Author Topic: Darkstorme's Word of the Day (Read 19321 times)

Chazzler · « **Reply #120 on:** November 09, 2010, 06:49:00 AM »

*nods* I remember a mention of Wolfswoods Ranger Corps from somewhere

darkstorme · « **Reply #121 on:** November 10, 2010, 01:42:00 AM »

If you find uses for the words in this thread, people may call you...

Perspicacious

If an individual is perspicacious (purse-pih-kay-shus), it means they are possessed of particularly keen mental perception and understanding, or are a particularly discerning individual. (As someone who uses these words to good effect would be!)

The quality of being perspicacious is called perspicacity.

Usage:

The perspicacious youth quickly took in all the master taught him - he was able to cast his first cantrip barely two months into his training!
The young wemic's eyes lit with perspicacity and understanding.

Reference:

darkstorme · « **Reply #122 on:** November 11, 2010, 01:18:16 AM »

Well, now my thoughts are in a bit of a...

Welter

An interesting word, welter (well-ter) has to do with disorder, mess, and what one can do in it.

As a noun, a welter is a disorganized mass, a jumble of items, or effort without a goal.

As a verb, to welter is to soak, sink, or get deeply involved in something, to writhe and toss in something, or to be in turmoil (that is, to become an instance of the noun form of the word).

Usage:

Following the rope had been easy until this point, but now the rope disappeared into a welter of rope, twine, cord, and string. Teasing it out could take years.
The cleric lay weltering in her own blood, as it spread in a pool around her fallen body.

Reference:

darkstorme · « **Reply #123 on:** November 13, 2010, 01:15:52 AM »

A two-for-one deal!

Pusillanimous

Calling someone pusillanimous (pew-sil-lan-ih-muss) is not a compliment. It means cowardly, timid, lacking utterly in courage.

Usage:

"You pathetic, pedantic, pusillanimous pencil-pusher!" Timulty spat alliteratively.
The pusillanimous mayor shook behind his desk as the bloodstained adventurers filed into his office, venom in their eyes.

Reference:

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Noxious

If something is noxious (nock-shuss), it is harmful, unpleasant, or injurious, either to one's physical or mental well-being.

Usage:

The noxious rumour started by the Corathites was spreading dissent and corruption throughout the town's militia.
A noxious smell spread through the inn. "Has Vrebel taken his boots off again?"

Reference:

Aerimor · « **Reply #124 on:** November 13, 2010, 10:44:55 AM »

As a person who has bought and wore a pair of Arkolio's boots second hand, let me assure you, Vrebel has nothing on Ark. I acid washed those things and fed them to a Gelatinous Cube and they still had a funk.

willhoff · « **Reply #125 on:** November 13, 2010, 12:50:08 PM »

Razeriem buying second hand? and from Ark no less? I can't believe it! Vrebel's funk comes from blood and sweat not sure he can compete with Ark's.

Alatriel · « **Reply #126 on:** November 13, 2010, 12:58:02 PM »

Oh no... that was Aerimor way back in the day. Razeriem would never have thought to wear something that smelled that disgusting.

Aerimor · « **Reply #127 on:** November 13, 2010, 12:58:13 PM »

Who said Raz? I sold the boots years ago and Alatriel still says there is a ghost of the funk infused in her house.

willhoff · « **Reply #128 on:** November 13, 2010, 01:16:21 PM »

Hehe, okay Raz is redeemed then sorta:) Now I know why Aerimor spends all his time in the woods :p

darkstorme · « **Reply #129 on:** November 14, 2010, 01:44:44 AM »

Acquiesce

To acquiesce (ah-kwee-ess) to something or someone is to agree, to submit to the authority of others, or to accept something without protest (though there may have been protest before that point).

The act of acquiescing is known as acquiescence.

Usage:

The people of Alindor acquiesced to Milara`s demands. They didn`t have much of a choice in the matter.
Sophia savoured the man`s acquiescence.

Reference:

darkstorme · « **Reply #130 on:** November 15, 2010, 01:31:34 AM »

Something of a holdover from last month, but still useful:

Eldritch

A term that's useful when dealing with anything magically strange or eerie - and a particular favourite of those authors who follow in H.P. Lovecraft's footsteps - the word eldritch (Ell-dritch) is usually followed by "horror". The word means, variously, weird, eerie, unearthly, spooky, alien, or unnatural.

