interminable,relentless,immutable, unabated,indefatigable

lackadaisical, vacuous, nonchalant, feckless, bootless, nugatory

transfigure

fountainhead

nimiety

chockablock

lucrative

inebriated

laudable

perennial

bucolic

excoriate

treacly

palatial

bulwark

inscrutable

diminutive

impunity

somniferous

moxie

This week's theme: Cooking like a gourmet!

braise

(transitive verb)
[brayz]

1. to cook (meat or vegetables) by browning briefly in hot fat, adding a small amount of liquid, and cooking at a low temperature in a covered pot: "I am devoting the better part of this rainy afternoon to reading and braising beef."

Origin

Approximately 1797; from French, 'braise': live coals; from Old French, 'brese': embers; of Germanic origin.

parboil

(transitive verb)
[PAWR-boil']

1. to cook partially by boiling briefly, usually before frying or roasting: "The trick to my amazing home fries is to parboil the potatoes, then fry them with garlic and finish them with teriyaki sauce."

2. to make uncomfortably hot

Origin

Approximately 1381; from Medieval Latin, 'perbullire': to boil thoroughly; from Latin, 'per': through, thoroughly + 'bullire': to boil. Main modern meaning 'boil partially' is by mistaken association of the prefix with 'part.'

fricassee

(noun, transitive verb)
[frik'-ah-SEE, FRIK-ah-see']

noun

1. pieces of chicken or other meat stewed in gravy, often with carrots and onions and served with noodles or dumplings: "Zoe subsists on salads while her skinnier sister eats substantial meals like fricassee or lasagna every night!"

transitive verb

2. to prepare (chicken or other meat) by cutting into pieces and stewing in gravy; fricassee meats

Origin

Approximately 1568; from French, 'fricassee,' feminine past participle of 'fricasser': to mince and cook in sauce; of uncertain origin, perhaps Medieval French 'frire': to fry, from Latin, 'frigere': to fry or roast + 'casser,' 'quasser': to break, to cut up, from Latin, 'quassare': to shake.

decoct

(transitive verb)
[di-KOKT]

1. to extract the essence of something by boiling it: "To produce the ginger flavor, restaurant staff will decoct the root for hours."

2. to cook until very little liquid is left; 'boil down'

noun form: decoction

Origin

Approximately 1450; from Latin, 'decoct-,' past participle of 'decoquere': to boil down, from 'coquere': to boil, to cook.

julienne

(noun, adjective)
[joo'-lee-EN, zhu-LYEN']

noun

1. a clear soup with vegetables cut into thin strips

adjective

2. (also: julienned) cut into long thin strips: "Where did my daughter learn how to make julienne vegetables without cutting any fingers?"

Origin

Approximately 1841; from French, literally, (soup made) in the manner of Julien, the proper name, from an otherwise unknown cook

.

This week's theme: Going and going and going.

interminable

(adjective) [in-TUR-mah-nah-bahl]

1. seemingly without end: "The interminable delays at the airport were cutting into our vacation time."

2. tiresomely long; 'an interminable sermon'

noun form: interminability
adverb form: interminably

Origin

Approximately 1374; from Late Latin, 'interminabilis': unending ('in-': not + 'terminabilis,' from 'terminare,' from 'terminus': end, boundary).

relentless

(adjective) [ri-LENT-lis]

1. unrelenting or unyielding in severity; 'relentless persecution'

2. unremitting, steady and persistent; never-ceasing; "The relentless beat of the drums drew me in from across the park."

adverb form: relentlessly
noun form: relentlessness

Origin

Approximately 1592; from English, 'relent,' from Latin, 'lentus': slow, viscous, supple + '-less': without.

immutable

(adjective) [i-MYOO-tah-bahl]

1. not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form, quality, or nature; unable to be changed; "The view of that time was that all species were immutable, created by God."

noun forms: immutability, immutableness
adverb form: immutably

Origin

Approximately 1412; from Latin, 'immutabilis': unchangeable ('in-': not + 'mutabilis': changeable, from 'mutare': to change).

 unabated

(adjective) [un'-ah-BAY-tid]

1. continuing at full strength or intensity; 'the winds are unabated'; 'unabated violence'; "The popularity of his books among young people continued unabated."

adverb form: unabatedly

Origin

Approximately 1611; from 'un-': not + 'abate,' from Latin 'ad': to + 'battuere': to beat.

indefatigable

(adjective) [in'-di-FAT-i-gah-bahl]

1. extremely persistent and untiring; "She was an indefatigable advocate of equal rights."

noun forms: indefatigability, indefatigableness
adverb form: indefatigably

Origin

Approximately 1586; from Latin, 'indefatigabilis': that cannot be wearied ('in-': not + 'defatigare': to tire out, from 'de-': utterly, away + 'fatigare': to weary)

.

This week's theme: Making me uncomfortable.

beset

(transitive verb)
[bi-SET]

1. to assail or attack from all sides: "The zebra was beset by leopards."

2. to annoy continually or chronically

3. to surround or hem in; 'the mountains which beset it round' (Nathaniel Hawthorne)

4. to decorate something with jewels or other ornaments

noun form: besetment

Origin

from Old English, 'besettan': to surround; of Germanic origin.

privation

(noun) [prie-VAY-shahn]

1. lack of the basic necessities of life: "Jeff has chosen a life of privation over steady employment."

2. the act of depriving someone of something

Origin

Approximately 1340; from Latin, 'privationem': a taking away, from 'privatus,' past participle of 'privare': to deprive.

discomfiture

(noun) [dis-KUM-fi-choor', dis-KUM-fi-chahr]

1. anxious embarrassment: "Everyone shifted in their seats as the discomfiture in the dining room grew."

Origin

Approximately 1325; from Middle English, 'desconfiture' ('discomfit,' from Old French 'desconfire': to defeat, to destroy, from 'des-': not + 'confire': to make, to accomplish + '-ure.')

vexation

(noun) [vek-SAY-shahn]

1. the act of troubling or annoying someone: "The tight living arrangement was a great source of vexation for the whole family."

2. the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

3. something or someone that causes anxiety

Origin

Approximately 1375; from Latin, 'vexation-,' from 'vexare': to shake, to harass + '-ion.'

gadfly

(noun) [GAD-flie']

1. a persistently annoying person: "I think I have finally figured out how to shake this gadfly off, once and for all."

2. any of various large flies that annoy livestock

Origin

Approximately 1626; from English, 'gad': goad, metal rod; from Old Norse, 'gaddr': spike, nail; of Germanic origin.

