Many English words have multiple meanings, and learning to use words correctly in context, according to a specific definition, is an important skill to learn as you increase your English vocabulary. When you’re first studying a word, check a dictionary to find out all of the different ways that word can be used, and when you’re writing out your practice sentences, make sure you include at least one version using the word in each of its common usages. If there’s an archaic meaning or definition listed in the dictionary (it will usually be at the bottom of the list) then you don’t need to focus on that, unless you’re interested in reading English literature of that era.

Sometimes two of the common definitions for a word will have meanings that appear to contradict each other. Again, context is important when considering the meaning and usage of a word, so think about the words as they would be used in a sentence, and not just as they are defined. An example of a word with potentially conflicting meanings is foible (FOY-buhl). This noun has two^* primary definitions:

1. a person’s habit or mannerism that is somewhat strange and/or silly

2. a person’s moral weakness or failure

As you can see, if you are referring to someone’s odd habit, you’re not necessarily condemning them for it. Here are two examples of the word in context:

Example 1: The producer put up with all of the actor’s foibles – including his insistence on having fresh figs in his suite at all times and his demand that every visitor to the suite wear something green for luck – in hopes that having him in the starring role would bring in the biggest audiences.

Example 2: That dentist used to spend his lunch hour dosing himself with nitrous oxide, and while none of his patients ever filed a complaint, the medical board found it to be a potentially harmful foible, and withdrew his license.

In general, the first usage is more common, and you’ll most often hear the word used in the plural form. Some synonyms for foible (using this first definition) are eccentricity, peculiarity, and idiosyncrasy.

* If you’re a fencer, you’ll also know that the word refers to the top third of a sword, nearest the point – the weakest section of the sword.

If you as a constituent were presented with a referendum on an appropriations bill that was proposed for an upcoming legislative budget (see this post for definitions of these three highlighted words), you might not have the time or the ability to research all of the financial details involved before casting your vote. In that case, you would have to depend on the probity of the legislators who put the bill together. The word probity means “complete honesty and integrity.” Someone who is known for their probity can be trusted to keep their word, to tell the truth, and to do the right thing. The word comes from the Latin root probus, meaning “virtuous” and is pronounced PRO-bih-tee.

Example: Her reputation for probity makes her a well-respected judge in the district court system.

Prove is another word that comes from the same root. In the Middle Ages, “to prove” meant “to show to be worthy of.” The word approve meant “to agree that something is worthy.” These days, we are more likely to define the verb “to prove” as “to demonstrate that something is true” and “to approve” as “to give permission for, having found that something is good.”

Other related words are the noun reprobate (the Latin prefix re- meaning “not” makes the etymological definition essentially “someone not having probity”) and reprove, which means “to disapprove or condemn.” The word probation also comes from the same root, and means “a time of testing” – that is, a time in which one must prove oneself. This word is often used in the workplace; a new employee might be hired on probation for a certain time period, during which the employer and employee make sure that the person is suited for the position. An existing employee might be placed on probation if they have done something wrong, as an alternative to being fired immediately, though with the understanding that if they repeat their error, they will be fired.

We hope this post proves to you the usefulness of doing some research into the origins of words, so that you can see how they relate to each other, and how helpful that can be when you’re faced with unfamiliar words. Test it out for yourself!

We know some of you are looking for hints on what to study for the SAT (or PSAT) or, if you’re planning on applying to graduate school, the GRE. In the past we’ve talked about strategies for studying vocabulary, and from time to time we also highlight specific words that frequently appear on such tests, either in the vocabulary identification section, where you’re required to define or use a word, or in the reading comprehension section, where knowledge of a word’s meaning in the context of a sentence or paragraph is essential. You can find some more tips for test preparation here and here, but today we’re going to look at eight words that will help you succeed on these tests, and in your personal and professional life as well.

mandatory (MAN-duh-toh-ree) adjective
Definition: Required or obligatory, especially at the command of a superior.
Example: It is mandatory to achieve a score of 85 or above on this test before moving to the next level.

versatile (VER-sih-tuhl) adjective
Definition: Being able to do, or be used for, a great number and variety of things.
Example: In the hands of a skilled carpenter, even a clumsy hatchet can be a versatile tool.

exemplary (eg-ZEM-pluh-ree) adjective
Definition: Perfect, ideal; worthy of praise or admiration.
Example: Alex received the “Model Student” award for her exemplary conduct during the school year, having incurred no demerits or marks against her in any class or activity.

repertoire (REP-uh-twahr) noun
Definition: A set of works – usually of music, dance, or literature – that a person or group knows by heart and can perform at any time.
Example: It’s every actor’s dream to add “Hamlet” to his repertoire of theatrical roles.

impeccable (im-PECK-uh-bull) adjective
Definition: Having no faults or flaws; perfect.
Example: The health inspectors rated that restaurant very highly for the impeccable cleanliness of the floors and counters in their kitchen area.

arduous (AR-dyew-us) adjective
Definition: Requiring a great deal of energy and endurance; difficult, demanding, exhausting.
Example: At least 1,200 people each year attempt the arduous climb to the top of Alaska’s Mt. Denali, but fewer than half of them reach the summit.

symbiosis (SIM-bee-OH-sis) noun
Definition: A relationship between two entities that benefits both of them.
Example: The bright orange-and-white clownfish in the Indonesian oceans live in symbiosis with sea anemones on coral reefs there, each protecting and nurturing the other.

fallacious (fuh-LAY-shuhs) adjective
Definition: False or misleading.
Example: Even though Julian’s argument was fallacious, he won the debate tournament because the opposing team could not come up with facts to refute his statements.

As we’ve said before, the more ways you study a word, the better able you are to remember it – not only its definition, but how to spell it, and how to use it correctly in context. So here’s your assignment for tomorrow: look up the etymology of each of these words, create one or two more sample sentences using each word, and (where possible) come up with two or three synonyms and antonyms for each word.

This assignment is mandatory. Show us how versatile you can be in your vocabulary study!