(pronounced AB-ruh-gayt ) If you abrogate something, then you either treat it as if it doesn’t exist or you abolish or annul it. Yes, it’s a strong verb, so use it carefully! EXAMPLE: The architectural firm’s decade-old rule that had
(pronounced a-SIR-bik) A great way to remember what this word means: think acid. Yes, this descriptor means sharp and bitter in tone, temper, or mood. And I think we all know someone like this. (Just don’t let that someone
(pronounce ak-wee-ESS) Though this word looks like it might have some kind of relationship to water - i.e., aqua- it doesn’t. So get that out of your head. (Sorry we even mentioned it.) Anyway, when you acquiesce, it means
(pronounced AS-theet or ehs-THEET) Also spelled esthete, this term refers to a person who is devoted to and cultivates a heightened appreciation of beauty as it relates to the arts, which could include fine art, decorative art, architecture
(pronounced a-fehk-TAY-shehn) If someone you know often has an affectation, try not to slap him or her, though it will take a great deal of will power. (Eye-rolling might be a safer alternative.) An affectation is the act of
(pronounced eh-FISH-ee-uh-nah-doh) The pursuit of knowledge and pleasure sets us apart from the other creatures on this earth, and those of us humans who thoroughly enjoy, passionately become educated about, ardently appreciate and devote our time to a particular
(pronounced eh-FOWL-uv) Here’s a very concise way to say that one (hopefully not you) has gotten himself into conflict, collision or entanglement with something or someone. The phrase is most commonly used with the verb “run.” EXAMPLE: Without realizing it,
(pronounced eh-MAL-gehm) Though this word is used to describe an alloy of mercury, for our purposes here, we’re using its other definition: a combination of diverse elements. EXAMPLE: After formulating a concept for her client’s new global corporate
(pronounced AM-bee-ehnt or AM-bee-uhnt) An adjective that describes a sensory element — whether it be light, sound, smell or touch (commonly in the form of temperature) — in regard to one’s environment. This characteristic envelops those who experience
(pronounced uh-MOR-fehs) Remember this word by picturing an amoeba. You know – an ever-changing protozoan that you’ve seen either on the Discovery Channel, under a microscope in high school science class, or in creepy science fiction flicks. Yes, the
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