This week's theme: Feeble-minded

lackadaisical

(adjective) [lak'-ah-DAY-zi-kahl]

1. lacking spirit or liveliness; dreamy; languid: "Before Vincent found a personal trainer, he spent most of his time in the gym wandering around in a lackadaisical stupor."

adverb form: lackadaisically
noun form: lackadaisicalness

Origin

Approximately 1768; from 'lackadaisy': alas, alack, from 'lack-a-day,' an alteration of 'alack the day' + the suffix '-ical.'

vacuous

(adjective) [VAK-yoo-ahs]

1. empty; unfilled; void; vacant: "Kiesha usually spent her days running from meeting to meeting, but on this late summer week, her calendar was refreshingly vacuous."

2. devoid of intelligence or significance; 'a vacuous comment'

3. lacking serious occupation; idle

adverb form: vacuously
noun form: vacuousness

Origin

Approximately 1648; borrowed from Latin, 'vacuus': empty, void, related to 'vacare': to be empty + the suffix '-ous.'

nonchalant

(adjective) [non'-shah-LAWNT]

1. marked by blithe unconcern: "Opie raised a nonchalant eyebrow, and shrugged his shoulders for emphasis."

adverb form: nonchalantly

Origin

Approximately 1813; borrowed from French, 'nonchalant,' from present participle of 'nonchaloir': to be indifferent to ('non-': not + 'chaloir': to have concern for, to care for, from Latin 'calere': to be warm, to be roused).

 feckless

(adjective) [FEK-lis]

1. generally incompetent and ineffectual: "We accidentally mixed up our passports before we got to customs, but the feckless official took no notice and sent us on our way."

2. not fit to assume responsibility

adverb form: fecklessly
noun form: fecklessness

Origin

Approximately 1599; formed in English from 'feck,' 'fek': effect, value, vigor, from the Scottish shortening of 'effect' + the suffix '-less.'

 bootless

(adjective) [BOOT-lis]

1. unproductive of success; unavailing; unprofitable; useless: "Our bootless publicity efforts lacked both focus and follow through."

adverb form: bootlessly

Origin

From Old English, 'botleas': irremediable, from 'boot': to be of help + the suffix '-less.'

nugatory

(adjective) [NOO-gah-tor'-ee, NOO-gah-toer'-ee, NYOO-gah-tor'-ee]

1. trifling; vain; futile; insignificant: "This place is still a complete mess, so your efforts were nugatory."

2. of no real value; of no force; inoperative; ineffectual; 'a nugatory law'

adverb form: nugatorily

Origin

Approximately 1603; borrowed from Latin, 'nugatorius': worthless, futile, from 'nugator': jester, trifler (genitive 'nugatoris'), from 'nugari': to trifle, from 'nugae': jokes, trifles (genitive 'nugarum').

This week's theme: Big Change

transfigure

(transitive verb)
[trans-FIG-yahr]

1. to transform the outward appearance of: "The treatment and diet transfigured her into a beautiful young woman."

2. to glorify or exalt

noun form: transfigurement

Origin

Approximately 1300; from Latin, 'transfigurare': to change the shape of ('trans-': across + 'figurare': to form, to fashion, from 'figura': form, shape).

oscillate

(intransitive verb)
[OS-ah-layt']

1. to move or swing from side to side regularly: "The car drifted to a slow stop as the gas gauge needle oscillated momentarily and dropped past the E."

2. to waver between conflicting positions or courses of action; vacillate; to be undecided about something: "He oscillates between accepting the new position and retirement."

3. (as in physics) to cause something to produce predictable variations between extremes, usually within a set period of time

noun form: oscillator
adjective form: oscillatory

Origin

Approximately 1725; from Latin, 'oscillat-,' past participle of 'oscillare': to swing, from 'oscillum': swing, mask, diminutive of 'os': mouth, face.

permutation

(noun) [pur'-myoo-TAY-shahn]

1. a complete change in character or condition: "When Jake landed his first significant movie role, his ego underwent a permutation that made him insufferable."

2. the reordering or rearranging of a set of objects in a group

3. (as in mathematics) a rearrangement of a set of distinct elements

adjective form: permutational

Origin

Approximately 1362; from Latin, 'permutationem' (nominative 'permutatio'), from 'permutatus,' past participle of 'permutare': to change thoroughly, to exchange ('per-': thoroughly + 'mutare': to change).

metamorphosis

(noun) [met'-ah-MOR-fah-sis]

1. a complete change of physical form or substance, as by magic or witchcraft: "The metamorphosis was so complete that my closest friends barely recognized me."

2. a striking change in appearance, character, or circumstances; 'the metamorphosis of the old house into something new and exciting'

3. (as in biology) a change in the form and often habits of an animal after the embryonic stage during normal development, as the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly or a tadpole into a frog

4. (as in pathology) a usually degenerative change in the structure of a particular body tissue

Origin

Approximately 1533; from Greek, 'metamorphosis': a transforming, from 'metamorphoun': to transform ('meta-': change + 'morphe': form).

vicissitude

(noun) [vi-SIS-i-tood', vi-SIS-i-tyood']

1. mutability in life or nature, especially successive alternation from one condition to another; variability

2. (often plural) one of the variations in circumstances or fortune encountered at different times in one's life or in the development of something; unexpected changes: "We all have a tremendous amount of respect for the way you have dealt with the vicissitudes of this disease."

Origin

Approximately 1570; from Latin, 'vicissitudinem': change (nominative 'vicissitudo'), from 'vicissim': changeably, by turns, from 'vicis: a turn, a change, from 'vix': change.

This week's theme: At the beginning...

fountainhead

(noun) [FOUN-tahn-hed']

1. a spring that is the source of a stream: "This tiny fountainhead turns into a rushing stream 5 miles from here."

2. an abundant source of something abstract, as knowledge etc.

Origin

Approximately 1580; from 'fountain' + 'head.'

precursor

(noun) [pri-KUR-sahr, PREE-kur'-sahr]

1. somebody or something that precedes, and is often considered to lead to the development of, another person or thing: "Sweet drinks are the precursor, the gateway to full-blown dessert on a daily basis!"

2. somebody that precedes, as in a job or position; forerunner; predecessor

3. a substance from which another substance is formed; 'a precursor of insulin'

Origin

Approximately 1504; from Latin, 'praecursor': forerunner, from 'praecursus,' past participle of 'praecurrere' ('prae-': before + 'currere': to run).

primogenitor

(noun) [prie'-moe-JEN-i-tahr]

1. the first ancestor

2. an ancestor in the direct line: "Nick is quite convinced that he is of noble blood and has spent years looking for the primogenitor that will serve as proof."

