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Tag: word etymology

Improving vocabulary

Vocab From Go Set a Watchman: Gulosity

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Julia Tomiak / 5 Comments

Ms. Harper Lee taught me two new words this week: malapropism and gulosity. Have you heard of either of these words? The Word Nerd explains them both.

Improving vocabulary

Vocab from Go Set a Watchman: Abjure

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Julia Tomiak / 8 Comments

I'm enjoying Harper Lee's beautiful language in her "sequel" to To Kill a Mockingbird. She sent me to the dictionary on page 13 already with "abjure" - do you ...

Improving vocabulary

Vocab from Orphan Train: Pusillanimous

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Julia Tomiak / 10 Comments

Can you think of a synonym for pusillanimous? The Word Nerd explains this tongue-twister word.

Improving vocabulary

What Is a Nimbus?

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Julia Tomiak / 6 Comments

Do you know what a nimbus is? I thought it was a foolish person; I was wrong!

How to encourage reading

Different Names for Vegetarians

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Julia Tomiak / 15 Comments

Do you know what an "lacto ovo vegetarian" is? The Word Nerd explains the many different types of vegetarians.

Improving vocabulary

Why Is A Cold Called A Cold?

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Julia Tomiak

Son with sniffles brought up a good question: where did the cold get its name? Winter time news from the Word Nerd ;)

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Meet the Word Nerd

I believe in the power of words, and I like helping people find interesting and inspiring words to read. Follow me for tips on grammar, word etymology, what books to read, and more. Member SCBWI.

Contact me at headnerd at juliatomiak dot com.

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