A vocabulary is the body of words used in a particular language.
13
votes
3answers
228 views
Like ambidextrous, but for a thing
We know that "ambidextrous" describes (roughly) the ability to use both hands. Are there words in English the capture the idea of something that is "suitable for use by either hand"? Similarly, is ...
0
votes
1answer
66 views
“Illusion” and “delusion” [closed]
My French-English dictionary translates delusion with the French word illusion.
Could anyone tell me when to use either?
1
vote
1answer
289 views
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
By definition an idiom is an expression or phrase that cannot be understood by the sum of its parts. There are, of course, many idioms that we can understand by virtue of their
transparency like "shed ...
2
votes
1answer
300 views
Syllable Count for Apparent Monosyllabic Words
How many syllables are there in "child," "wild," and field"? If we look at the dictionary, it will tell us that these are monosyllabic words. There appear, however, to be diphthongs in each of these ...
3
votes
7answers
159 views
A better way to phrase “his masterwork” or “his epic”?
In the context of an artist. Like, let's say, Dali's "melting clocks" painting; we would call that his (blank), AKA his most recognizable/meaningful/popular/"epic" work.
I think there is, perhaps, a ...
1
vote
2answers
111 views
Prepositions and Corners
Does one use "on" or "at" in the following:
Kate met him at the corner
Kate met him on the corner.
Or are they the same?
3
votes
2answers
54 views
Using the verb entitle
Is it really proper to say, "The book is entitled 1984"? Entitle seems to be the act of giving one the right to do something or not.
0
votes
2answers
54 views
Is “there is a crack in the kettle liner” a correct/clear expression? [closed]
I am trying to describe the defect of my newly arrived electric kettle. There is a black spot in the liner, looks like a piece of the coating layer has fell off. What is the most simple and clear ...
1
vote
1answer
103 views
Correct Present Perfect Usage: Is it Disappearing? [closed]
Certain verbs such as drink, speak, and swim seemed to be misused more and more with this tense. Is this a regional phenomenon or common in all English speaking countries?
For example, in southern ...
1
vote
3answers
150 views
Noun form of “umbilical”?
In Differential Geometry (a branch of mathematics) there exists the notion of an umbilical point. Is there a noun corresponding to the adjective umbilical? Could I write something like "It follows by ...
10
votes
4answers
918 views
Is “drownded” a word?
Is there such a word as "drownded"? I would say "drowned" but I am hearing "drownded" so often I am beginning to wonder.
For example:
He went into the deepest waters and drownded.
2
votes
4answers
162 views
One word for “any way around it”
Let us say I frame a sentence as follows:
Is there any way around this problem?
I want to convey the feeling that bypass, or trick without actually using the problem, without actually dealing ...
2
votes
2answers
146 views
Minimal size of vocabulary [closed]
What is the minimal size of vocabulary that could enable two persons to communicate more or less sensibly about matters of everyday life in English? Would 3000 words (8000 words, if different ...
0
votes
0answers
41 views
What is it called when you give somebody a drink? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
“Eat” is to “feed” as “drink” is to what?
If you give somebody food, then you "feed" them, but I can't find a word for giving someone a drink. Any ideas?
0
votes
0answers
107 views
What do you call the following relations? [closed]
English is not my mother tongue. In my language we have dedicated words for each of relatives two levels up and two levels down. I don't know the equal word for these relations in English and it keeps ...
4
votes
3answers
391 views
Words based on the names of gods [closed]
While the word christen means "to baptise" or "to make Christian", in another sense, it has shed its religious connotations to simply mean "to name" or even "use for the first time". Is there any ...
0
votes
3answers
147 views
Are there any specific words for the first events and first things [closed]
Are there any specific words for the first events and first things like the first rain, the first fruit of a plant, the first grey hairs, etc.?
3
votes
3answers
185 views
Lexically recognized synonym for “humblebrag”?
As one might guess, a humblebrag is one who uses a pretense of humility as a vehicle for boasting. This word can be found at Urban Dictionary but, it appears, nowhere more authoritative. Yet, of ...
-2
votes
1answer
130 views
What's the meaning of “Shrubbery”? [closed]
A shrubbery is a wide border to a garden where shrubs are thickly
planted; or a similar larger area with a path winding through it.
This is a sentence from wikipedia: shrubbery. I do not quite ...
0
votes
0answers
69 views
What's the difference between log on and log in? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Logging in or on?
Which is standard: “log on/off” or “log in/out”?
Using linux, when we type:
$ man who
WHO(1) User Commands ...
1
vote
5answers
93 views
“to get ubiquitous” or “to become ubiquitous” …?
I want to write down a sentence to express the fact that from the 1980's on computers got applied in many facets of our daily lives ... and I am wondering what sentence would be correct:
"As ...
1
vote
2answers
138 views
Verb for 'try to find something you have in common with somebody'
Is there a verb which means 'try to find something in common with someone'? In this context for example:
Everyone has the urge to commit a murder sometimes, we both do too.
Don't you try to ... ...
0
votes
2answers
175 views
Vocabulary resources for abstract concepts [closed]
I watch out for a resource that provides me with vocabulary for comparatively 'abstract' concepts, which means words from areas such as:
emotional/inner states
communication
personal relationships
...
2
votes
2answers
64 views
Nuances between “extenuate” and “palliate”?
I'm looking for a word which defines the act of "making an offence look less severe". However, this can be done rightfully (because an offence might in reality be excusable because of unfavorable ...
3
votes
2answers
160 views
What is the correct term for “mince pies”? [closed]
I have always called mince pies filled with fruit just that: mince pies. However, lately I have been seeing many different variations of this: fruit mince pies, mince fruit tarts, and even mincemeat ...