Origin

Approximately 1475; from Late Latin, 'primogenitor'; from Latin, 'primo': at first, from 'primus': first + 'genitor': father, from 'genitus,' past participle of 'gignere': to beget.

vestibule

(noun) [VES-tah-byool']

1. a passage, hall, or room between the outer door and the interior of a building: "The cold wind howled through the beautiful but decaying vestibule."

2. an enclosed area at the entrance of a passenger car on a railroad train

3. (as in anatomy) any of various bodily cavities leading to another cavity (as of the ear or vagina)

This week's theme: Way over the top!

nimiety

(noun) [ni-MIE-i-tee]

1. a quantity much larger than is needed; superfluity: "My mother expressed her love by piling our plates with a nimiety of food every evening."

Origin

Approximately 1560; from Latin, 'nimius': excessive, from 'nimis': excessively.

prodigality

(noun) [prod'-i-GAL-i-tee]

1. extravagant wastefulness: "Stan's prodigality led to financial troubles, despite his income."

2. giving or producing in large amounts

3. lavishness

Origin

Approximately 1340; from Latin, 'prodigalitas': wastefulness, from 'prodigus': wasteful, from 'prodigere': to drive away, to waste ('pro-': forth + 'agere': to drive).

supererogate

(intransitive verb)
[soo'-pahr-ER-ah-gayt']

1. to do or perform beyond what is required or expected; to act beyond the call of duty: "I intend to supererogate since this project will be scrutinized."

noun form: supererogation

Origin

Approximately 1735; from Late Latin, 'supererogare': to spend over and above; from Latin, 'super-': super-, over, above + 'erogare': to spend ('e-': ex-, outside + 'rogare': to ask).

debauchery

(noun) [di-BAW-chah-ree]

1. indulgence in sensual pleasures; scandalous activities involving sex, alcohol or drugs: "Jill and Mollie shuddered at memories of last night's debauchery."

Origin

Approximately 1640; from 'debauch,' from Old French, 'desbaucher': to lead astray, supposedly literal, to trim (wood) to make a beam, from 'bauch': beam + '-ery.'

This week's theme: Full.

chockablock

(adjective) [CHOK-ah-blok']

1. jammed; squeezed: "The cheering fans were chock-a-block in the stadium."

2. packed full to capacity; 'chowder chockablock with pieces of fish'

3. (nautical) when the lower block of a tackle is pulled as close as possible to the upper one so it can be drawn no higher

also: chock-a-block

Origin

Approximately 1850; alteration of chock and block (nautical): with pulleys drawn close together.

serried

(adjective) [SER-eed]

1. pressed together, especially in rows as of troops or mountains: "The serried houses looked cozy on the ocean hillside."

adverb form: serriedly

Origin

Approximately 1667; past participle of obsolete 'serry': to press close together, a military term; from French, 'serrer': to press close together; from Latin, 'serare,' from 'sera' bolt, lock.

satiate

(adjective) [SAY-shee-ayt']

transitive verb

1. to fill to satisfaction: "It takes Misha's weight in food to satiate him."

2. to satisfy to excess

adjective

3. filled to satisfaction

noun form: satiation

Origin

Approximately 1440; from Latin, 'satiatus,' past participle of 'satiare': to fill full, to satisfy, from 'satis': enough, sufficient.

plenary

(adjective) [PLEE-nah-ree, PLEN-ah-ree]

1. full in all respects; complete; entire; 'a diplomat with plenary powers': "Rick may be the man of this house, but I have plenary powers here."

2. fully attended; 'a plenary session of the legislature'

adverb form: plenarily
noun form: plenariness

Origin

Approximately 1517; from Medieval Latin, 'plenarius': entire, complete; from Latin, 'plenus': full.

zaftig

(adjective) [ZAWF-tik, ZAWF-tig]

1. having a plump and sexually attractive figure: "In her eternal quest to lose weight, Helena has reduced her formerly zaftig figure to that of a pre-adolescent boy."

2. full-bodied; well-proportioned

also: zoftig

Origin

Approximately 1937; from Yiddish, 'zaftik,' literally, juicy, from 'zaft': juice; from Middle High German, 'saft': juice.

This week's theme: Opportune and Lucky

lucrative

(adjective) [LOO-krah-tiv]

1. producing a good profit or wealth; profitable: "If Eva does not start doing something more lucrative with her time, she will not be able to afford this new car."

Origin

Approximately 1412; from Latin, 'lucrativus': gainful, profitable, from 'lucratus,' past participle of 'lucrari': to gain, from 'lucrum': gain, profit.

felicitous

(adjective) [fi-LIS-i-tahs]

1. highly suitable; appropriate; apt: "The felicitous comparison helped me see the decision before me in a different light."

2. exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style; 'a felicitous speaker'

3. marked by good fortune; 'a felicitous life'

adverb form: felicitously
noun form: felicitousness

Origin

Approximately 1550; from 'felicity'; from Latin, 'felicitatem': happiness (nominative 'felicitas'), from 'felix': happy, fortunate (genitive 'felicis').

providential

(adjective) [prov'-i-DEN-shahl]

1. resulting from divine providence; 'providential care'; 'a providential visitation'

2. as if by divine intervention; opportune; very lucky: "Our dog made a providential recovery after being hit by a car."

adverb form: providentially

Origin

Approximately 1645; from Latin, 'providentia': foresight, precaution, from 'providentem,' past participle of 'providere': to look ahead, to prepare ('pro-': ahead + 'videre': to see).

auspicious

(adjective) [aw-SPISH-ahs]

1. attended by favorable circumstances; propitious; favorable: "What an auspicious time to have met your new girlfriend!"

2. marked by success; prosperous; 'miracles are auspicious accidents'

adverb form: auspiciously
noun form: auspiciousness

Origin

Approximately 1596; from Latin, 'auspicium': divination by observing the flight of birds, from 'auspex' ('avis': bird + 'specere': to look).

palmy

(adjective) [PAW-mee]

1. relating to or abundant in palm trees: "Adam always thought that he wanted to live in a palmy paradise, but instead found himself in New York City."

2. prosperous or flourishing, especially formerly; prosperous; 'a palmy time for stockbrokers'; 'in her palmy days'

Origin

Approximately 1600; 'palm' + '-y'; from Latin, 'palma': palm tree, originally, palm of the hand, the tree so called from the shape of its leaves, like fingers of a hand.