Usage:

There was an eldritch feel to the air as Argali entered the cave. She doubled up her grip on her axe, and pressed on.
"It's at times like these," Arkolio said, as the party watched the massive eldritch abomination rise from the murky water, "that I am reminded of something a wise man once said." "R-really? What's that?" "Run!" came the rapidly fading reply.

Reference:

darkstorme · « **Reply #131 on:** November 16, 2010, 01:47:40 AM »

Everything's gone right, the party has won the day... you're feeling pretty...

Jubilant

If you feel jubilant (joo-bih-lant), you feel joyous, satisfied - you're rejoicing or triumphant.

The activity of jubilant people, or the feeling they experience, is jubilation.

Usage:

The jubilant celebration following the return of the party, lost children in tow, was something to remember.
It's always strange to see Prunillan festivals - normally somewhat restrained halflings left bubbly and jubilant.

Reference:

darkstorme · « **Reply #132 on:** November 17, 2010, 01:41:54 AM »

Beating up on giants is definitely a source of...

Catharsis

Originally from the Greek for "cleansing", catharsis (ka-thar-siss) is a purging of emotion or relieving of emotional tension - Ilsarans take note! - particularly through music or art.

It can also be a discharge of emotions through some activity (for example, beating up giants) to relieve stress or resolve another psychological condition.

In medicine, a catharsis is a... purging. The less said about it, the better.

Something that induces or aids in a catharsis is called cathartic.

Usage:

Few people know this, but there is an unofficial holiday for Aeridinites where they take old pottery, set it up on stands throughout the temple, and smash it to bits with staves. It's apparently very cathartic, and helps relieve tensions.
"One has a wonderful sense of catharsis after a truly righteous fireball", the mage mused.

Reference:

darkstorme · « **Reply #133 on:** November 18, 2010, 01:43:17 AM »

Looking for something to call that cute little CHA 18+ elven lass? How about...

Comely

Comely (kum-lee) means beautiful, attractive, or pleasant to look at, particularly when the subject is female. It is almost exclusively applied to humanoids - or, occasionally, animals - rather than inanimate objects.

Usage:

Freldo was sure that the comely barwench was giving him the eye. Mind you, he was also sure that there were dancing teakettles on the ceiling. The dwarves are brewing exceptional ale these days, aren't they?
Arynne was lithe, clever, and comely in her skintight green leathers. Oh, and she carried a sword strapped to each hip. That's rangers for you.

Reference:

gilshem ironstone · « **Reply #134 on:** November 18, 2010, 08:32:21 AM »

Anyone remember "Unearthed Arcana"? They made comeliness an attribute? Those were the days... Also introduced the barbarian class to the D&D world...

darkstorme · « **Reply #135 on:** November 19, 2010, 12:45:50 AM »

Eponym

An eponym (eh-pon-nim) is a person (real or fictitious) from whose name the name of an object, group, place, or concept is derived, or the word thus derived.

The person whose name is used as an eponym is eponymous.

Usage:

Remarkably, Milara settled for the similar-sounding nomenclature of Rilara for the conquered continent of Alindor, rather than becoming a straightforward eponym.
Lord Rael is the eponymous ruler of the Rael Kingdom.

References:

darkstorme · « **Reply #136 on:** November 20, 2010, 01:51:10 AM »

Sometimes these words seem to prey on my thoughts. Or, maybe not prey, but...

Gnaw

To gnaw (nawh) something is to bite or nibble at it with one's teeth. It can also be a description of the activity that went into making something by biting - rats can gnaw a hole, for instance.

The word can also describe any source of irritation or vexation - something can be described as gnawing at you (or your thoughts) without actual nibbling taking place.

Usage:

"All of you laughed at me for having a badger as my animal companion!" cried the ranger as the badger gnawed through the ropes binding the party together. "Who's laughing now?!?"
The halfling's promise of retribution gnawed on Raz. He found himself looking over his shoulder, shying away from doorframes that could be trapped. When would the prank come?

