It’s been four months since I’ve started intentionally working to expand my vocabulary, and as my dear “Oma” would say, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” (“Oma” is Dutch for grandmother. I miss her terribly, and I only hope I can be as resilient as she was in her later years. Technically, she was German, but my father is Dutch, and that’s where the nickname comes from. However, I digress…).
Besides honoring Oma’s wisdom, I want to appease the teacher/coach in me who feels the need to review the words we’ve already learned. But I promise not to turn into my intimidating English teacher, Mrs. Giles.
Flex your word nerd muscles by answering the three questions below without cheating! (ie. no consultation of reference material or pages on this blog) Every participant who gets all three questions correct will get lots of “link love” from me. Translation: I’ll post your name and links to your wonderful websites and blogs at the beginning of next month’s vocabulary review. If you don’t have a website/blog, I’ll tweet and post about your vocabulary prowess on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a shy and reclusive word nerd, and prefer only personal satisfaction, I can honor that too.
Ready? Let’s get started.
Word Nerd Workout
- From which would you be more likely to get tea, a sobriquet or a samovar?
- Which would sound more pleasing, mellifluous speech or a petulant reply?
- Complete the analogy. Auspicious : Favorable :: persistent: _________
- pedantic
- inexorable
- preternaturally
- petulant
See, not too hard. And since we are competent word nerds, I’ve decided to expand the vocabulary portion of this blog. For the next few months, stop by every Tuesdayfor a new word to add to your personal lexicon. I may also throw in Word Nerd Grammar Notes on some Tuesdays, and I’ll continue with reviews and literary commentary each Friday. If you come across an interesting word in your reading, watching, or everyday conversation, please share it with me, and I’ll add it to the growing list.
Click on the comments link below to add your responses, and thanks for stopping by!
Julia
Great job ladies! I’m glad it gave you a little challenge.
Here goes, Julia:
1) samovar
2) mellifluous speech
3) inexorable
This was difficult enough that I am unsure about an answer! 🙂
Monique
How fun! And how embarrassing if I get them wrong!
My answers are: 1) sobriquet 2) mellifluous speech 3) inexorable
Thanks Julia!
1. samovar
2. mellifluous speech
3. inexorable
That last one… ??? process of partial elimination 😉
I love vocab!!
Man, you’re tough!! Don’t laugh too hard…
1 sobriquet
2 mellifluous
3 inexorable
Thanks for “playing” Laura! I’m withholding comment until later…