Please share any sophisticated words with me. Im feeling quite "British" at the moment.
2006-08-19 16:41:30 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
May I suggest the OED word for the day?
http://www.oed.com/cgi/display/wotd
There are several words for the day links, (see source)
"I will use big words from time to time, the meanings
of which I may only vaguely perceive, in hopes such
cupidity will send you scampering to your dictionary:
I will call such behavior "public service."
- Harlan Ellison
2006-08-19 16:55:20 · answer #1 · answered by icprofit6000 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's quite interesting how you relate British people with sophistication.
Vocabulary words that I just adore!:
1) aphorism
2) subversive
3) decidedly (not that uncommon, but it's a word I love using!)
4) lovelorn
5) contrite
6) whereas
7) apropos
8) subpoena
9) jurisdiction
10) essentially
Foreign words that I simply LOVE using:
1) exempli gratia: for example (Latin)
2) id est: it is/means (Latin)
3) perspicace: perspicacious(French)
4) coeur : heart(French)
5) ame: soul(French)
6) sang: blood (French)
7) larmes: tears (French)
8) flagrante delicto : caught in the act of committing an offense (typically sex) (Latin)
9) mignon: cute (French)
10) allez! : (you formal) go! (French)
It would have been easier to choose words if you had a specified topic though...
2006-08-20 04:39:04 · answer #2 · answered by Zyxxin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to use ordinary words rather than idioms to express your meaning. For example, instead of using "up my vocabulary," use "increase my vocabulary." Using words accurately is superior to trying to sound "sophisticated." Often people who try to sound sophisticated in order to impress, use malapropisms and look ridiculous.
2006-08-20 00:03:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every month ReadersDigest has a section called "Word Power?" It's a great way to "Up" your vocabulary...Reading alot of books will also increase your vocabulary...
2006-08-19 23:49:06 · answer #4 · answered by Ben 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dear Chap, I ever so much understand your inestimable desire to ellocute with sufficient dexterity. Perhaps it would be decidedly valetictory to invest in material of a type dedicated to such like. Perhaps a Funk and Wagnals.
Cherio and All that!
2006-08-19 23:56:34 · answer #5 · answered by Sweet Gran 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aphorism: This is an unexpurgated corpus expressly, specifically and completely devoid of nefarious locutions.
2006-08-22 17:39:09 · answer #6 · answered by qwertykph 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've considered the ramifications of my answering your question sarcastically and have decided to answer instead with a modicum of decorum.
2006-08-19 23:50:06 · answer #7 · answered by DontPanic 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Salient.
2006-08-20 00:31:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're grammatical enunciation's are far too copious for my diminutive apprehensions!
2006-08-19 23:45:50 · answer #9 · answered by sweet ivy lyn 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ooh! Instead of "boredom," use the word "ennui." :P
2006-08-19 23:48:20 · answer #10 · answered by jasm1548 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