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10 matching synonym questions
Etymology: [ab (Latin), "from" + unda, "a wave"]
to exist in great quantity or number; to be prevalent
The English language abounds in exact, vigorous, and colorful words to express all shades of meaning.
Synonyms: prevail, thrive, flourish
Antonyms: lack
Etymology: [mot (Anglo-Saxon), "a meeting for discussion"]
a topic that no longer requires debate; lacking practical significance; purely academic
Paul was set to argue with the hospital about their decision to not remove life support from his comatose wife. However, since she died of natural causes this morning, the argument is now moot.
Synonyms: irrelevant, no longer important, debatable, controversial
NOTE: The adjective form of the word is a contronym — that is, a word that has two opposing meanings. In the United States and Canada, the adjective form takes on the meaning "a topic that no longer requires debate; irrelevant; no longer important." In England and other parts of the world, it has the meaning of "debatable or arguable."
The opposing meanings appear to have arisen from how the word is used in the law. In American law schools, in order for students to gain courtroom experience, they take part in a class called "moot court." In that class, mock or hypothetical trials are held. The cases are invented by the teacher and hence no practical outcome will take place. From this practice, people seem to have assumed that a "moot point" is one of no importance. Therefore, the meaning (at least in North America) has shifted from the original sense of "open to debate" to "irrelevant; no longer important."
The opposing meanings appear to have arisen from how the word is used in the law. In American law schools, in order for students to gain courtroom experience, they take part in a class called "moot court." In that class, mock or hypothetical trials are held. The cases are invented by the teacher and hence no practical outcome will take place. From this practice, people seem to have assumed that a "moot point" is one of no importance. Therefore, the meaning (at least in North America) has shifted from the original sense of "open to debate" to "irrelevant; no longer important."
Etymology: [pseudonyme (French); from pseudonymos (Greek); from pseudes, "false" + onyma, onama, "name"]
a false name assumed by a writer
The novelist Mary Ann Evans used the pseudonym "George Eliot" in order to conceal the true identity of her sex.
Synonyms: pen name, nom de plume, alias
NOTE: Pseudo is the English prefix from the Greek pseudes, meaning false.
Etymology: [ordal (Anglo-Saxon), "dealing out judgment"]
a severe test of courage or perseverance
While waiting to hear the outcome of his trial, the accused underwent an ordeal marked by keen anxiety.
Synonyms: trial, suffering, tribulation
THE STORY BEHIND THE WORD
From early times until about the thirteenth century a person who was accused of crime was compelled to prove his guilt or innocence by his ability to pass unscorched over flames or to survive submersion. At other times, he was expected to stand trial by defeating his accuser in battle. These tests were called ordeal by fire, by water, or by battle. The word ordeal has come to mean in modern English any severe experience which tests a person's courage or spirit.
From early times until about the thirteenth century a person who was accused of crime was compelled to prove his guilt or innocence by his ability to pass unscorched over flames or to survive submersion. At other times, he was expected to stand trial by defeating his accuser in battle. These tests were called ordeal by fire, by water, or by battle. The word ordeal has come to mean in modern English any severe experience which tests a person's courage or spirit.
Etymology: [recantare (Latin), from re, "back" + cantare, "to sing"]
to withdraw publicly an opinion previously held or avowed
Despite the severe punishment with which he was threatened, the victim of totalitarian tyranny refused to recant his democratic ideals.
Synonyms: renounce, abjure, rescind, retract
Antonyms: avow, aver, affirm, announce, asseverate, avouch, acknowledge, declare
Etymology: [deviare, deviatus (Late Latin); from de (Latin), "away from" + viare, "to travel"; from via, "a way," "a road"]
to turn aside from a customary direction or the right course
If he is the kind of politician who believes that the most important thing is to get himself elected, how can he say that he now refuses to deviate from his principles?
Synonyms: digress, swerve, veer, wander
NOTE: As a noun, deviate is used to mean an individual who differs markedly from the average.
Etymology: [opprobrare (Latin), "to taunt"; from ob, "against" + probrum, "disgraceful act"]
disgrace or shame as a result of evil actions; reproach mixed with contempt; reproachful and contemptuous language
His latest offense called forth the opprobrium of his own party.
Synonyms: infamy, contumely, ignominy, odium
Antonyms: commendation, encomium, flattery, eulogy
Etymology: [canis (Latin), "dog"]
pertaining to dogs; doglike
These photographs of his canine and feline pets are among the best animal pictures that I have ever seen.
Synonyms: doggish, doggy
NOTE : The canine family includes dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals.
Etymology: [didasktikos (Greek), from didaskein, "to teach"]
designed to instruct; imparting a lesson
A good example of didactic poetry is Alexander Pope's "An Essay on Criticism," which offers advice and opinions.
Synonyms: instructive, pedagogical, explanatory
NOTE: Didactic has an unfavorable sense when used to refer to a person. It means "too much inclined to instruct others against their will or at unsuitable occasions."
Etymology: [French; from indigere (Latin), "to stand in need of"; from indu, "in" + egere, "to need"]
poverty-stricken
Private philanthropy in America provides for thousands of indigent families who are not otherwise capable of supporting themselves.
Synonyms: destitute, impecunious, needy, poor
Antonyms: wealthy, affluent, moneyed, rich, opulent