A “zenith” is the highest point. If you’re speaking of something measured in terms of time, it’s the culmination of that timeline. You’ll also hear the word used in astronomy: the zenith is the point directly above any particular location … Continue reading…
Vocabulary flashcards are a very effective learning tool if used in the right manner. A repetitive technique involving a combination of known and unknown words known as interspersing has multiple techniques of application. Drill sandwich and incremental rehearsal are two … Continue reading…
Your curriculum vitae is place to list your skills and accomplishments. Someone who is highly skilled at something is called a “virtuoso.” This word is often used to refer to artists and musicians, but there are virtuoso computer programmers and … Continue reading…
“Prestigious” means “having a good reputation” and “held in high esteem.” The word also has the meaning of something that has influence because of its high position, and that the influence and esteem will spread to those who are connected … Continue reading…
“Propitious” has the same root as “propel” and the same meaning of “moving forward.” It also refers to a favorable or advantageous situation. Something that is propitious moves you forward toward your goals; something auspicious smoothes the path in front … Continue reading…
All the signs point towards your success now that you’re learning how to use these Ultimate Vocabulary words. And the first two words in this section refer to favorable circumstances: auspicious and propitious. They both mean favorable, advantageous, boding well, … Continue reading…
“Latent” means present but hidden, ready to come out of hiding if the circumstances are right. Example: “We didn’t realize Jane was so musical until a neighbor gave us their old piano; her latent talent emerged once she started playing, … Continue reading…
To “proliferate” means to spread rapidly, or to increase. Example: “The wild rabbit was introduced into Australia in the 1850s to provide hunting sport, but no-one expected the population to proliferate as much as it did, and rabbits quickly became … Continue reading…
“Contiguous” means connected, touching, or adjacent, without any break. Example: “Although the atlas shows lines dividing the countries at their borders, when you’re walking across the land, it’s a contiguous whole, and the borders seem irrelevant.”
To “circumscribe” means to limit or restrict. Its literal meaning is “to draw a line around” – that is, to create a boundary containing one thing inside and keeping others out. Example: “The novices’ activities were very circumscribed during the … Continue reading…