Anyone who knows me well probably knows that I love the Latin language. And anyone who takes Latin with me likely knows that I am very fond of vocabulary – both Latin and English. There's just something especially magical about finding words that express exactly how you feel. English is beautifully eclectic, drawing from so many different languages and reflecting the rich history and culture behind every word.
As the English language continues to evolve today, we say our goodbyes to some archaic words. However, I think there are some words (perhaps less frequently used) that deserve some more attention in conversation. Maybe you use these words on a regular basis, or maybe you've never heard of them before.
Balderdash
Balderdash is "complete and utter nonsense." It's essentially a lighthearted way of exclaiming, "That's absolute rubbish!" Not to mention, this word has British roots and is extra fun to say.
Resplendent
Resplendent is a, well, more splendid way to say "splendid." And frankly, the word itself is a euphonious delight to hear. It comes from the Latin word splendor, which translates to "brilliance," "magnificence" or "splendor" (couldn't pass up a chance to talk about Latin roots)!
Frivolous
Frivolous is a great word to describe something that's useless and superficial. The pinnacle of frivolous things might just be good ol' teenage drama. Amber said that Becky told Carmen what? In the end, it's a frivolous matter.
Winsome
You win some, and you lose some. But if you're winsome, then the odds are definitely in your favor. Being winsome means that you're delightfully charming. It's a fitting word to add to a list of compliments!
Uncanny
Have you ever heard someone say, "The resemblance is uncanny"? Uncanny describes something that is extraordinary, remarkable and even supernatural. People often describe the physical appearance of twins as uncannily similar, but that's not the only use for this word. Any skill or trait that seems to defy the ordinary can be described as uncanny.Surreptitious
Are you a sneaky secret keeper? Here's the perfect word for you. Those who are surreptitious maintain the highest level of stealth in all their operations. Are they hiding something, or do they simply just enjoy personal privacy? The world may never know.