Thursday, January 13, 2011

Word #8 Plethora

Plethora      [pleth-er-uh]

Definition: 1. Overabundance, excess.



Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plethora


Translation: This word to me means, a lot, to many and too much.


Part of Speech: Noun


Other Forms:
Plethoric -adjective
Plethorically -adverb


Example Sentences:
1. I plethorically picked at my fingernails during the exam.
2. We went through a plethora of restaurants and tour guides.
3. The hoarder was plethoric when it came to storing and keeping her belongings.


When to use the word: The best time to use the word plethora is when talking to a professor or writing an essay or report. It's to sound advanced and be able to speak and impress an older individual who has much knowledge. When describing the amount of books in a college library or the amount of classes there are, or simply an overabundance of any object.


Synonyms: My word is a lot like surplus but its different in that surplus is describing a an amount or quantity that was in excess or greater than what was needed while plethora is a word that describes a generic array of things that could be in overabbundance or excess.


Antonym: My word is the exact opposite of shortage, because it means having a deficiency or not enough of something. Like having a shortage of food,not having in enough. While Plethora means having more of something than needed. An exaggerate more than enough of something.




Usefulness: I give this word a 4out 5 stars, because of the way it sounds. It sounds greek almost egyptian and most importantly, most people will be shocked when they hear the word and when you explain it. They will feel inferior to you because once you explain it. The word isn't so complicated or hard to comprehend. You will look more educated and look smarter as well.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QI8nj6PSPI&feature=player_detailpage


In this video, from the movie The Three Amigos, El Guapo uses the word plethora in a complete sentence a few times, when describing the vast amount of pinantas he has received for his birthday.
This word is used between 35 seconds and 1 minute 15 seconds.







Explanation: In this picture, it shows a plethora of rubber duckies, it's a large amount, more than enough of an amount of a certain thing,place or people. An exagerrated amount of something.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Word #7 Uncanny

 Uncanny  [uhn-kan-ee]


Definition:
1. Having or seeming to have a supernatural or inexplicable basis.
2. Beyond the ordinary or normal.
3. Mysterious, arousing superstitious fear or dread.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/uncanny
I believe # 2 is the most important defintion because it can be used in normal conversation not just in conversation


Translated: My take on this word is it being out of the ordinary and mysterious in a bad or creepy sense, an action that can't be explained.


Part of Speech: Uncanny is an adjective
Other forms of the word:
uncannily -adverb
uncanniness- noun
Example Sentences:
1. I was freaked out when I saw this person,uncannily, staring at me from across the room.
2. She had an uncanny accuracy to look into the future and see what was coming our way.


When to use the word: Uncanny is best used to talk to people who you are sure know what the word means because it can missunderstood easily. At a job interview or at a job itself you could use this word and be understood well. Also if you are describing a creepy person or creepy occurance, like a creepy stranger or a creepy psychic, this word would be almost perfect.


Synonyms: My word is a lot like odd but different in that odd means differing in nature from what is ordinary, expected, or usual. Which means that it means away from the normal only slightly and less noticable while uncanny is being beyond the ordinary so it is so not normal that it is noticable and sometimes habitual.


Antonyms: My word is the exact opposite of common because this word means to be ordinary and general while uncanny has the exact opposite meaning of being beyond ordinary and not normal.


Usefulness: I give the word uncanny 3 out of 5 because it can be used in everyday conversation to explain a mysterious occurance but usually most people under high school are not informed about the defintion of this word. When used though it is very useful to describe a person with odd behaviors. .



Explanation: This picture above shows the word uncanny that is out of the ordinary and mysterious, exactly what superman is, he's mysterious about his identity and out of the ordinary power that make him a super hero.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Word #6 Zealous

Zealous  [zel-uh s]

Definition: full of, characterized by, or due to zeal; ardently active, devoted, or dilligent.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/zealous

Translated: My take on this word is that it means to be full of life and describes a person who is abitious and persistent in everything they do.

Part of Speech: Adjective

Other forms of the word:
Zealously- adverb
Zealousness- noun
nonzealous- adjective
nonzealously- adverb
nonzealousness- noun
superzealous- adjective
superzealously- adverb
superzealousness- noun
underzealous- adjective
underzealously- adverb
underzealousness- noun
unzealous- adjective
unzealously- adverb

Example sentences:
1). The little girl zealously learned to ride her bike after falling off three times
2).  The zealous baby kept trying to get up and walk even after falling a few times.