This week's theme: Tis the season to be careful.

inebriated

(adjective) [in-EE-bree-ay'-tid]

1. stupefied or excited by or as if by alcohol: "On an empty stomach, Jayme was helplessly inebriated by her second drink."

Origin

Approximately 1425; from Latin, 'inebriatus,' past participle of 'inebriare': to make drunk ('in-': in + 'ebriare': to make drunk, from 'ebrius': drunk).

libation

(noun) [lie'-BAY-shahn]

1. the act of pouring a liquid offering, especially wine, as a religious ceremony

2. a serving of liquid, especially wine, poured out as a religious offering: "Robert never intends to open that scotch, except perhaps for a libation at his own funeral."

3. a beverage, especially an alcoholic one (often used humorously)

adjective form: libationary

Origin

Approximately 1382; from Latin, 'libationem': a drink offering (nominative 'libatio'), from 'libare': to pour out (an offering).

intoxicant

(noun) [in-TOK-si-kahnt]

1. an agent that causes intoxication, especially an alcoholic beverage: "Thanks for the offer, but I really just want orange juice, sans intoxicant."

adjective form: intoxicant

Origin

Approximately 1860; from Medieval Latin, 'intoxicant-,' past participle of 'intoxicare': to poison; from Latin, 'in-': in + 'toxicare': to poison, from 'toxicum': poison.

dipsomania

(noun) [dip'-sah-MAY-nee-ah, dip'-sah-MAYN-yah]

1. an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages: "George was finding his dipsomania increasingly difficult to hide."

adjective and noun form: dipsomaniac
adjective form: dipsomaniacal

Origin

Approximately 1843; from Greek, 'dipsa': thirst + 'mania': an exaggerated desire for.

This week's theme: Like a blimp.

orotund

(adjective) [OER-ah-tund']

1. pompous; bombastic: "Why do we have to stay here and listen to all this orotund political talk?'

2. characterized by fullness, clarity, strength, and smoothness of sound; 'orotund tones'

noun form: orotundity

Origin

Approximately 1792; from Latin, 'ore rotundo': in well-rounded phrases, literally, with round mouth, hence clear, loud ('os,' 'oris': the mouth + 'rotundus': round).

tumid

(adjective) [TOO-mid, TYOO-mid]

1. swollen or enlarged: "Stuffing my tumid, damp feet into heels after a long hot shower proved challenging."

2. bulging

3. ostentatiously lofty in style; bombastic; 'tumid political prose'

This week's theme: The Cat's Pajamas.

laudable

(adjective) [LAW-dah-bahl]

1. worthy of being praised; praiseworthy; commendable; as, laudable motives; laudable actions; laudable ambition: "Despite the laudable efforts of his owners and several trainers, Biff's hatred of mailmen would persist to the end."

noun forms: laudability, laudableness
adverb form: laudably

Origin

Approximately 1425; borrowed from Old French, 'laudable'; from Latin, 'laudabilis': praiseworthy, from 'laudare': to praise, from 'laus': praise, glory (genitive 'laudis').

estimable

(adjective) [ES-tah-mah-bahl]

1. capable of being estimated or valued; as, estimable damage

2. worthy of esteem or respect; deserving our good opinion or regard: "George loved working for a company that manufactured great products, paid well, and made an estimable effort to give back to the community."

noun form: estimableness
adverb form: estimably

Origin

Approximately 1475; from Middle English; borrowed from Old French, 'estimable'; from Latin, 'aestimabilis': worthy of estimation, from 'aestimare': to value.

august

(adjective) [aw-GUST]

1. of a quality inspiring mingled admiration and reverence; having an aspect of solemn dignity or grandeur; sublime; majestic; grand; having exalted birth, character, state, or authority: "Even in old age and ill health, her august presence at any event was cherished."

adverb form: augustly
noun form: augustness
also: August (the eighth month of the year, containing thirty-one days)

Origin

Approximately 1664; borrowed from Latin, 'augustus': venerable (assumed as a title by the Roman emperors), from 'augus': increase (genitive 'augoris'), from 'augere': to magnify, to increase.

meritorious

(adjective) [mer'-i-TOR-ee-ahs, mer'-i-TOER-ee-ahs]

1. deserving of reward or honor; worthy of recompense; valuable: "Such meritorious service should not go unrecognized."

adverb form: meritoriously
noun form: meritoriousness

Origin

Approximately 1425; from Middle English; borrowed from Latin, 'meritorius': serving to earn money, from 'meritus,' past participle of 'merere,' 'mereri': to earn, to deserve, to acquire.

This week's theme: Here to Stay!

perennial

(adjective, noun)
[pah-REN-ee-ahl]

adjective

1. continuing through the year; 'perennial fountains'

2. continuing without cessation or intermission; perpetual; unceasing: "Recent efforts in Jason's perennial struggle with lateness have given us all reason for hope."

3. (as in botany) continuing more than two years; 'perennial root,' 'perennial plant'

noun

4. (as in botany) a plant which lives or continues more than two years, whether it retains its leaves in winter or not

5. something that continues or seems to continue without cessation

adverb form: perennially

Origin

Approximately 1644; formed in English from Latin, 'perennis': lasting through the year ('per-': through + 'annus': year) and English suffix '-al.'

amaranthine

(adjective) [am'-ah-RAN-thin, am'-ah-RAN-thien]

1. of or pertaining to an amaranth

2. undying and unfading, like the amaranth (an imaginary flower): "The amaranthine beauty of the park is protected by the National Park Service."

