(pronounced AM-per-sand) We have discovered that many interior design related student organizations are coming together on their respective campuses under the umbrella of one name. One of the common ones we have heard is “Ampersand”. Therefore, we thought it

(pronounced a-nihk-DOH-tehl) As you might imagine, this term means of, relating to, or consisting of anecdotes and the depiction of a scene suggesting a story, but it also is used to describe something that is based on or

(pronounced eh-PLAHM) This term means poise, skillfulness, and confidence shown when challenged with a taxing situation. EXAMPLE: The fact that Yolanda conducted herself with seamless aplomb at the extraordinarily tense client interview made her supervisor realize how much

(pronounced AH-pray) Après is a French term meaning after. It is usually combined with another word to form a noun. The most frequently combination is with the word “ski”: après-ski (to mean social activities at hotels / restaurants

(pronounced a-preh-POH) This flexible little French word can function as adverb, adjective, and/or preposition. Let’s take the definitions in order, shall we" As an adverb it means with regard to the present topic or at an appropriate time. As

(pronounced A-kweh-lyne) As feline is to cats and bovine is to pigs, aquiline is to eagles. Really. In fact, it’s almost always used to describe someone’s nose, as in one that is curved or bent, having a prominent

(pronounced uh-SPER-zhun) The fact that the first part of this word is “asp” reminds us of its sinister tone. It a noun that means a disparaging remark or an untrue or deceptive charge that is meant to damage an

(pronounced A-seh-nen(t)s) Despite its spelling starting out as a term for one’s backside, this is an elegant, intelligent word. Assonance has to do with the sound of language, specifically the similarity of sound in syllables or words. It could

(pronounced eh-TRIH-shehn) This versatile word actually has several definitions, but we are only focusing on one: a decline in headcount often due to resignation, retirement, or death. EXAMPLE: The A&D firm’s principals were so out of touch that they never

(pronounced oh-koo-RAH) This French-derived adjective has a few different meanings: 1) having knowledge of or familiarity with something; 2) being up-to-date or fully informed on a subject; or 3) stylish and fashionable. Our example sentence uses the second