It can be defined as an involuntary state of mind resulting from a romantic attraction to another person combined with an overwhelming, obsessive need to have one’s feelings reciprocated.Į.g. The word limerence was coined only recently, in the 1970’s by psychologist Dorothy Tenov. The new parking fines are positively draconian. Derives from Draco, a 7th-century Athenian law scribe under whom small offenses had heavy punishments prescribing death for almost every offence.Į.g. DraconianĪn adjective to describe something that is excessively harsh and severe. ![]() I couldn’t hear over the cacophony of alarm bells. In a similar way, the word symphony (which means a harmonious arrangement of instruments) traces to phōnē and the Greek prefix syn-, which means together.Į.g. It descends from the Greek word phōnē which means sound or voice, and is joined with the Greek prefix kak-, meaning bad creating the meaning bad sound. CacophonyĪ cacophony is a harsh mixture of sounds. “Oh I couldn’t possibly accept…” Exclaimed Veronica upon being presented with a pair of diamond earrings, her natural affinity for accismus shining through. Aesop’s fable The Fox and the Grapes illustrates accismus when the fox dismisses some grapes he is unable to reach, stating that he is sure they are sour anyway.Į.g. AccismusĪ form of irony in which someone feigns indifference to something he or she desires. Showing the Pharaoh wearing a wristwatch was an obvious anachronism. Most anachronisms are there by mistake, especially within movies and television shows.Į.g. This is most common with old-fashioned items in a modern setting, but can also occur with futuristic items in period pieces. You’ll be using new and interesting language in no time! AnachronismĪn anachronism is something (or someone) that is out of place in terms of time or chronology. Take a couple of minutes to read through the list and write down the words, then try using them in a sentence. We’ve put together a short list of some of the more unusual words in English that you can add to your vocabulary after a little bit of memorisation and practice. It can also be fun to learn some less common words you might find it interesting to learn about their origins, and pick up some knowledge that could help you with further English studies, such as reading more complex texts. ![]() Learning new and unusual words will make your writing more interesting, impress your friends and colleagues, and help you to better articulate your ideas. ![]() It’s never a bad idea to try to increase your vocabulary in English.
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