A rule exists claiming that the word “appreciate” should not be used to mean “value.” Interestingly, multiple dictionaries beg to differ.
Articles Categorized Word Stories
Boost your vocabulary with this collection of articles!
Blessings and Well Wishes
When someone sneezes, an overwhelming majority of people wish them a blessing from their god. Why is that?
Word Story: Bludgeon
A “bludgeon” is defined as “a heavy, short club that is thicker at one end or is weighted at one end.” It’s a good alternative for “club.”
Word Story: Prevaricate
Though it can be conflated with “procrastinate,” the verb “prevaricate” means “to speak or act evasively; to avoid telling the truth; to lie.”
A Word for the Digital World
A cacophony is “a collection of loud, harsh sounds heard all at once.” It’s disharmony. Discord. Dissonance. Noise.
Word Story: Adverse Reactions
“Adverse” usually pairs with “effects,” “reactions,” or “impact.” But do you know what Chaucer first paired it with?
Testament vs. Testimony: It’s All Relative
Testimony and testament are similar words that, for many writers, can be easy to confuse. There is a clear difference between them, however.
Word Story: Fulsome
“Fulsome” has a long, complicated history. Do its three competing definitions mean you shouldn’t use it? Read this word story to find out.
In Defense of Jargon
Jargon is often criticized as meaningless and opaque. That’s blaming the tool instead of the user.