It is generally recognized that knowing a definition of a word does not indicate that it is understood. A word must be comprehended within its context (and how it is used) to fully grasp meanings. The ability to develop vocabulary … Continue reading…
“Virulent” means “highly infectious and deadly.” The Ebola virus, which kills over half of the people who catch it, is a virulent disease. Let’s hope that particular illness doesn’t become pandemic. Example: “The pandemic of 1918 was caused by a … Continue reading…
“Pandemic” means “widespread” – that is, covering a large geographic area and affecting many people. You’ll usually hear this in relation to an illness. In fact, an epidemic is promoted to “pandemic” status when it spreads beyond the usual range … Continue reading…
In today’s post I’d like to talk about vocabulary and reading. Don’t forget that our Vocabulary Builder Software incorporates all these techniques automatically to help you improve you vocabulary using easy steps. Reading is one way a learner can quickly and … Continue reading…
Imagine that one day you have to walk home by a different route, because they’re doing construction on the main street to mitigate the traffic congestion. You walk by a small restaurant you’ve never seen before, and go in for … Continue reading…
There won’t be much tension to mitigate when you’re with someone congenial. “Congenial” means “having the same likes and dislikes”. You and your best friend are likely congenial kindred spirits. If you’re in a group of people who enjoy the … Continue reading…
If there’s conflict between two people in a group, one thing an amiable person can do is help decrease, or mitigate the tension. “Mitigate” means to reduce or decrease the effect of something negative. Sometimes that negative thing is more … Continue reading…
“Equanimity” means “calmness, especially during stressful situations”. It’s a characteristic of someone who maintains his or her composure. It’s often used to refer to a person’s way of speaking as well as their attitude – for example, “Although his tone … Continue reading…
An affable person is someone who is sociable and easy to talk to, and also someone who finds it easy to talk to other people. “Affable” means “friendly”, but in a quiet, calm way. Affable people are not necessarily the … Continue reading…
Today’s word (which sounds pretty good to me) is “sinecure“. This might be your ultimate goal when using a curriculum vitae to find work – a sinecure is a job where you don’t have any duties or responsibilities, but you … Continue reading…