As a writer, I love words. But I also know that this isn’t the case for everyone. Just today I was writing and I had the opportunity to use the word “juxtaposition” in a sentence only to be asked the meaning later on by the client I was completing the piece for. And frankly, that’s no problem! I love teaching people new things, especially when it comes to language. Therefore, I decided it might be fun to discuss some great words in the English language that we don’t use nearly enough.
I feel that everyone benefits when people have the chance to expand their vocabulary and learn something new. With that thought in mind, I compiled a list of 10 words that I personally feel are pretty interesting and unique. If you have ever been a fan of the word-a-day calendars, this blog post is for you.
- Discombobulate: v., upset, confuse.
- Plethora: n., excess, superfluity.
- Juxtaposition: n., the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side; also, the state of being so placed.
- Serendipity: n., luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for.
- Shenanigan: n., 1. A devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose; 2. a.: tricky or questionable practices of conduct— usually used in plural (shenanigans); b.: high-spirited or mischievous activity—usually used in plural (shenanigans).
- Flabbergast, v., to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder.
- Defenestration, n., 1. a throwing of a person or thing out of a window; 2. a usually swift dismissal or expulsion (as from a political party or office).
- Soliloquy, n., 1. the act of talking to oneself; 2. a dramatic monologue that represents a series of unspoken reflections.
- Ubiquitous, adj., existing or being everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered, widespread.
- Oxymoron, n., a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness); broadly, something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements.
Now, I challenge you to make it a point of using one or even all of these words either in your everyday speech, in an email or even in a post on Facebook or Twitter. And if you do, the team at Grammar Chic wants to know about it! Tell us on Twitter @GrammarChicInc or respond to this post and let us know how you used your great new vocabulary skills!
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.