Words, Everyday! – February 2024

Even as native speakers of the English language, it is still crucial for us to continue learning new words. You may wonder what is the point of learning so much new vocabulary if we can communicate with one another effectively using simple words. However, understanding new phrases, especially that of foreign origins, help us understand our language better. It also unlocks new frontiers in literature and our daily lives.

1 Feb – Quid pro quo

Type: Noun

Origin: Latin

Definition: A favour or advantage granted with an expected reciprocation

2 Feb – Dignitary

Type: Noun

Origin: English

Definition: Someone thought to be important based on his or her rank or office

3 Feb – Thanatophobia

Type: Noun

Origin: Greek

Definition: A fear of death

4 Feb – Decrepit

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Worn out or damaged due to age or neglect

5 Feb – Ephemeral

Type: Adjective

Origin: Greek

Definition: Lasting for a short period

6 Feb – Jejune

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Naïve, simplistic, superficial; a dry or uninteresting idea or writing

7 Feb – Jocular

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Humorous or playful

8 Feb – Obtrusive

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way.

9 Feb – Consternation

Type: Noun

Origin: Latin

Definition: Being anxious or dismal due to something unexpected

10 Feb – Vicissitude

Type: Noun

Origin: Latin

Definition: A change in situation or fortune that is usually unwelcomed or unpleasant

11 Feb – Bedraggled

Type: Adjective

Origin: English

Definition: Dishevelled

12 Feb – Ostentation

Type: Noun

Origin: Latin

Definition: The pretentious or showy display of wealth and luxury meant to impress

13 Feb – Propensity

Type: Noun

Origin: Latin

Definition: The tendency to behave in a certain manner

14 Feb – Corpulent

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: A fat person

15 Feb – Reprobate

Type: Noun, Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: An unprincipled person; unprincipled

16 Feb – Incongruous

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Not in harmony with the surroundings or other aspects of something

17 Feb – Downtrodden

Type: Adjective

Origin: English

Definition: Oppressed or mistreated by people in power

18 Feb – Cognizant

Type: Adjective

Origin: English

Definition: To know or to be aware

19 Feb – Vexatious

Type: Adjective

Origin: French

Definition: To tend to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry

20 Feb – Machiavellian

Type: Adjective

Origin: Italian

Definition: Cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous in politics

21 Feb – Deplorable

Type: Adjective

Origin: French

Definition: Absolutely unacceptable and should be condemned

22 Feb – Vouchsafe

Type: Noun

Origin: English

Definition: Granting someone something graciously or condescendingly; revealing or disclosing information

23 Feb – Irascible

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Easily angered

24 Feb – Conciliatory

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Tend to pacify

25 Feb – Banal

Type: Adjective

Origin: French

Definition: To be so unoriginal to the point that it is obvious or boring

26 Feb – Caustic

Type: Adjective

Origin: Greek

Definition: Sarcastic in a scathing and bitter manner

27 Feb – Tawdry

Type: Adjective

Origin: English

Definition: Something that is showy but of cheap and poor quality

28 Feb – Clandestine

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Done in secret, mostly due to it being illegal

29 Feb – Notorious

Type: Adjective

Origin: Latin

Definition: Famous or well-known, typically for some bad quality or deed.