References:

darkstorme · « **Reply #137 on:** November 21, 2010, 01:44:27 AM »

In honour of the rather unexpected snowfall...

Glacial

Glacial (glay-shul) is a multipurpose adjective. All of its meanings have something to do with massive, multi-million-ton slabs of ice, but different aspects of said slabs.

One meaning has to do with ice - things that are devoid of warmth, extremely cold, unaffected by heat or emotion.

Another use has to do with the pace at which glaciers move - anything that moves extremely slowly could be described as glacial as well.

Finally, due to the profound effect of millions of tons of ice grinding along a landscape, certain geographical features have the word "glacial" preceding them (valleys, plains, etc.).

(It can also be used to refer to a period of Earth's geologic past, but I don't know if that applies particularly well to Layonara.)

Usage:

The glacial winds howling through the mountains chilled Caighd to the marrow.
Compared to the wildfire racing towards them through the woods, the wagon seemed to be moving at a glacial pace.

Reference:

darkstorme · « **Reply #138 on:** November 25, 2010, 03:42:48 AM »

I'm back, kiddies!

Recount

What with the recent voting shenanigans in the U.S., this verb (and occasionally noun) has been attached to the enumeration of items for a second time.

That notwithstanding, far more likely to be employed in Layonara is the other meaning of recount (ree-count) - to tell the story of an event.

Usage:

Breathlessly, Lana recounted what they had seen.
The citizens recounted the events that had transpired to the captain of the guard.

Reference:

recount - definition of recount by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.
Recount - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

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Recant

To recant (ree-kant) something is to formally retract or disavow a previously-held belief or statement. It isn't necessarily (but is often) in public.

It can also be to revoke something granted by a preceding statement.

Usage:

The prisoner had been a Corathite cultist, but the warden reported that the man had recanted his former allegiances and devoted himself to good.
"Any time I told you that I was your friend?" The Aeridinite turned away, tears in her eyes. "I recant those words. I never wish to see you again."

References:

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Regale

Not to be confused with a royal adjective, to regale (ree-gayle) someone (or multiple someones) is to entertain them (bards, take note!) or to provide a feast for them (which would also be entertaining, in another sense of the word).

As a noun, a regale is a feast or other refreshments.

Usage:

Rudigore regaled the party with tales of his ancestors. He barely noticed when the party left, in fact.
The opening of the Leringard Arms was accompanied by a rare regale.

Reference:

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Revile

To revile (ree-vile) someone is to subject them to verbal abuse. To revile in general is to engage in verbal abuse.

Usage:

The party reviled the sorcerer at length after he tortured the farmer for information.
Eruanna would revile at the drop of a hat - for the education of those listening, of course.

References:

And with all that, I have returned. Cheers!

darkstorme · « **Reply #139 on:** November 26, 2010, 02:56:50 AM »

If something's worth doing, it's worth doing with..

Relish

Most people have doubtless enjoyed relish as a condiment. But that's just one of the many applications of this versatile word!

As a noun, it can mean several things. A sauce made from pickles or some other zesty ingredient is one of them - but that is only the most recent of its meanings. Before that, it meant the characteristic flavour of a dish (a dish's relish), particularly if that flavour was zesty or pleasing in some other manner, and it retains that meaning as well.

Beyond that, a relish can be just enough of something edible to allow the imbiber to sample the taste of the foodstuff. This can be expanded to experiences as well - just enough of an experience to characterize it is its relish.

Finally, enjoyment, delight, satisfaction, or some other strong liking for an activity is said to be a relish for that action.

The verb form of the word is associated with this last definition - to relish something is to be pleased or gratified by it.

Etymologically speaking, the second and third definitions of the noun came first, since the word derives from the old French for "taste". Enjoyment of that taste followed, expanded (as a verb and a noun) to mean general enjoyment. And finally, someone decided that they enjoyed a new type of condiment so much, they relished it.

Usage:

Angela took a moment to relish her victory before she extended a hand to help her erstwhile opponent up.
With great relish, Graccus informed the struggling pickpocket that, having been caught in the act, he was subject to immediate imprisonment.

Reference: