってきたことを知った。「台風」がアメリカで伝わる、でも英語の「typhoon」の由来は日本語ではない。アラビア語の「ṭūfān」と中国語の「tai fung」から英語に入ってきた*。

驚かせるかもしれない日本語の借用語の２つは「班長」と「大君」。アメリカでは、「班長」が使われているが、英語の意味が日本語の意味とちょっと違う。アメリカの「honcho」（つづりがローマ字と違うが、発音が班長と一緒）は社長やリーダーなどの責任者という意味がある。「大君」は英語で「tycoon」と書き、業界の大物という意味がある。

よく考えてみれば、たくさんの日本語外来語が思い浮かぶ。５歳くらいのとき、有名な曲で「ありがとう」を知ったが、そのとき、ありがとうが日本語だとは知らなかった。同じ年齢で、相撲をテレビで見て兄弟と一緒にやってみたが、相撲が日本のものとは知らなかった。日本に来てから、どれだけ日本のものをすでに知っていたかに気がついた。

Japanese has lots of English loanwords, but what about the other way around? Of course, there are food words like sushi and tofu, and martial arts words like judo, jujitsu, and karate are known around the world. Most Americans surely know samurai, kimono, bonsai, karaoke, and haiku, too. Everyone in the world has words like tsunami, kawaii, anime, and origami. 

I thought tempura was originally Japanese, but a few years ago I found out it came from Portuguese “tempero.” Americans can understand “typhoon,” but it likely didn’t enter English from Japanese. Instead, it is believed typhoon came from the Arabic “ṭūfān” or Chinese “tai fung” into English.*

There are two surprising Japanese loanwords often used in English: honcho and tycoon. The American usage of honcho (班長, which should be more correctly transliterated as hanchō) differs greatly from its usage in Japanese. In American English, a honcho is a company head or leader with great responsibility. A tycoon (大君, taikun) is hardly used in Japanese anymore, but in American English it is a powerful person in any given industry.

  If I think about it, plenty Japanese loan words in English popup in my head. When I was around 5 years old, I knew the famous Styx song** with “arigato” in the lyrics, but I had no idea it was Japanese. Around the same time, I watched sumo wrestling on TV with my siblings, but I had no idea sumo was a Japanese thing. Since coming to Japan, I’ve realized how much Japanese I already knew.

*I got this etymological information from Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/typhoon 

**Enjoy Styx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc6f_2nPSX8

[posi-pan]

dictionary definitions of pansexual and how they can be improved with your help!

having definitions as accurate to our community usage as possible is important, so let’s do something about the way dictionaries define pansexual! some are worse than others, but all of them could use some kind of tweaking to reflect the community definition of “attraction to all genders or regardless of gender.”

i contacted 9 dictionaries since january (three responded and only one made changes), and here’s how you can do the same! i know plenty of people don't know how to go about doing this or have anxiety over what to say, so i've detailed exactly what to do and provided samples of exactly what to say!

oxford languages (source for google's definitions) / contact “sexually or romantically attracted to people regardless of their sex or gender”

fill out the form: write “pansexual” as the word, select “i think the entry is missing information,” and share your feedback.

dictionary.com / contact “noting or relating to a person who is attracted to people of any gender or to people regardless of their gender”

fill out the form: select “dictionary.com,” select “dictionary: other feedback about an existing dictionary entry or definition,” provide the link https://www.dictionary.com/browse/pansexual, and share feedback.

merriam-webster / contact “of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction that is not limited to people of a particular gender identity or sexual orientation” / “not solely gay or straight” / “a pansexual is someone who can be attracted to males, females, transgender people and those who identify as non-binary (not female or male). — mel evans”

fill out the form: provide your name, email, select “question/comment about a definition,” and share your feedback.

you can add “The example sentence that says “males, females, and transgender people” is inaccurate, redundant, and transphobic. Transgender men and women are included in “men and women,” separating them is othering.” to the sample message to address the problematic example sentence.

cambridge dictionary / contact “sexually or romantically attracted to people of any gender”

fill out the form: provide your name, email, and share your feedback.

the response i received from cambridge dictionary defends their definition by saying their dictionary is for english learners to understand the language “as it is currently used” while using a “limited set of words,” however, my “specialized definition” doesn’t use words that haven’t also appeared in definitions or sample sentences found in their dictionaries, only one of which is actually entitled a learner’s dictionary.

collins / contact “someone who is pansexual is sexually attracted to people of any gender identity”

fill out the form: provide your name, email, write “feedback on the definition of pansexual” as the subject line, and share your feedback.

oxford learner’s dictionaries / contact eltdict.help@oup.com “sexually attracted to people without regard to their sex or gender identity”

write an email: write “feedback on the definition of pansexual” as the subject line and share your feedback.

the free dictionary / contact “relating to, having, or open to sexual activity of many kinds”

fill out the form: write “pansexual” as the word, select “adjective,” and provide your suggested definition, such as: “noting or relating to a person who is attracted to all genders or regardless of gender.”

macmillian dictionary / contact “relating or referring to a sexual identity that is not fixed or limited, but expresses itself in many different forms”

fill out the form: write “pansexual” as the word, provide your suggested definition, such as: “noting or relating to a person who is attracted to all genders or regardless of gender.”

vocabulary.com / contact “attracted to people regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation”

(they told me they were going to add two definitions, all genders and regardless of gender, but that didn’t happen.)

fill out the form: select “email,” provide your name and email, write “feedback on the definition of pansexual” as the subject line, and share your feedback.

sample message:

Pansexual is broadly defined as “attraction to all genders or regardless of gender” by pansexuals and LGBTQIA+ organizations, such as GLAAD (source: https://www.glaad.org/blog/quick-biweek-refresher-20biteen), Bisexual Resource Center (source: https://biresource.org/what-is-bisexuality/), and The Trevor Project (source: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources?s=pansexual). Hopefully, your definition can receive an update to better reflect the language used by the pansexual, and wider LGBTQIA+, community. Thank you.

hopefully having an influx of people giving them the same feedback will push them to make the necessary changes, as i’ve seen happen before with other queer groups. it’s 2023, it’s time for our definition of pansexual to be widely and consistently acknowledged.

this post on medium 💗💛💙

[tinyshe]

billet

noun

A local English name of the coal-fish, especially when one year old.

A small stick of wood; especially, a stick of wood cut for fuel.

In heraldry, a bearing in the form of a small rectangle, usually set with the long sides vertical.

The Century Dictionary • More at Wordnik

Billet

A billet is a living-quarters to which a soldier is assigned to sleep. Historically, a billet was a private dwelling that was required to accept the soldier. Wikipedia

Billet Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Billet can be a noun or a verb with different meanings, such as an official order directing lodging, a chunky piece of wood, or a bar of metal. See synonyms, examples, etymology, and related words for billet in the online dictionary of Merriam-Webster.

BILLET Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

Billet can mean a lodging for a soldier, student, etc., an official order directing lodging, a place assigned for a soldier, or a written note. It can also mean a small chunk of wood, a metal bar, or an ornament. See synonyms, origin, and usage examples of billet.

BILLET | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

Billet can be a noun or a verb, meaning a place for soldiers to stay in for a short time or a place for soldiers to stay in for a short time. See synonyms, antonyms, and examples of how to use billet in sentences.

Billet - definition of billet by The Free Dictionary

Define billet. billet synonyms, billet pronunciation, billet translation, English dictionary definition of billet. n. 1. a. Lodging for troops. b. A written order directing that such lodging be provided. 2. A position of employment; a job. 3. Archaic A short letter; a...

BILLET definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

A billet is a house where a member of the armed forces has been billeted, or a lodging for them. It can also mean a metal bar, a wood chunk, a job, or a letter. See synonyms, word forms, and examples of usage from various sources.

billet - Wiktionary, the free dictionary

A billet is a short informal letter, a written order, a ticket for a draw or lottery, or a place where a soldier is assigned to lodge. The word comes from Latin bulla, meaning "document". See also translations, etymology, and related terms in different languages.

[but YET when looking at images, they are all paper/plastic monies/euro, francs and usa dollars]

[rollsoffthetongue]

BAD ACTORS

Idiomatic Meaning: A person, group, or even a country who purposely and usually repeatedly engages in very bad behavior (such as committing crimes, causing harm to others, or behaving immorally); ill-intentioned, mean, ill-tempered person; individual or entity with a prior criminal conviction.

Literal Meaning:  One or more people with little or no talent, appearing in a theatrical production.

Usage:  Informal spoken general American and British English. Often used in legal cases as well as International Affairs.

Origin: Late 19th - early 20th Century – American English – “Actor” originally meant “A guardian, a steward; a person who acts on behalf of another,” The Oxford English Dictionary says. And though that meaning is considered “obscure” by the OED, doing something for something or someone else is still a part of “acting,” be it in grammar, where the “actor” is a subject performing the action of a verb; in law, where it’s the instigator or part of a legal action; or on the stage. Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary traces the first use of “bad actor” to 1901. But an 1889 Sanskrit dictionary also includes a definition of the word with the synonyms “wicked” and “a bad actor.” [Thanks to the Columbia Journalism Review].

Why is this funny?  In the photo, we see three actors on a stage. Apparently, the scene has something to do with a farm because one actor holds a chicken, and another holds a balloon shaped like a cartoon cow. We also see the backs of the audience members’ heads. We can see the audience’s negative reactions. One says the play is terrible, another audience member says it is the worst thing they’ve ever seen, while a third member says it reminds them of some evil politicians. Obviously, these poor performers are bad actors, but they are also reminiscent of evil acting politicians whom we can also dub “bad actors”.

Sample Sentence: Countries which have refused to sign the Non-nuclear  Proliferation Treaty are mostly “bad actors” on the world stage.

[english-proficiency-learning]

Advance Vocabulary for Non-native Duolingo English Test Takers

If you're a non-English speaker preparing for the Duolingo English Test, mastering advanced vocabulary can make a significant difference in your test performance. Advanced vocabulary not only enhances your language skills but also boosts your confidence and ability to tackle complex questions. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies to improve your advanced vocabulary and excel in the Duolingo English Test.

Understanding the Importance of Advanced Vocabulary

Advanced vocabulary is crucial for several reasons:

Improved Comprehension: Knowing advanced words helps you understand complex texts and instructions more effectively.

Enhanced Expression: It allows you to articulate your thoughts and ideas more precisely.

Higher Test Scores: A strong vocabulary can lead to better performance in reading and writing sections.

Strategies to Build Advanced Vocabulary

Leverage Duolingo’s Vocabulary ListsDuolingo offers curated vocabulary lists tailored to different proficiency levels. Focus on the advanced vocabulary sections, and practice these words regularly. Utilize Duolingo’s spaced repetition system to reinforce your learning and ensure long-term retention.

Read ExtensivelyReading diverse materials such as articles, novels, and academic journals exposes you to advanced vocabulary in context. Choose texts related to topics covered in the Duolingo English Test to familiarize yourself with relevant terminology.

Use Vocabulary AppsIncorporate vocabulary-building apps like Quizlet or Anki into your study routine. Create flashcards with advanced vocabulary words and their definitions, and review them frequently to reinforce your knowledge.

Practice with Sample QuestionsEngage with sample Duolingo English Test questions that require advanced vocabulary. This practice helps you understand how these words are used in test scenarios and improves your ability to recall them under pressure.

Engage in Active Writing and SpeakingIncorporate advanced vocabulary into your writing and speaking exercises. Write essays or journal entries using new words, and practice speaking about various topics using advanced vocabulary. This active use of words helps solidify your understanding and application.

Join Language Exchange GroupsParticipate in language exchange groups or online forums where you can practice English with native speakers or other learners. These interactions provide real-life contexts for using advanced vocabulary and offer opportunities for feedback and improvement.

Use Mnemonics and AssociationsCreate mnemonic devices or associations to remember advanced vocabulary more easily. Associating words with images, stories, or familiar concepts can make them more memorable.

