Thursday, 24 February 2011

Word 13: Inept

inept
(adj.) not suitable or capable, unqualified (She proved how inept she was when she forgot two orders and spilled a pint of cider in a customer’s lap.)
UPDATE!
Thanks for everyone who has been submitting their examples, they're really great! 
I just thought I should post a quick update and, of course, another word to add to your forever expanding vocabulary brain bank.
I've been awfully busy with work and college recently, and regretfully, haven't been able to find time to spend here.
I'll be posting the best of the examples from the previous competition in a poll soon, but for now I'll leave the submission open for those who haven't yet submitted an example and would still like to.
Here's a link to my previous competition for those who may not have seen it;
Feel free to post your example in this blog or the previous one. Examples from both will be submitted.
Thanks for being patient! 
I'll try my best to keep from becoming an inept vocabulary blogger.

Sunday, 20 February 2011

Word 12: Repudiate


repudiate
(v.) to reject as having no authority or binding force: to repudiate a claim.
 In my last blog post I mentioned a small competition I'd be holding, and here it is! 
The challenge to you, vocabulary adventurer, is to conjure up an example of today's word, Repudiate, in a viable sentence.
I'll give you an example;
'Yogi Bear's fixation for picnic baskets was constantly repudiated by the strict reign of Ranger Smith.'
That was an example from the top of my head, why it included Yogi Bear, I'm not sure. But I'm sure with a bit of thought there could be some excellent and entertaining examples.
The best examples will be placed in a poll which will feature on my blog front page, from which viewers can vote for their favourites. 
After one week's worth of voting, the example with the most votes will be named winner and vocabulary champion of the world (or something).
Good luck, have fun, and get creative!

Saturday, 19 February 2011

Word 11: Inveterate

inveterate
(adj.) stubbornly established by habit 
(I’m the first to admit that I’m an inveterate cider drinker—I drink four pints a day.)
 
 
Thanks for everyone's comments in my last post. There were a few intersting and funny words posted, some of my favourites being 'Improvident', 'Slippery' (lol) and a Welsh word; 'Cwtch'.
 
  
In my next blog update, I am going to post a word and give you a definition (as per usual). But this time, I'd like you to submit an example of the word being used in a sentence.
 
I'll then pick the best sentences, put them in a new post, and allow everyone vote on which example they thought was best!
 
So get ready to put your thinking hats on troops!

Friday, 18 February 2011

Word 10: Meticulous


meticulous
(adj.) extremely careful with details (The ornate needlework in the bride’s gown was a product of meticulous handiwork.)
So, I've been sharing some lesser used/known words in my blog for a few days now. 
I'd now like to know what your favourite word is!
  Albeit common, simple, over-used or even ancient, whatever! 
Post it in a comment with a definition, and let's contribute to everyone's vocabulary!
Being Scottish, I figured I should pick a Scottish word to enlighten you with. So I've gone for -Glaikit. It's basically used to describe a person or expression that looks stupid or dim.
Let's get sharing!

Thursday, 17 February 2011

Word 9: Obsequious


obsequious



(adj.) excessively compliant or submissive (Donald acted like Susan’s servant, obeying her every request in an obsequious manner.)
QUIZ RESULTS!
Thanks to everyone to took part in the quiz, it's great to see such enthusiasm! But, to follow the common convention of quizes, there can only be one victor. And in this case, that victor is...
 Kerykeion was the first blogger to give the correct answer; Earth and Water. Congratulations!
 A new quiz will be posted shortly!
I've been thinking about introducing prizes for quiz winners, so if you have any ideas (within the realms of sense and logic) post them in a comment and let me know! 

Wednesday, 16 February 2011

Word 8: Impertinent

impertinent
(adj.) rude, insolent (Most of your comments are so impertinent that I don’t wish to dignify them with an answer.)
 
QUIZ TIME!
In the film, 300 (mentioned in word 7), King Leonidas famously kicks the Persian Messenger down a well for his impertinence
 
What had the messenger asked King Leonidas to offer to Xerxes, as a token of Sparta's submission?
Submit your answer in a comment!

Tuesday, 15 February 2011

Word 7: Leonine

Leonine
(adj) of or pertaining to a lion.
(King Leonidas let out a great battle cry, with such leonine ferocity that the Persian Army silently quaked in fear.)



Unfortunately, I won't have time to post a quiz this morning as I'm already running late. I've quickly put this post together (with one of my favourite words and favourite films) and intend on posting another quiz blog later today. 
Stay tuned!

Monday, 14 February 2011

Word 6: Tempestuous

tempestuous
       (adj) of or relating to a tempest  
       (Shortly after unexpectedly meeting, a tempestuous love affair soon sparked between Timothy and Martha.)


A new quiz question will be posted soon!

Sunday, 13 February 2011

Word 5: Taciturn



taciturn
(adj.) not inclined to talk (Though Magda never seems to stop talking, her brother is quite taciturn.)
QUIZ RESULTS!
Welldone to those who submitted answers. You should all consider yourself winners...although you're technically not in this case. Unless you are 
Who was the first user to submit the correct answer - Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.
Thanks to all who participated! Stay tuned for more vocabulary and competitions! 

Saturday, 12 February 2011

Word 4: Alacrity

alacrity
(n.) eagerness, speed 
(For some reason, Simon loved to help his girlfriend whenever he could, so when his girlfriend asked him to set the table he did so with alacrity.)
QUIZ TIME! CONTINUED!
We've had no winners yet so here's a visual clue...
In what film is the following quote (featuring Word 3) from?
Character 1: 'You'll be dining with the captain. And he requests you wear this.'
Character 2: 'Well you may tell the captain that I am disinclined to acquiesce to his request.' 
Submit answers as a comment! A mention to the winner goes in the next Improve your Vocab blog!
 

Friday, 11 February 2011

Word 3: Acquiesce

acquiesce
(v.) to agree without protesting (Though Mr. Pospieszny wanted to stay outside and work in his garage, when his wife told him that he had better come in to dinner, he acquiesced to her demands.)
QUIZ TIME! 
In what film is the following quote (featuring Word 3) from?
Character 1: You'll be dining with the captain. And he requests you wear this. Character 2: Well you may tell the captain that I am disinclined to acquiesce to his request. 
Submit answers as a comment! A mention to the winner goes in the next Improve your Vocab blog!

Word 2: Abhor

abhor
(v.) to hate, detest.  (Because he always wound up getting hit in the head when he tried to play cricket, Marcin began to abhor the sport).

Word 1: Aberration

aberration
(n.) something that differs from the norm. 
(In 1974, Poland won the World Cup, but the success turned out to be an aberration, and Poland have not won a World Cup since).