This section serves to expand your regular vocabulary. What separates the men from the boys (or the women from the girls, if you want to equalize things) is v o c a b u l a r y. We cannot stress this point enough. People who have a larger vocabulary have been shown to make more money and get promoted more often.

L

lambast

(pronounced lam-BAST or lam-BAYST)

Though our minds conjure up images of preparing mutton when we see this word – which can also appear in print as “lambaste” – the term has nothing to do with cooking, nor anything to do with sweet little sheep. In fact, its meaning is far from sweet. Lambast / lambaste is a verb meaning to attack aggressively – either verbally or physically, like whipping or beating.

Example: When Jeff, the project architect on the 10 million dollar educational facility, found out that the contractor over-inflated the pricing on the simple, yet necessary, change order, he completely lost his temper and lambasted both the supervisor and head foreman in front of everyone at the weekly project meeting.

lambent

(pronounced LAM-behnt)

This word seems so soft and calming (like a little lamb), which is somewhat of an indication of its meaning. To remember this word, think of the first three letters, then add a letter “p”, as in “lamp,” which then leads you to the idea of light. (Stay with us.) Lambent essentially means flickering – it could be light play on a surface or even a warm expression on one’s face. Something that is lambent is radiant and glowing, but in a gentle way.

Example: Julie’s vision for her client’s spa was that of a lambent entry way, which would gently draw guests into a sanctuary of serenity.