-2
votes
3answers
271 views
What do you call the people who like themselves? [closed]
How do you describe a person who appreciate himself ( kinda love himself) or really talk about himself in a way of selfishness ?
4
votes
1answer
84 views
What does “count off” mean as a noun?
I looked up Webster, Oxford and some other sources and fund nothing for the meaning of "count off" in the followig sentence.
Each track on the CDs that accompanies the book is presented with an ...
7
votes
1answer
216 views
Are there acknowledged studies about the relationship of vocabulary and comprehension of English language?
Though I’m not sure whether this question is suitable to EL&U site or not, I’m glad if I can get any input on the relationship of the vocabulary and comprehension of English language, or if you ...
2
votes
1answer
107 views
What do “take ground” and “vested in” mean in this context?
Here is an extract from the headnote of a case [1] I am trying to understand:
The defendants, who were wharfingers, agreed with the plaintiff for a
consideration to allow his vessel to discharge ...
1
vote
0answers
134 views
Words for order / purchase order / reference number for importing goods [closed]
A common situation in the business setting of an importer would be that their in-country customer would place an order, for which they have a "purchase order number" and this order would have a ...
0
votes
1answer
92 views
Is “prominence” a verb? [closed]
The word "prominence" seems like it is being used as a verb in the definition below – am I wrong?
work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence ...
2
votes
3answers
668 views
Regular/Routine, Fasting, Blood test/Blood work
I would like to expand my vocabulary with some medical terms in English. I have been thinking about how to say, for example, if I go to see a doctor for a blood test.
Q1) Are these phrases correct?
...
1
vote
1answer
699 views
Is the term “go-to-hell hat” in common usage?
I am a fan of hats and own a number of them. One of my collection is what is commonly called a "flat cap," though it has many names. Seeing me wearing it one day, my father told me that his father ...
2
votes
0answers
314 views
Why does English have so many words when the grammar doesn't allow for concatenating? [closed]
In English the words "mathematics professor" are 2:
mathematics
professor
We get 3 meanings from these 2 words: Mathematics, professor and mathematics professor. In Swedish the words are
matematik ...
2
votes
2answers
103 views
The differences among: deliver, ship, and transmit
Are these definitions correct?
Delivered: The package has arrived at your place.
Shipped: The package was just sent.
Which word can be used to describe that the package is on its way? ...
5
votes
2answers
217 views
The usage of slander, defame, vilify, and calumniate
English is not my native language. I am confused about the usage of these four words: slander, defame, vilify, and calumniate.
They are all verbs with almost the same meaning and I don't which one ...
-1
votes
1answer
86 views
What's the difference between curious and marvel? [closed]
I want to express that I'm curious to new things and I have looked up in an online Chinese-English dictionary. There is a sentence:
I marvel at all things new to me.
My question:
What's the ...
0
votes
3answers
162 views
What is an easier word than “serendipity” with the same connotations [closed]
A word that a majority of high schoolers would know.
Unless, of course, there is significant evidence that most high-schoolers know the word “serendipity”.
It shows up somewhere between 35,000 and ...
3
votes
2answers
307 views
What are the names for geometric arrangements like 'quincunx'?
A quincunx is a geometric pattern consisting of five points arranged in a cross:
This seems like a very specific name derived from the Latin root for five (quin). Are there other geometric ...
0
votes
2answers
70 views
Difference between “testified” and “stated” in a legal context
If you're working in a law firm, do the words "testified" and "stated" have two different meanings?
For example,
The witness testified that...
The witness stated that...
And is it acceptable ...
1
vote
2answers
3k views
A word to describe having good command of the English language? [closed]
Is there a word to describe having good command of the English language? The kind of word that could be listed as an attribute?
2
votes
3answers
89 views
Generic time range word
I am looking for a word that can replace idioms like daily or monthly, but has the same meaning, and it's generic.
By example, if I want to describe my pocket money, I can say I have a daily amount, ...
0
votes
0answers
81 views
What should I know if vocabulary starts with “AB”? [closed]
English is my second language.
I have to take GRE test.
I am studying vocabulary, so my question is, if word starts with "AB" does it mean anything, what should I know if word start with AB.
...
0
votes
1answer
89 views
Cromogenism, Chromudgeonism?
In one of the commentary tracks for Hellsing Ultimate OVA, English dub director Tallison Jaffe boasts using a few rare words now and then, so the fans have something to look for in their dictionaries. ...
4
votes
3answers
155 views
How to formally state that parents have not raised their children well
I'm writing an article about the family and how it can change a person's life in the future.
I need a word that tells the readers about a family in which the parents have not been good enough to ...
-1
votes
1answer
218 views
“Learn” vs. “study” difference [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is there any subtle difference between “to study” and “to learn”?
What is the difference between "to learn" and "to study"? Can you study without ...
2
votes
4answers
245 views
Simple word/ slang for “Re-share a content”
I need a simple(commonly used/known) word or short slang(2 words max.) which means to re-share a piece of information with your network of friends.
Something just like "Share" on social networks.
...
2
votes
3answers
116 views
A word for “modify/delete/change a newspaper article” [closed]
a word for " a person/politician asking to review/modify a newspaper article before it is published"
0
votes
1answer
329 views
Can't understand the meaning of “facile” in these example [closed]
I found the meaning of facile is easy, getting something without effort.
http://sentence.yourdictionary.com/facile
I have read those sentences. But can't understand it clearly.
I'm trying to ...
1
vote
2answers
71 views
Alternative to “accessible”
In the context of a technical manual, engineers use the word "accessible" to indicate that a piece of hardware should have "easy access" for repair, maintenance, and other modifications.
What would ...