Best to Use: This word is best to be used around older people above the age of twelve because if used around anybody younger it may be confused for the word jealous. Is a great word to use to describe somebody you envy for being very devoted as it shines a positive light on that person. Also great to use in story writing because it is one of those words that people get excited to read and really want to know what it means.

Synonyms: My word is alot like spirited but it's different in that spirited is a divine or inspriring being or influence while zealous is an adjective to describe someone that is devoted and dilligent. While zealous can be a influence that is inspiring it can also be an influence that can be annoying to some.

Antonyms: My word is pretty much the exact opposite of lethargic because lethargic means to be sluggish and unmotivated. In contrast, zealous means to be devoted and dilligent, always being motivated and sticking to things.

Usefullness: I give zealous 4 out of 5 stars, because it is a word that is so positive and spices up any story or sentence it goes in. It is a word most people above middle school level know and can use in daily conversation. When used as an adjective it shines a positive light on anybody or anything it describes. It is also simply an exciting word to say. The only problem I find with this word is that it can be misinterperted easily for being similar to jealous and both words have completely different meanings.



Explanation: This picture shows that spongebob is full of character and devoted to making krabby patties for 24 hours by the way his face is. His eyes are glowing with anticipation and the fact that he is smiling shows he has enthesiasum making this a perfect example for being zealous.

Word # 5 Discombobulate

Discombobulate  [dis-kuhm-bob-yuh-leyt]

Definition: 1.Confuse, disconcert, upset or frustrate.
2. To throw somebody into a state of confusion.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/discombobulate


Translation: My take on this word would be when someone is to say or do something that makes the other person utterly confused and upset.

Part of speech: Verb

Other forms: Discombobulating (verb), Discombobulated (adjective)

Example sentences:
1). My discombobulated grandma stared at me blankly while I tried to teach her how to text.
2). The math teacher was discombobulating the students as she taught them about imaginary numbers.

When it is best used: The number one, best place to use this word would be to your English teacher (preferably a high school one, but one as low as middle school would work too). The reason is, is that it would simply impress your teacher that a student would rather use such a complex word like discombobulate instead of just saying to be confused. Also this word should be used when talking to your boss or co-worker about something that confused you because then you will sound smarter even if the problem you are addressing is something you should understand.

Synonyms: My word is a lot like the word perplex because both words share the general meaning of something causing you to be confused or puzzled. Its different though because discombobulated means to confuse a person about something while perplex means to actually be confused about what is not understood.

Antonyms: My word is pretty much the exact opposite of clarify because to clarify is to become or make something clear and intelligible. Somebody would be trying to bring understanding to a person. While discombobulate means to make somebody confused and not fully understanding of a concept or subject.

Usefulness: I would give discombobulate a 4 out 5 stars, because it is a perfect word to use when trying to impress someone about the way you feel, instead of using the plain word like confused. Many people could use it and increase there self esteem by interacting with other people in a deep conversation.




Explanation: The picture above shows exactly what discombobulate means, which is making someone confused. George Bush shows being discombobulated, after having someone just ask him a question and him being very confused and thinking about what to say next. Someone who is left in a confused phased.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Word #4 Aloof

Aloof               [uh-loof]

Definition: 1. At a distance, in feeling or interest, Apart.
2. Reserved or Reticent, indifferent, disinterested.  The second definition was the best and most commonly used widely around.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/aloof

Translated: My take on this word would have to be when your distant from someone or something, when you are avoiding a certain someone or place.

Part of Speech:  Adverb and Adjective


Other Forms of the Word: aloofly: adverb    aloofness: noun


Example Sentences:
1. He stood aloof from his friends while he thought about the test he just failed.
2. The girl acted aloofly towards people after breaking up with her boyfriend.
When to use it:
The word aloof can be surely used when talking to a person with high education or a co-worker because without knowing the proper defintion the word can be easily misunderstood. It is not a good word to use around younger childern as they may take it for a word that is a silly description of a person. It is a good word when you are talking to friend as long as they understand the defintion or it can totally flip the meaning of your conversation.


Synonyms: The word is alot like standoffish, but it's different in that standoffish is an adjective that describes a person who is somewhat reserved from an environment pyschically while aloof describes a person who seperate mentally, like their brain is thinking about anything but the environmnet around them.




Antonyms:  My word is pretty much the exact opposite of outgoing because an outgoing person will be intrieged with the conversation going on around them and want to be involved in what happens next. An aloof person doesn't want to have any interest in being involved in the environment around them, they are mentally disconnected from his/hers surroundings.


