A transmutation is a change that might not be apparent on the surface. By contrast, a metamorphosis is a complete change in form or substance. Depending on the circumstances, possible synonyms for “metamorphosis” include “reinvention” and “rebirth.”

Example:  “Children are always amazed at the process of metamorphosis that changes a lumpy leaf-chewing caterpillar into a delicate, nectar-sipping butterfly.”

“Transmute” is a verb meaning to alter, change or convert something. This change can be to the form or substance of an object or, on a metaphysical level, to a basic characteristic. A synonym for “transmute” is “transform.”

Example:  “The tropical fruit called ackee is poisonous when raw, but boiling the fruit will transmute the toxic substances into harmless compounds, and you can enjoy the ackee cooked with eggs and peppers in a traditional Jamaican dish.”

A “gratuity” is a gift or reward for service. Depending on where you are, a gratuity might also be called a “tip” or a “pourboire.” This last word comes from the French for “to have a drink” and refers to the coins you leave on the table for your server, so that they might get a pint for themselves after they’re off work.

Example:  “Restaurants often add an automatic gratuity of eighteen percent for large groups of people at one table; perhaps they think it makes it easier for their customers, but I rather resent it when the service has been poor.”

“Philanthropy” means giving money to support a cause or institution, or charitable giving in general. Technically, the word implies that the money is given in the spirit of charity or love as well, and not just as a tax deduction – the word was coined from the Greek words for “love” and “mankind” – but today it’s used in the more generic sense of “giving to charity” without assigning any particular benevolent intent to the giver.

Example:  “Even at eight years old, Leah seems to have a natural tendency towards philanthropy; she always shares her sweets with her classmates.”

“Appreciate” in this case means “an increase in value over time” but it’s also used to mean “an awareness of value.” You’ll definitely appreciate how fast your money will appreciate in a high-interest savings fund.

Example:  “Stock and bonds can be volatile, so I decided to use my money to purchase antiques and fine art, whose value will continue to appreciate no matter what the financial markets are doing.”

“Prudent” means careful or practical; in this case, it means frugal and not extravagant.

Example:  “She was left a very small inheritance from her mother, but because of her prudent investments, she had enough to live on after retiring.”

“Parsimonious” means unwilling to spend money. Someone who is parsimonious is very frugal – some might even say “stingy.” While the word “parsimonious” can be used for anyone who keeps a tight hold on their spending, it’s often applied to people who go a bit too far in that direction.

Example:  “I don’t enjoy going to restaurants with him; he’s so parsimonious he calculates the bill down to the last penny, and never leaves more than a few dollars for the server.”

To “complement” something means to complete it, either by providing something that was missing, or by providing an additional element that makes something better. In this case, then, we might imagine that the fruitiness of the wine enhanced the flavors of the strawberries, or that the strawberries were so sweet that the dryness of the wine provided a pleasing balance. Remember when using the word “complement” – spelled C-O-M-P-L-*E*-M-E-N-T – that you are not thinking of the word “compliment” – spelled C-O-M-P-L-*I*-M-E-N-T – which means saying something nice to someone.

Example: “Sarah is pleased at the compliments she’s getting about how well her flower arrangements complement the linens on the tables.”

“Replete” means “full of” – in the previous sentence, the diners are full of satisfaction after a delicious meal.

Example:  “Ella’s birthday party was perfect: the weather was sunny, the guests enjoyed themselves, and the cake was delicious. She went to bed replete with happiness.”

“Carnivorous” is an adjective meaning “meat-eating.”

Example:  “I’ve been a vegetarian for over twenty years, and have learned how to cook meals that are so tasty, even my carnivorous friends don’t miss the meat.”