Recommended Advanced Vocabulary Resources

"Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis: A comprehensive vocabulary-building book that includes advanced words and their usage.

Vocabulary.com: An online platform that offers vocabulary lists and quizzes tailored to various proficiency levels.

Merriam-Webster’s Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary: A useful tool for understanding advanced vocabulary with detailed definitions and examples.

Conclusion

Mastering advanced vocabulary is a key component of succeeding in the Duolingo English Test. By employing strategies such as leveraging Duolingo’s resources, reading extensively, using vocabulary apps, and practicing actively, you can enhance your vocabulary skills and improve your test performance. Remember, consistent practice and application are essential for making advanced vocabulary a natural part of your English language skills. Good luck with your preparation!

[wain-wright]

Not an expert but why did they use latinx? Isn’t the term latina?

-

VOICES & OPINION

If Hispanics Hate the Term “Latinx,” Why Is It Still Used?

CAS’ Maia Gil’Adí says that polling agencies have given the word an unfair reputation

October 7, 2022

Sophie Yarin

All summer long, we’ll be reposting stories that originally published during the 2022–2023 academic year—stories about research, BU classes, food, alumni and student profiles, and more.

It seems like there’s a new word for Latin American heritage every couple of decades—and it never seems to fit just right. “Hispanic” was brought into common parlance in the early 1970s, but was later challenged by “Latino” and its feminine partner “Latina.”

Now comes the rise of the divisive—but gender-neutral—“Latinx,” touted by progressives for its supposed modern hipness, yet somewhat reviled by the people it represents.

With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, it’s time to ask: what’s in a name?

“As an immigrant, I found myself being classified as Hispanic upon arrival to the United States, a term I did not know nor had used to call myself before,” says Dina Castro, a Wheelock College of Education and Human Development professor of early childhood education and director of the BU Institute for Early Childhood Well-Being. “Then, there was the option of using Latina, which is my preference because it highlights my Latin American origin and not only the fact that I speak Spanish.”

While there’s no one group or individual responsible for coining Latinx, its popularity has snowballed in tandem with conversations around gender. Previous terminology forced the speaker to identify as male or female, Latino or Latina, while Latinx gives both speaker and listener the ability to opt out of the gender binary. The term was embraced enthusiastically by progressive entities with a stake in gender-neutral policies. It was added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 2018.

According to the Pew Research Center, a thimble-sized portion of people with Latin American ancestry use the term Latinx. In August 2020, the center reported that 3 percent of respondents viewed it favorably; a year later, a Gallup poll increased that to 4 percent. If you were to base your impression on this research—or on various recent think pieces—you’d assume that the term was foisted on an unwilling community who found themselves saddled with it.

Maia Gil’Adí, a College of Arts & Sciences assistant professor of English, says this isn’t the case. “You have to ask yourself, who’s taking the surveys?” she says.

Gil’Adí, who specializes in Latinx literature and culture, points to a journal article by Nicole M. Guidotti-Hernández, an Emory University professor, who places the term’s coinage “around 2004 in queer contexts.” It was an organic youth movement, she contends, born of the internet, and rejected by the older generation.

“With the younger generations—with the kids that I teach—I would think that they’re much more comfortable using the term Latinx,” Gil’Adí says.

The conversation around Latinx often includes reference to its usage in higher education, not by just students, but the institution as well. (BU, for instance, uses the term “Latinx” in its official style guide.) This can be attributed to the fact that college students are leading the national discussion on gender—or that the national population of Latinx college students is on the rise. In 2020, the Postsecondary National Policy Institute reported that at 21.8 percent, Latinx students were the second-largest ethnic group of college enrollees.

At BU, the Latinx community has increased across the board in the past five years: undergraduates by 7 percent, graduates by 23 percent, faculty by 17 percent, and staff by 38 percent.

Not everyone at BU represented by these numbers prefers the term Latinx. Gil’Adí understands, she says, but thinks it’s important that people realize that to her and other scholars, the X does not refer solely to gender neutrality. It can represent an unknown value, as in mathematics, and signifies what she refers to as a “categorical impossibility.”

