If you're looking for yet another reason to have an office carry-in or you need to justify a trip to Dairy Queen - never fear! Today is Dictionary Day!
According to an article I found online, this esteemed holiday was established in honor of Noah Webster, who was born back in 1758.
To honor this day, I would like to share with you my "word of the month." Being a writer, I like to think I have a decent vocabulary. Every now and then I try to toss out a "big word" just for fun. And then I'll encounter a situation that reminds me I have much to learn about this English language.
One of the components of my job is to read thank you notes that students submit for scholarships they've received. Most of the notes are great and are able to be forwarded to the scholarship donors. But occasionally we'll find a note that could stand some content rewording...or worse...a complete grammar overhaul.
A couple of weeks ago, one of the girls at the front desk brought me a letter from a student whose letters always intrigue me. He's a great writer and his stories are fascinating. I sat down to read his letter, and when I reached the second paragraph, I found a word I did not know! That wouldn't be so unusual - but English is not his native language. I wrote to my supervisor and said, "How is it that someone who grew up speaking something else now has a better command of the language I've spoken my whole life!?!?!"
He came in the office a few days later and I told him he'd stumped me. I'd been forced to look up the word (just to make sure he'd used it correctly...although why did I doubt him?). He laughed and said "Isn't that a great word?" Yes, yes it is.
So just in case this is a new one for you too - here you go. My word of the month, shared with you in honor of Mr. Webster's birthday:
Ebullient: overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited.
3 hours ago
4 comments:
Great word. I wish I was better in the English/Grammar department. My words are simple and boring. *sigh*
Interesting when I was first admitted to Riley the nurses would get me a word a day, not sure why but I built a better vocab for sure.
MMMM DQ
well good words are good - but there's something to be said for the overuse of them. I hate talking to people who use so many in a row that I only understand 1/3 of the conversation.
You need an excuse to get ice cream?
I work with Canadians. They believe that we citizens of the US have very poor vocabulary and grammar. Sadly, I would have to agree. It just is not taught like it should anymore.
Post a Comment