Though my writing is not the best, and my speech is even worse, I enjoy words. I enjoy learning new words, finding odd words, etc. Today I saw a really good one in an e-mail I received, which provided the motivation to institute this new "column". I'll give the word, its definition and the "place" where I ran across it. This won't be daily -- just random as I find something I deem interesting. For today's word, I'm going back to a crossword puzzle answer from yesterday. This is a word I know, but probably have never used (definitely not in speaking).
Vapid -- without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious; lifeless; flavorless; spiritless [Answer to 5 across (clue, uninspired), Crossword Puzzle, Tyler Morning Telegraph, 13 Nov 2007]
Words are interesting. They can be useless at times, especially with a congregation not given to strict English. New words can be lost in the sermon.
ReplyDeleteA new word can also be used to magnify the meaning of that word and drive home a point in that sermon. In this sense, it attracts attention, and hence "shouts" the meaning.
Your word "vapid" is best related to a more common word,"insipid" and the more familiar term "wishy-washy". So, we can talk about the wasted life dressed in false hope, but full of linguial expression..They know the words, but their "wishy-washy", vapid lifestyles don't measure up.
Keep them coming, mate.
Cheers,
Jim
Thanks for the comments, Jim -- and the encouragement.
ReplyDelete