“How do you define a population made up of descendants from all the countries in Latin America, people that are white, Black, Asian, and indigenous?” she asks. “Anglo-American culture always wants to define the minoritized other as this one thing, and I think the X pushes back and says, no, we are all these things.”

The conscientiousness of Latinx contrasts with its predecessor term, “Hispanic.” Popularized under the Nixon administration when it first appeared on the 1970 US Census—also the first time the Latinx population was seen as a separate entity by the government—the term was the result of a decision by an ad-hoc committee convened by the Census Bureau to group people from Latin America together under one mother tongue. It’s an arbitrary designation, Gil’Adí says, one that erases indigenous languages and puts a “linguistic belonging and a sort of limitation” on something that’s not so easily confined.

And of course, many are opposed to grouping Latinx people together under the language of their colonizers.

“For me, the term Hispanic highlights only the colonial part of my ancestry, and I have indigenous and Afro-Peruvian ancestors as well,” Castro says.

In 1992, author Sandra Cisneros told the New York Times: “To say Hispanic means you’re so colonized you don’t even know for yourself, or someone who named you never bothered to ask what you call yourself. It’s a repulsive slave name.”

In spite of the pushback, the 2021 Gallup poll reported that “Hispanic” was the favorite out of the terms on offer, at 23 percent. It’s possible that those who participated have also filled out their fair share of censuses.

There are plenty of other options for self-identification beside Latino, Latinx, and Hispanic. There’s Latin@, popular in the 1990s as a gender-expansive precursor to Latinx. There’s Latine, a gender-neutral term championed by detractors of Latinx, primarily for its better adherence to Spanish grammar.

“With regard to the more recent terms proposed to address gender equity, I prefer Latine over Latinx,” Castro says.

There’s also the option of abandoning racial classification altogether and instead focusing on geography.

Johanna Calderon-Dakin (COM’06), a publicist and bilingual culture consultant born and raised in Mexico City, says she prefers to identify herself as Mexican. “What is most important in my opinion is that whether you use Latino, Latinx, or Hispanic, we all are part of this one great community, yet we are not homogeneous,” she says. “The diaspora of the Latino community is immense, so it is difficult to put us all under one blanket.”

Gil’Adí wonders if the ideal self-identifying term might not be invented yet. “Think about the different permutations that have led to ‘Black’: Negro, African American, Afro-American,” she says. “Within the past 5 years, this explosion of Latinx has been huge, so what’s going to happen 5, 10 years from now?”

Ultimately, while she remains partial to Latinx, Gil’Adí doesn’t think that these terms primarily benefit the people they refer to. “When you’re in [Latin America] you’re Colombian, Brazilian, whatever. Once you come here, you become this other thing that then becomes racialized,” she says. “People have a really hard time with things that aren’t concrete, that are slippery. It’s about learning to sit with that uncomfortableness.”

To prove her point, look at the 2021 Gallup poll. When asked their preference between Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx, the overwhelming majority—57 percent—put down, “Does not matter.”

source: https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/why-is-latinx-still-used-if-hispanics-hate-the-term/

[dentalnet32news]