3. having a color inclining to purple

Origin

Date uncertain; from 'amaranth' (1616); from Latin, 'amarantus'; from Greek, 'amarantos': literally, everlasting ('a-': not + 'marainesthai': to wither, to decay, related to 'marnasthai': to fight).

 inveterate

(adjective) [in-VET-ahr-it]

1. firmly established by long continuance; obstinate; deep-rooted; of long standing; as, an inveterate disease, an inveterate abuse

2. having habits fixed by long continuance; confirmed; habitual; as, an inveterate idler or smoker: "I don't know how my stomach will survive a weekend with those inveterate overeaters."

noun forms: inveteracy, inveterateness
adverb form: inveterately

Origin

Approximately 1392; from Middle English, 'inveterat': chronic; from Latin, 'inveteratus': of long standing, chronic, from past participle of 'inveterare': to become old, to endure ('in-': in, into + 'vetus,' genitive 'veteris': old).

 perdurable

(adjective) [pahr-DOOR-ah-bahl, pahr-DYOOR-ah-bahl]

1. very durable; lasting; continuing long: "The perdurable statues in the town square have remained virtually unchanged, even as the buildings around them have been renovated, rebuilt, and refaced."

noun form: perdurability
adverb form: perdurably

Origin

13th century; from Middle English; from Old French; from Late Latin, 'perdurabilis'; from Latin, 'perdurare': to endure ('per-': throughout + 'durare': to last).

 immemorial

(adjective) [im'-ah-MOR-ee-ahl, im'-ah-MOER-ee-ahl]

1. extending beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition; indefinitely ancient; as, existing from time immemorial; 'immemorial elms' (Tennyson); 'immemorial usage or custom' (Sir M. Hale): "Alex considers barbecues to be an extension of the immemorial tradition of cooking meat over an open fire."

adverb form: immemorially

Origin

Approximately 1602; probably from French, 'immemorial': old beyond memory or record; from Medieval Latin, 'immemorialis': literally, not belonging to memory; from Latin 'in-': not + 'memorialis': memorial.

This week's theme: Country Living

bucolic

(adjective, noun)
[byoo-KOL-ik]

adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of the countryside or country life; rustic; country-styled: "For just a moment, Jane pictured herself living on this bucolic lane, caught in the oceanside see-saw of glorious sun and dramatic fog."

2. relating to or characteristic of shepherds or flocks; pastoral

noun

3. a short descriptive poem about rural or pastoral life

4. a farmer or shepard

adverb form: bucolically

Origin

Approximately 1523; from Greek, 'boukolikos': rustic, from 'boukolos': herdsman ('bous': cow + '-kolos': tending, related to Latin, 'colere': to till (the ground), root of colony).

georgic

(adjective, noun)
[JOR-jik]

adjective

1. of or relating to rural life; rural: "Tammy longed for more than the georgic lifestyle of the farming town she was raised in."

noun

2. a poem about farming or rural life

Origin

Approximately 1513; used by Virgil as title of poems on rural life, from Greek, 'georgikos': of a farmer ('ge': earth + 'ergon': work).

 pastoral

(adjective, noun)
[PAS-tahr-ahl, pa-STOR-ahl]

adjective

1. relating to shepherds or herdsmen or devoted to raising sheep or cattle; 'pastoral land': "A livestock virus could devastate our pastoral economy."

2. relating to the country or to rural life; rural; 'pastoral living'

3. relating to or being a literary or other artistic work that evokes rural life, especially idealized rural life

4. of or relating to a pastor; 'pastoral work'; 'a pastoral letter'

noun

5. a literary or other artistic work that evokes rural life, especially idealized rural life

6. (as in music) a musical composition that evokes rural life (also: pastorale)

noun form: word
adverb form: word

Origin

Approximately 1432; from Latin, 'pastoralis,' from 'pastor': shepard. 

rustic

(adjective, noun)
[RUS-tik]

adjective

1. characteristic of rural life: "I really don't see how that satellite dish will fit with the rustic decor of our house and property."

2. awkwardly simple and provincial: 'rustic farmers'

3. made of unfinished or roughly finished wood, especially branches with the bark left on them; 'rustic chairs on the front deck'

4. (as in masonry) unfinished or roughly finished work; rusticated

noun

5. a rural person

6. an unsophisticated country person

adverb form: rustically

Origin

Approximately 1440; from Latin, 'rusticus,' from 'rus': open land, country (genitive 'ruris').

This week's theme: Blistering reprimands.

excoriate

(transitive verb)
[ik-SKOR-ee-ayt', ik-SKOER-ee-ayt']

1. to wear off the skin of, as a person or animal; abrade

2. to censure or denounce very strongly: "When Kendra decided to excoriate the administration's policies in an editorial for the local paper, she acquired some powerful enemies."

noun forms: excoriation, excoriator

Origin

Approximately 1425; from Middle English, 'excoriaten'; borrowed from Late Latin, 'excoriatus,' past participle of 'excoriare': to strip off the hide; from Latin, 'ex-': off + 'corium': hide, skin.

This week's theme: A bad taste in my mouth.

treacly

(adjective) [TREE-klee]

1. cloyingly or overly sentimental; mawkish: "At certain points in Jasmine's hormonal cycle, treacly television commercials would leave her sobbing."

Origin

Approximately 1340; from English, 'treacle': molasses; from Middle English, 'triacle': medicinal compound (antidote for poison); borrowed from Old French, 'triacle': antidote; from Latin, 'theriaca'; from Greek, 'theriake (antidotos)': antidote for poisonous wild animals, from feminine of 'theriakos': of a wild animal, from 'therion': wild animal, diminutive of 'ther': wild animal, beast.

acidulous

(adjective) [ah-SIJ-ah-lahs]

1. slightly sour in taste, manner, or tone: "Michael didn't like hearing 'no,' so all of his comments for the rest of the evening were acidulous."

Origin

Approximately 1750; from Latin, 'acidulus,' diminutive of 'acidus': sour, from 'acere': to be sour, related to 'acer': to be sharp.

cloying

(adjective) [KLOI-ing]

1. loathsome or distasteful from overindulgence:"Working at the bakery was fun and gastrically rewarding until I could no longer stand the cloying, sweet tastes."

note: cloying is also the present participle of cloy (verb)
adverb form: cloyingly

Origin

Approximately 1530; from Middle English, 'cloyen,' shortened from 'acloyen' and 'encloyen': to cripple a horse by driving a nail into the hoof; from Old French, 'encloer': to drive a nail into; from Vulgar Latin, 'inclavare'; from Latin, 'clavus': nail, related to 'clavis': key.

oleaginous

(adjective) [oe'-lee-AJ-ah-nahs]

1. containing or having the qualities of oil; oily; 'oleaginous seeds'

2. falsely or unpleasantly eager to ingratiate; unctuous: "The real estate agent sprinkled her pitch with oleaginous flattery and then looked at us expectantly, as if it had turned the property into a good investment."

adverb form: oleaginously
noun form: oleaginousness

Origin

Approximately 1634; from Middle English, 'oliaginose'; borrowed from French, 'oleagineux'; from Latin, 'oleaginus': of the olive, from 'olea': olive, alteration (influenced by 'oleum': olive oil) of 'oliva': olive.

brackish

(adjective) [BRAK-ish]

1. moderately salty, especially from being a mixture of seawater and fresh water: "The most adventurous trips Pat had taken with his new vessel were in the brackish waters of the bay."

