Use ‘terse’ to describe brevity
in writing or speech.
He
was not long-winded; on the contrary, he expressed himself in terse statements,
pausing to compose his thoughts after each utterance.
Use ‘circumspect’ for
diplomacy or restraint in a person’s behavior, attitude or speech.
The congresswoman had stated that the Air Force general was
sure to be indicted, but today she was more circumspect in her comments
about the case.
(adapted from an
example on superiorvocabulary.com)
Use ‘amorphous’ to
describe an attitude, a statement, or an object that is shapeless or indistinct.
Most people found the cloud to be amorphous, but Paul
insisted that it closely resembled the shape of a turtle.
Use ‘evoke’ as a
near-synonym for the word ‘express’, especially in the sense of giving off a
certain aura, feeling, reminder, attitude or idea.
Her thoughtful words evoked the wisdom of Socrates.
'Music is
used to evoke a
particular mood.' (adapted from
Australia Network)
Fitzgerald’s
writing evokes the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
Use ‘invoke’ for the act of calling upon a higher authority, especially in connection with writing, speech, religion, or the law. A near-synonym for 'invoke' is the verb 'quote'.
Use ‘invoke’ for the act of calling upon a higher authority, especially in connection with writing, speech, religion, or the law. A near-synonym for 'invoke' is the verb 'quote'.
The witness invoked his 5th Amendment
right to remain silent.
His poetry invokes the subtle interior rhythms of
Shakespeare’s sonnets.
To feign means “to
pretend,” BUT the word is used a particular way:
He feigned ignorance as a way to avoid testifying in
court.
Please don’t try to feign modesty; I know you are
quietly gloating on the inside.
(The latter example
comes from http://vocabulary-vocabulary.com/dictionary/feign.php)
Originally used to
describe ancient texts that had been excluded
from the Bible (‘apo’ = beyond or outside of; ‘cryph’ = scripture), the word
‘apocryphal’ is used today to characterize statements that are outlandishly
false or misleading.
Some people claim that the story of George Washington and
the cherry tree is apocryphal – a myth designed to inspire children’s patriotism.
The traveling salesman made apocryphal claims about
the healing powers of the patent medicines he sold to pharmacists.antithesis = an Opposite. (adj. antithetical)
Although we are good friends, when it comes to politics we are antithetical!
to implore = to plead or beg.
We implored Mr. Bratnober to postpone the Vocabulary Quiz until Thursday, and - mirabile dictu! -- he relented, conceding the point that we hadn't been given enough time or information to prepare for Wednesday's class.
hyperbole = exaggeration. (hyper = beyond; -bole = orbit or arc... so 'hyperbole' stems from words meaning "beyond the normal orbit.... beyond the usual or predictable scheme of things.") (adj., hyperbolic)
When I was in third grade, I got worried when my friend said, "My parents are going to kill me!". I didn't realize that she was engaging in hyperbole!