Giffgaff Definition & Meaning

The Definition and Meaning of Giffgaff Giffgaff may not be a term you are familiar with, but according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it has a specific definition and meaning. Giffgaff is a British mobile network provider that operates on the O2 network. It is known for its unique business model, which relies heavily on customer involvement and support. Giffgaff customers are encouraged to actively participate in the company's community forums, helping each other with technical issues and offering advice on how to get the most out of their mobile service. The word "giffgaff" itself has been said to be derived from Scottish or Northern English slang, meaning mutual giving or mutual support. This reflects the company's emphasis on collaboration and community spirit. Giffgaff offers a range of mobile plans, including pay-as-you-go options and monthly contracts. Customers can also earn rewards for referring friends to the service or for participating in the community forums. Overall, Giffgaff's approach to mobile service is unique in the industry, with a focus on customer engagement and community support. It's no wonder that Merriam-Webster has chosen to include it in their dictionary, recognizing its significance in the world of telecommunications. Title: How Online Dictionary Resources Can Enhance Your Vocabulary In today's digital age, there are numerous resources available to help individuals improve their language skills and expand their vocabulary. One such resource is an online dictionary, which provides definitions, pronunciations, and usage examples of words in multiple languages. One of the most popular online dictionaries is publicly recognized for its accuracy and comprehensiveness. Users can easily access this dictionary through their web browser or mobile app, making it a convenient tool for on-the-go learning. By using an online dictionary regularly, individuals can increase their understanding of different words and their meanings. This can help them communicate more effectively in both written and spoken language, as well as enhance their reading comprehension skills. Additionally, online dictionaries often feature word-of-the-day alerts or quizzes to further engage users in their language learning journey. These interactive features can make learning new words a fun and engaging experience. Overall, integrating an online dictionary into your daily routine can be a valuable asset in improving your vocabulary and language skills. Take advantage of this versatile tool to enhance your linguistic abilities and become a more confident communicator. Read the full article

[rhianna]

Xylography

Current evidence dates the word xylography to 1816, but it is linked to printing practices that are much older. In fact, the oldest known printed works (from Japan and China in the 8th and 9th centuries) were made by xylography, a printing technique that involves carving text in relief upon a wooden block, which is then inked and applied to paper. This method of wood-block printing appeared in Europe in the 14th century, and eventually inspired Johannes Gutenberg to create individual and reusable pieces of type out of metal. These days, xylographycan also describe the technique of engraving wood for purely artistic purposes. English speakers picked up the word from French, where it was formed as a combination of xyl-, meaning "wood," and -graphie, which denotes writing in a specified manner.

Word History

Etymology

French xylographie, from xyl- + -graphie -graphy 

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of xylography was in 1816

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Pushing English-spanish Thesaurus

Click any word or phrase to go to its thesaurus page. A pushing trigger is the activity that shocks the protecting team into action. For some groups, journalism trigger will certainly be any hefty touch from the defender. For others, it will be a specific minute of the game or the sphere going into a particular area of the pitch.

The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word.

The brand-new edition of the dictionary is getting an excellent press.

Press n presa nfThe press is a training workout for weightlifters.

But when pressed, HSSA was incapable to supply adoption documents or proof the pets had also been refined for intake at the sanctuary before being sent to regional saves.

A pressing trigger is the action that shocks the safeguarding group right into activity.

Impressment right into solution, esp. marine or armed forces service. The people who deal with newspapers and magazines; journalists. These examples are programmatically assembled from numerous online resources to show existing usage of words 'pressing.' Any opinions revealed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.

Various Other Words For Pressing

Journalism is/are always thinking about the personal lives of renowned people. The printers are pressing their insurance claim for higher pay. Burning, sobbing, dire, emerging, exigent, necessary, immediate, urgent. Blinken's journey complies with fraught meetings with Arab leaders in the Jordanian resources Amman, where he was pushed repetitively to ask for a cease-fire in Gaza by Egyptian, Jordanian, Saudi, Qatari and Emirati mediators and a senior Palestinian authorities. The head of state pushed Xi to use China's influence with Iran to advise Tehran and its proxies to avoid the war from broadening into a regional conflict and made clear the U.S. issues concerning Ukraine, the official claimed. Because of this, C-section children can likewise have a conehead if their head is pressed against the wall surfaces of the womb or cervix before distribution.

Pressing questions for the Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers and six other NFL contenders: Sando’s Pick Six - The Athletic

Pressing questions for the Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers and six other NFL contenders: Sando’s Pick Six.

Posted: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The new version of the dictionary is obtaining excellent press. Utilized to speak about exactly how usually or how well or severely somebody or something is defined in papers, magazines, etc. But her sibling continued, joining pressures with 2 various other armed homeowners, cellphone video showed.