2. unpalatable; unappealing; 'brackish coffee'

noun form: brackishness

Origin

Approximately 1538; from Dutch, 'brak': brackish; akin to Middle Low German, 'brac': salty.

This week's theme: Pricey!

palatial

(adjective) [pah-LAY-shahl]

1. of, relating to, or suitable for a palace: "I don't need palatial furnishings, but I'm ready to move on from the cheap, dormroom style stuff we have now."

2. on a grand scale; 'a palatial yacht'

adverb form: palatially
noun form: palatialness

Origin

Approximately 1754; from French, 'palatial': magnificent; from Latin, 'palatium': palace, from 'Mons Palatinus': the Palatine Hill (one of the seven hills of ancient Rome, where Augustus Caesar's house stood, the original 'palace', later the site of the splendid residence built by Nero).

unconscionable

(adjective) [un-KON-shah-nah-bahl]

1. lacking principles or conscience; 'an unconscionable liar'; 'unconscionable behavior'

2. greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation; excessive: "Daniel, you cannot rationalize this unconscionable spending until your investments in the lottery begin to pay off."

noun form: unconscionableness
adverb form: unconscionably

Origin

Approximately 1565; from 'un-': not + now rare 'conscionable': conscientious, from 'conscioned': having a conscience.

spendthrift

(noun, adjective)
[SPEND-thrift']

noun

1. someone who spends money recklessly or extravagantly: "Such a spendthrift cannot be trusted to come home with his earnings on payday."

adjective

2. tending to spend money recklessly or extravagantly; wasteful; 'spendthrift bureaucrats'

Origin

Approximately 1601; from 'spend' + 'thrift,' in the archaic sense of savings, profits, wealth. Replaced earlier 'scattergood' and 'spend-all' (both 16th century).

inestimable

(adjective) [in-ES-tah-mah-bahl]

1. impossible to compute; incalculable; 'inestimable damage'

2. of immeasurable value; invaluable: "The museum kept an inestimable classics collection in a secured viewing area of the basement."

adverb form: inestimably

Origin

Approximately 1375; from Latin, 'inaestimabilis' ('in-': un-, not + 'aestimabilis,' from 'aestimare': to estimate, to assess).

extortionate

(adjective) [ik-STOR-shah-nit]

1. of, related to, or typifying extortion

2. greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation; exorbitant; 'extortionate prices': "I would rather starve for a couple of hours than pay these extortionate prices for terrible food."

adverb form: extortionately

Origin

Approximately 1785; 'extortion,' from Latin, 'extorquere': to wrench out, to wrest away ('ex-': out + 'torquere': to twist) + '-ate.'

This week's theme: A Mighty Fortress.

bulwark

(noun, transitive verb)
[BOOL-wahrk, BOOL-work', BUL-work']

noun

1. an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes

2. a means of defense or protection: "Jason viewed his car as a bulwark against the chaos and grime of the city, and refused to take public transportation to work."

3. a protective structure of stone or concrete that protects a shore or harbor from the full impact of waves; breakwater

4. the sides of a ship projecting above the upper deck

transitive verb

5. to defend with an embankment

6. to protect or defend

Origin

Approximately 1416; from Middle English, 'bulwerke': rampart, fortification; borrowed from Middle Dutch, 'bolwerc' or Middle Low German, 'bolwerk': rampart made of tree trunks ('bolle': plank, tree trunk + 'werc,' 'werk': work).

Parapet

bastion

(noun) [BAS-chahn, BAS-tee-ahn]

1. a projecting part of a rampart or other fortification

2. a fortified position or stronghold: "Sam had his king safely tucked into a bastion in the corner of the board, with with his rook, knight, and queen standing by."

3. a person or group that is considered a defensive stronghold for something, as a principle or cause; 'the last bastion of communism'; 'she is a bastion of strength'

adjective form: bastioned

Origin

Approximately 1562; borrowed from Middle French, 'bastion' (possibly influenced by Italian 'bastione'), a variant of 'bastillon,' diminutive of 'bastille': fortress; alteration of Old Provencal, 'bastida,' from 'bastir': to build.

redoubt

(noun) [ri-DOUT]

1. a small, and usually a roughly constructed, fort or outwork of varying shape, commonly erected for a temporary purpose, and without flanking defenses; used especially in fortifying tops of hills and passes, and positions in hostile territory: "The police officers surveyed the homeless man's sidewalk redoubt, and then launched into a series of animated gestures and veiled threats to get him up and packing."

2. a minor fortification placed within and reinforcing a permanent fortification

3. a stronghold

Origin

Approximately 1608; borrowed from French, 'redoute'; from Italian, 'ridotto'; from Medieval Latin, 'reductus': refuge, retreat, concealed place; from Latin, 'reduct-,' stem of the past participle of 'reducere': to lead or bring back. The 'b' in 'redoubt' is an alteration in English influenced by 'doubt.'

citadel

(noun) [SIT-ah-dahl, SIT-ah-del']

1. a fortress in or near a fortified city, commanding the city and fortifications, and intended as a final point of defense: "In a company as large as QWERTY Inc, the real decisions were made by executives in a corporate citadel far away."

2. a stronghold

Origin

Approximately 1586; borrowed from Middle French, 'citadelle'; from Italian 'cittadella,' diminutive of 'cittade': city; from Latin, 'civitatem': citizenship, citizenry, the state, city (nominative 'civitas'), from 'civis': citizen.

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This week's theme: Intricate.

inscrutable

(adjective) [in-SKROO-tah-bahl]

1. impossible or difficult to explain or account for; obscure; incomprehensible; as, an inscrutable design or event: "Joel is an attractive bachelor who finds women inscrutable and prefers the company of pets."

noun forms: inscrutability, inscrutableness
adverb form: inscrutably

Origin

Approximately 1500; from Middle English; from Late Latin, 'inscrutabilis' (from Latin 'in-': not + 'scrutari': to examine, to scrutinize).

tortuous

(adjective) [TOR-choo-ahs]

1. bent in different directions; twisted; winding; as, a tortuous road; a tortuous leaf: "Chris was a loving caretaker for his old and tortuous bonsai."

