8 33 pm est [ word ]
When I was 14 or so, I decided I needed a mystical name
for myself. In the grand tradition of destiny, I opened up a dictionary
and stuck my finger at a random spot on a random page...
hierophant
function: noun
date: 1677
etymology: Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophantes,
from hieros holy + phainein to show
1. A priest in ancient Greece; specifically: the chief
priest of the Eleusinian mysteries
2. An interpreter of sacred mysteries or arcane knowledge.
3. One who explains or makes a commentary.
4. Synonymous with a: EXPOSITOR, b: ADVOCATE
Hierophant was the perfect word. I still love it
today. The English lexicon is high up on my list of passions. In the book I am reading, I just came
across prevaricate [to deviate from the truth: EQUIVOCATE]. It was
the first word in the book I didn't know, and I had a strong urge to find
out its meaning. If I were online, I would immediately hop over to one of my favorite online
dictionaries. [Also visit my evolving entry on dictionaries.]
As I have mentioned before, I used to make long lists of words I didn't
know when I read books (like the one I
found in February). I would even take the time to look them up and
write them down. At other times, I would underline unknown words and
write the definitions in the margins.
There is a comfort in words. There is a comfort in
padding your vocabulary. There is a comfort in definitions -- meanings
that can be grasped and help on to. I liek to wrap myself in a juicy new
word. I try to use it three times in the week I learn it, to be sure I
remember it. My latest addition is:
fillip
function: noun
date: 1519
1: a: a blow or gesture made by the sudden forcible straightening
of a finger curled up against the thumb, b: a short sharp blow:
BUFFET
2: something tending to arouse or excite: as a: STIMULUS, b:
a trivial addition: EMBELLISHMENT, c: a significant and often
unexpected development: WRINKLE
* * *
two years ago
today: "Since I cannot hold onto my anger at all I had to reply
immediately, while I still felt the rage in my belly."
one year ago
today: "Theoretically we are supposed to be on the road to LA in two
hours, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen."
* * *
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