Closer, and suddenly, also as the girl looked directly at him, a spear travelled through the heart of Number 3. Much more closely upon Twelve and Three, and the change made it impossible for the girl to see his face also in the extra frequent moonlit places. Me so closely that I could not transform when I heard an activity behind me, and kept in mind that the noise of the fight anthem had actually ceased. Interview a conference in which information is given to reporters.

How To Make Use Of Pressing In A Sentence

Frequently pressings The material, such as juice or grape skins, generated by or left over after pressing. These examples are programmatically compiled from different on-line sources to illustrate existing use of words 'press.' Any type of viewpoints shared in the instances do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. But when pushed, HSSA was not able to offer adoption records or proof the animals had even been refined for consumption at the sanctuary prior to being sent out to local rescues. But sharper and closer stress and anxieties than any kind of connected with rights to lands and homes were pushing upon Alessandro and Ramona. His strong hands lay palm downwards on the arms of his chair, pushing them hard Pressing the dodge switch at the correct time creates her to temporarily rupture into an invincible group of crows.

Individuals that work for newspapers, publications, and so on. These instances are programmatically assembled from numerous on the internet sources to illustrate present use of words 'press on.' Any kind of viewpoints expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. The 10 Bands One Reason campaign, currently in its 10th year, will release records by Anthrax, Lissie, R.L. Burnside, Face to Face, the Gaslight Anthem, and others, continued pink plastic in October and November. French taxis were pushed right into service as army transportations.

Phrases Containing Press

It was a substantial comparison from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who, according to The Athletic, did not instructor pressing since he believed his gamer closest to the circumstance ought to naturally be capable of closing down the male on the ball. See Google Translate's machine translation of 'pressing'. The backup computer was pushed right into solution when the main computer fell short. Retired doctors and registered nurses were pressed into service to aid take care of the wounded. To squash or ravel with your hand, an iron, and so on.

[pepecarbs]

Woke

Another good read for awareness:

The phrase "stay woke" is broadly used to describe a state of being "aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues especially of racial and social injustice" according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary¹. It originated from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the early part of the 20th century¹. The term has become a common part of American slang and its usage has evolved over time.

The phrase "stay woke" has long been used in Black communities to indicate staying alert to others' deception--especially law enforcement--as a survival mechanism¹. However, in 2014 "stay woke" became common usage among Black Lives Matter activists after the police killing of Michael Brown, bringing it into the wider lexicon.

The first documented usage of the term "stay woke" was by Black folk singer Lead Belly when he was talking about his 1938 song "Scottsboro Boys". The song referred to "nine Black teens falsely accused of raping two white women in 1931, [who] were sentenced to death. NAACP forced repeated retrials. They were finally freed but never recovered". In an interview about the song, Lead Belly—who was born Huddie Ledbetter—said, "Stay woke, keep your eyes open".

The original usage of "stay woke" was a call to remain vigilant and aware, particularly in the face of systemic injustices. It was used within the Black community as a warning to be conscious of the potential for deception, especially from law enforcement. This usage was deeply rooted in the historical context of racial discrimination and social injustice.

In modern times, the phrase "stay woke" has been adopted by a wider audience, particularly in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement. It has come to symbolize a broader awareness of social and political injustices. The phrase is often used in discussions about racial inequality, police brutality, and other social justice issues.

While the phrase has evolved to encompass a wider range of issues, its core meaning remains the same: to stay alert and aware, particularly in the face of systemic injustices.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 10/6/2023 What Are the Origins of the Term ‘Stay Woke’? - Snopes.com. https://www.snopes.com/articles/464795/origins-term-stay-woke/. What is woke: How a Black movement watchword got co-opted in a ... - Vox. https://www.vox.com/culture/21437879/stay-woke-wokeness-history-origin-evolution-controversy. How has the meaning of the word “woke” evolved? - The Economist. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/07/30/how-has-the-meaning-of-the-word-woke-evolved. Stay Woke - What does it mean to stay woke? - Slang.net. https://slang.net/meaning/stay_woke. What does woke really mean? | WORLD. https://wng.org/articles/what-does-woke-really-mean-1674277350.