2. not straightforward; indirect; erroneous; deceitful; 'tortuous reasoning'

3. highly involved or intricate; 'tortuous legal procedures'

adverb form: tortuously
noun form: tortuousness

Origin

Approximately 1390; from Middle English; borrowed from Anglo-French, 'tortuous'; from Latin, 'tortuosus': full of twists, from 'tortus': a twisting, from 'tort-,' stem of 'torquere': to twist, to wring.

daedal

(adjective) [DEED-l]

1. complex and ingenious in design or function: "Gretta mused over the myriad of daedal inventions that have changed everyday life so dramatically in her lifetime."

2. cunningly or ingeniously formed or working; skillful; artistic; ingenious

Origin

Approximately 1585; from Latin, 'daedalus': skillful; from Greek, 'daidalos': skillful, equivalent to 'daidal(lein)': to work with skill.

 Gordian knot

(noun) [GOR-dee-ahn not]

1. a very difficult problem, insoluble in its own terms; an inextricable difficulty; to cut the Gordian knot is to remove a difficulty by bold and energetic measures: "A territorial dispute over an incredibly small plot of land had become a multi-generational Gordian knot."

2. an intricate knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia, and cut by the sword of Alexander the Great after he heard that whoever undid it would become ruler of Asia

Origin

Approximately 1579; an allusion to the knot tied in legend by Gordius, king of Phrygia.

 esoteric

(adjective) [es'-ah-TER-ik]

1. designed for, and understood by, the specially initiated alone; not communicated, or not intelligible, to the general public: "The esoteric religious references make the novel a difficult read."

2. private; interior; confidential; 'an esoteric purpose'

adverb form: esoterically

Origin

This week's theme: Little One.

diminutive

(adjective, noun)
[di-MIN-yah-tiv]

adjective

1. very small; below the average size; little: "The story of Thumbelina gave Hailey, a diminutive 10 year old, great inspiration."

2. (as in grammar) used to describe a suffix that indicates smallness (such as -let or -kin)

noun

3. (as in grammar) a word that is formed with a suffix (such as -let or -kin) to indicate smallness; as, gosling, eaglet, lambkin

4. something of very small size or value; an insignificant thing; 'Such water flies, diminutives of nature' (Shakespeare)

adverb form: diminutively
noun form: diminutiveness

Origin

Approximately 1398; from Middle English, 'dymynutyf'; borrowed from Old French, 'diminutif' (feminine 'diminutive'); from Latin, 'diminutivum,' variant of 'deminutivum,' from 'deminutivus': small, from 'deminuere': to diminish.

wee

(adjective) [wee]

1. very small: "Susan knew that her husband didn't like fluffy handbag dogs, but the wee pup was simply too adorable to pass up."

2. very early; 'the wee hours of the morning'

Origin

Approximately 1449; from Middle English, 'wei': a small amount, as in 'a littel wei'; developed from Old English, 'waege': weight.

This week's theme: Little One.

bantam

(noun, adjective)
[BAN-tahm]

noun

1. a variety of small barnyard fowl

2. a small person with a spirited and aggressive disposition: "Josh was a bantam who always dragged his larger friends into bar fights."

adjective

3. very small

4. spirited and aggressive or overconfident

Origin

Approximately 1749; after 'Bantam,' the town in Indonesia from where the small fowl were supposed to have been first imported.

imp

(noun, transitive verb)
[imp]

noun

1. (as in folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous: "Oleg was convinced that the magic and petty troubles of his life were caused by imps who inhabited his country garden."

2. a playfully mischievous child

3. a small demon; fiend

transitive verb

4. (as in falconry) to graft with new feathers, as a wing; to splice a broken feather; 'Imp out our drooping country's broken wing' (Shakespeare)

Lilliputian

(noun, adjective)
[lil'-ah-PYOO-shahn]

noun

1. a very small person

adjective

2. very small: "I'll say this slowly so your Lilliputian brain can grasp it."

3. small and of little importance; 'our worries are Lilliputian compared with those of countries that are at war'

also: lilliputian

Origin

Approximately 1726; from the imaginary country of 'Lilliput' in 'Gulliver's Travels,' by Jonathan Swift, whose people were only 6 inches high.

This week's theme: Under protection.

impunity

(noun) [im-PYOON-i-tee]

1. exemption from punishment or loss: "The child's beautiful face and golden curls often allowed him to commit mischief with impunity."

Origin

Approximately 1532; borrowed from Latin, 'impunitatem': omission of punishment (nominative 'impunitas'), from 'impunis': unpunished ('im-': not + 'poena': punishment, penalty).

tutelage

(noun) [TOOT-l-ij, TYOOT-l-ij]

1. attention and management implying responsibility for safety

2. teaching pupils individually: "Under his older brother's tutelage, Jason had moved on from lying to shoplifting."

3. the state of being under a guardian or tutor

Origin

Approximately 1605; from Latin, 'tutela': a watching, guardianship, from 'tut-,' variant past participle stem of 'tueri': to watch over + English suffix, '-age.'

indemnity

(noun) [in-DEM-ni-tee]

1. protection against future damage or loss: "A consistently excellent record had given our coach indemnity through several school administrations."

2. legal exemption from liability for damages

3. a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury; compensation; restitution; redress

Origin

Approximately 1444; from Middle English, 'indempnite': payment for loss; borrowed from Middle French, 'indempnite,' 'indemnite'; from Late Latin, 'indemnitatem': security for damage (nominative 'indemnitas'); from Latin, 'indemnis': uninjured, undamaged ('in-': not + 'damnum': damage).

 protégé

(noun) [PROE-tah-zhay', proe'-tah-ZHAY]

1. a person who receives support and protection from an influential patron who furthers their career: "His protégé enjoyed access to his extensive rolodex, which included senators, business leaders, and even prominent chefs."

Origin

Approximately 1778; borrowed from French, 'protégé': one who is protected; from past participle of Middle French, 'protéger': to protect; from Latin, 'protegere': to protect.

aegis

(noun) [EE-jis]

1. kindly endorsement and guidance: "Under her aegis, the museum became a favorite local attraction."

2. (as in Greek Mythology) the shield or armor plate that protects the chest of Zeus or Athena

also form: egis

Origin

Approximately 1793; borrowed from Latin, 'aegis'; from Greek, 'aigis': the shield of Zeus (said to be made of goatskin), derived from 'aig-,' the stem of 'aix': goat.

This week's theme: So sleepy.

somniferous

(adjective) [som-NIF-ahr-ahs]

1. causing or inducing sleep: "Mark struggled to stay awake through the somniferous drone of Economics 101." adverb form: somniferously

Origin

Date unknown; from Latin, 'somnus': sleep + 'ferre': to bring

vegetate

(intransitive verb)
[VEJ-i-tayt']

1. to live or spend a period of time in a dull, inactive, unchallenging way: "After a hard day's work, I vegetate in front of the television."

