(pronounced AW-ger) Whether used as a noun or a verb (as in the example sentence below), this term refers to foretelling future events or conditions. In ancient times, augurs’ predictions were often spurred by omens, but in more

(pronounced aw-GUST) This one’s not capitalized, so don’t confuse it with what resides between July and September. When you see this word with a little “a” it’s an adjective meaning inspiring awe and having a presence of grandeur, noble

(pronounced BAYN) As little as this noun is, it packs a big punch. Although it also means poison, woe, destruction or death, its most common usage is as a curse or source of ruin and injury. EXAMPLE: The bane of

(pronounced beh-RAHJ) Whether used as a noun or a verb, this word refers to a fast, forceful projection of many tangible things (like bullets) or outpouring of intangible things (like words) at once. Example: Being brand new to the job

(pronounced BAS-chen) We could actually also sneak this word into the DESIGN SPEAK section because of its original Medieval use describing the projecting architectural portion of a battle fortification. In modern times, however, this word tends to be used

(pronounced boh MOHND) As you might have guessed, this is a French phrase. Beau means good, and monde means world or society, so put them together and what have you got? The world of fashionable society. Example: Much to the

(pronounced bih-HOOV) People who use this word sound so cultivated. Plus, it’s fun to say because you get to pucker up your lips like you’re just about to give someone a kiss. But what does it mean, you ask.

(pronounced bih-LIE) The easiest way to remember this word is to focus on the emphasized syllable: lie (as in falsehood, misrepresentation, fabrication, etc.). Why? This succinct little transitive verb means to present a false impression of, to contradict,

(pronounced BEHNCH-mark) A benchmark is an actual spot on a stable item used to indicate elevation, but the word is more commonly used outside of the world of topography and surveying — i.e., a point of reference from which

(pronounced bih-RAYT or bee-RAYT) To give someone or a group of people an old fashioned scolding. In other words, to condemn in a very noticeable and angry manner – sometimes for an unusually long time. It’s never fun to