Usefulness:  I give aloof a two out of five stars because although it is a very good word that describes a certain type of behavior. Not many people know about it and would not use it. Because it sounds funny and does not sound like a serious word that could possibly be used in a deep conversation. It is useful when you are describing a certain someone to a friend. But don't be surprised if you have to explain what the word means to your friend.





Explanation: This picture shows exactly what aloof means, a person who is avoiding a group of people and being distant from others. Someone who is trying to hide and wants to be aside from the conversation.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYvbBffvEKA


This video exemplifies aloof when the blonde lady is talking to the camera and  being distant from the brunette. Also when she is staring in the other direction of the brunette. Each time she is showing aloofness.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Word #3 Utopia

Utopia    [yoo-toh-pee-uh]

Definitions: 1. an ideal place or state. 2. any visionary system of political or social perfection. The first definition, I believe, is the one most commonly used or most important. Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/utopia

Translated: My take on the first most common definition is that a Utopia is a perfect place or state. A place where there is no wrong, disagreement and all people that live there are happy and content with each other and themselves.

Part of speech: noun
There are no other forms of the word Utopia because it is a certain place.

Example sentences: 1. The small town was like a utopia, with the low crime rate and the close knit relationships of the community helped make the town more advanced.
2. The United States is unlike a utopia because of the excess amount of conflict and inconsistency in the social environment.

When to use it: The word utopia can easily be used in a English or social studies essay for school. It is a good word to summarize a place of no misdoings or conflicts and where all the people get along. Though this word can be used in school work it can also be used in everyday conservation. The conservation should be between a person in high school or older to guarantee there is no confusion. I can see myself using this word during conversation to describe a dream where nothing went wrong and all was perfect.

Synonyms: My word is a lot like dreamland, but it's different because a dreamland is almost always imaginary or just a place that one can only dream about. While utopia can be like a dream like place because of how perfect it is but can also be a very real place.

Antonyms: My word is pretty much the exact opposite of the word hell because hell symbolizes a place of corruption and horror while utopia symbolizes a place of perfection and happiness.

Usefulness: I give utopia three out of five stars because although the word is a useful word to use when describing a prefect, dream-like place, utopia is hard to use because of its exact definition of perfection. When actuarially using this word, you need to be talking about a place that has nothing wrong with it. I know for a fact that most places I bring up in conversation may seem perfect and like a utopia but technically by definition it isn't a utopia but it is not exactly perfect. It is useful in certain situations but many locations can't be classified as a utopia so it is hard to bring up in general conversation.



Explanation: This picture shows an example of a utopia because in the picture it shows great advances in structure and technology which could symbolize a society of peace without conflict. This "perfect" society helped to advance the city to the great lengths that they show in this picture.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

WORD #2: Fickle

Fickle       [fik-uhl]


Definitions:
1.Likely to change,due to caprice, irresolution or instability.
2. Not constant or loyal in affections.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fickle




Translation: My take on this word would have to be when things always change and never stay the same. They are constantly always moving,changing and unstable.

Part of Speech: Adjective


Other forms of the word:
Fickleness (noun)
Unfickle (adjective)




Example Sentences:
1. My aunt was a fickle bachelorette, who dated people all the time.
2. Some friends have the fickleness of changing their clothes five times before deciding on the outfit.


When is the best time to use: The word fickle is best used when you are talking to someone of not such high importance to you just because the word sounds funny, and can mislead a conversation. Maybe when talking to a friend, coworker or someone you have known for a while. Not an aquaitance because you don't want to use this word when you are first meeting someone as it may give off the wrong impression.


Synonyms: My Word is alot like variable,because it means capable of being changed or varied so it may or may not change while fickle means to frequently change and never stay the same. but different than constant which is keeping things the same.

Antonyms: My word is pretty much the exact opposite of constant. Which means not changing or varying, always staying the same. In contrast, fickle means to frequently change or always be changing. 


Usefulness: I would give fickle a 2 out of 5 stars just because of the way it sounds, it could mislead a conversation and turn what could be a positive conversation to a negative one.It is also a funny sounding word and the person saying the word could accidently misuse the word without knowing it.

Explanation:
In this picture it shows fickle quite well, just because it means always changing, which is exactly what the moon does, always changing and never stays on side forever. It moves always and constatly all over the place.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Dy9IMIuGz4

This video shows a girl at the beach calling her friend to come out and see the waves to surf on. When the girl arrives at the beach she notices she has missed the good waves as the conditions had changed frequently providing the example that the Florida waves are fickle.


The word is used at 4 seconds and 54 seconds. It is exemplified at 16 seconds then at 51 seconds.