2. to grow or sprout like a plant

3. (as in pathology) to grow or spread abnormally: "Warts and polyps can vegetate if not removed."

Origin

Approximately 1605; perhaps a back-formation from 'vegetation,' or from Latin, 'vegetatus,' past participle of 'vegetare': to enliven, to animate, to grow

syncope

(noun) [SING-kah-pee, SIN-kah-pee]

1. (as in grammar) the shortening of a word by the loss of sounds or letters in the middle of the word (as in bos'n for boatswain)

2. (as in pathology) a spontaneous loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood to the brain; swoon; faint: "She did everything short of feigning syncope to flirt with him."

adjective forms: syncopal, syncopic

Origin

Approximately 1400; from Greek, 'synkope': contraction of a word, originally, a cutting off, from 'synkoptein': to cut up ('syn-': thoroughly + 'koptein': to cut).

lethargy

(noun) [LETH-ahr-jee]

1. a state of fatigue, sluggishness, and inactivity: "It took me weeks to shake the lethargy from the dramatic time shift."

2. a state of apathy with lack of emotion or interest

3. a state of comatose torpor (as found in sleeping sickness)

Origin

Approximately 1374; from Greek, 'lethargia': forgetfulness, from 'lethargos': forgetful ('lethe': forgetfulness + 'argos': idle).

somnolence

(noun) [SOM-nah-lahns]

1. a sleepy state; sleepiness: "Without electricity, somnolence creeps up on our cabin early every evening."

Origin

Approximately 1386; from Latin, 'somnolentia': sleepiness, from 'somnolentus,' from 'somnus': sleep.

This week's theme: Emphatic Empathy.

simpatico

(adjective) [sim-PAW-ti-koe', sim-PAT-i-koe']

1. sharing similar interests or temperaments; compatible; congenial: "Her husband wanted no part in her hobbies, so Sharon spent many of her evenings with simpatico friends."

2. likable; pleasing; agreeable

Origin

Approximately 1888; borrowed from Spanish, 'simpatico,' from 'simpatia': sympathy, or borrowed from Italian, 'simpatico,' from 'simpatia': sympathy; ultimately from Latin, 'sympathia': sympathy.

commiserate

(intransitive verb)
[kah-MIZ-ah-rayt']

1. to feel or express sympathy or compassion; sympathize: "Should I recount my own troubles to commiserate, or just listen?"

adjective form: commiserative
adverb form: commiseratively
noun form: commiserator

Origin

Approximately 1606; borrowed from Latin, 'commiseratus,' past participle of 'commiserari': to pity ('com-': with + 'miserari': to bewail, to lament, from 'miser': wretched, miserable).

pathos

(noun) [PAY-thos']

1. a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow): "Without the benefit of dialogue or emotive music, silent film actors had to have pathos in their eyes."

2. a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others

Origin

Approximately 1668; borrowed from Greek, 'pathos': suffering, feeling, related to 'paschein': to suffer, and 'penthos': grief, sorrow.

condole

(intransitive verb)
[kahn-DOEL]

1. to express sympathetic grief, on the occasion of someone's death: "Michael, the third generation owner of a funeral parlor, could condole any death expertly."

adjective form: condolatory
noun form: condoler

Origin

Approximately 1588; borrowed from Late Latin, 'condolere': to suffer with; from Latin, 'con-': with + 'dolere': to grieve, to suffer pain.

vicarious

(adjective) [vie-KAIR-ee-ahs, vie-KAR-ee-ahs, vi-KAR-ee-ahs]

1. experienced at secondhand: "Eve hungrily devoured the personal stories of successful entrepreneurs until she was ready to exchange her vicarious experiences for the real thing."

2. suffered or done by one person as a substitute for another; 'vicarious punishment'

3. delegated to somebody else, as powers or authority, or performing a function that has been delegated; 'vicarious authority'

4. (as in physiology) occurring in an abnormal part of the body instead of the usual site involved in that function; 'vicarious menstruation'

adverb form: vicariously
noun form: vicariousness

Origin

Approximately 1637; borrowed from Latin, 'vicarius': substitute, deputy, from 'vic-': found only in oblique cases and plural, 'vices': turn, change, substitution.

This week's theme: Got skills!

moxie

(noun -- slang)
[MOK-see]

1. fortitude and determination: "Her moxie got her through school, work, and single motherhood -- all at the same time."

2. energy; pep

3. know-how; expertise

Origin

Approximately 1930; from 'Moxie,' a trademark for a bitter-tasting soft drink originally marketed as 'nerve tonic.'

adroit

(adjective) [ah-DROIT]

1. quick or skillful or adept in action or thought: "Jim is the kind of adroit host that keeps the drinks full and the conversations flowing."

2. skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends; 'an adroit politician'

adverb form: adroitly
noun form: adroitness

Origin

Approximately 1652; borrowed from French; from Old French, 'adroit,' 'adreit' ('a-': to, from Latin 'ad-,' + 'droit,' 'dreit': right, from Late Latin 'directum': right, justice, from Latin accusative of 'directus': straight).

prowess

(noun) [PROU-is]

1. superior skill: "Hal's driving prowess did not prevent him from amassing a large collection of speeding tickets."

2. distinguished bravery or valor, especially military bravery and skill

Origin

Approximately 1225; from Middle English, 'prouesse,' 'pruesse'; borrowed from Old French, 'proece' ('pro,' 'prou,' variants of 'prod,' 'prud': brave, valiant + '-ece,' from Latin, '-itia': a quality or condition)

forte

(noun) [FOR-tay', fort]

1. an asset of special worth or utility: "Spotting talent was Kara's forte."

2. the stronger part of a sword blade between the hilt and the foible

Origin

Approximately 1648; borrowed from French, 'fort': strong point, fort; from Middle French, 'fort': fort; from Latin, 'fortis.' The 'e' was added in the 1700's, on analogy with Italian, 'forte': strong.

metier

(noun) [me-TYAY, may-TYAY]

métier

1. an occupation for which you are especially well suited: "James went through three major career changes before finding his true métier as a restaurateur."

2. an asset of special worth or utility

Origin

Approximately 1792; borrowed from French, 'métier': trade, profession; from Old French, 'mestier'; from Gallo-Romance, 'misterium'; contraction of Latin, 'ministerium': office, service, from 'minister': servant.