Category word meaning

Meaning: The word reprieve corresponds to the cancellation or postponement of a punishment or an undesirable event.

Origin: The word has been around since the 1570s and is an alteration of Middle English repryen “take back to prison”, probably from French repris. The meaning “to suspend an impending execution” is from the 1590s, and the meaning probably evolved as being sent to prison was the alternative to execution. The spelling with –e- is from 1640s and is maybe an analogy of achieve.

After falling out of favour during the 20th Century, the word has regained momentum and popularity in this century.

Usage: The medicines provided the patient a temporary reprieve from pain.

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Meaning: An adjective, eclectic means comprising things from a variety of sources

Origin: Eclectic derives its origin from the Greek word eklektikos (meaning selective). The first usage of the word was applied to ancient philosophers who didn’t stick to one school of philosophy, rather, choosing doctrines from different schools of thought. Later, the word started to be used broadly.

 Usage: The new fashion line launched by the designer offers an eclectic range of couture.

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Meaning: It refers to any of the large rats of southern Asia, and to small insectivorous and herbivorous marsupial mammals of Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea.

Origin: In use since the 18th Century, it originated from the Telugu word pandi-kokku, meaning pig-rat. Later the marsupials came to be known as bandicoots too, due to their resemblance to the large rats.

Example: We were sure it was a bandicoot that scurried off into our shed.

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(pronounced as ski.tl)

Meaning: The word skittle corresponds to a game played with wooden pins, usually nine in number, set up at the end of an alley to be bowled down with a wooden disc or ball. The pin used in the game of skittles is also referred to as a skittle.

When used as a verb, the word can imply knocking things over, like in the game of skittles.

Origin: The word has been around from the 1630s. It could probably be from a Scandinavian source and can be compared with Danish and Norwegian skyttel meaning “shuttle, child’s toy”. The Oxford English Dictionary, however, says there is no evidence of such a connection.

Usage: Her incisive swing bowling meant that their opposition were often skittled out for a low total.

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Meaning: Voluntary is an adjective used to describe something you do because you wish to, without being forced into it. Voluntary can also describe a service offered without expecting any payment.

Origin: The term voluntary’ comes from the Latin word voluntarius, which means “of one’s free will.” The Latin voluntas means ‘will or desire’. The first-ever use of the term “voluntary” in English can be traced back to the late 14th Century.

Usage: My mother does voluntary work in her spare time.

The organisation is run on voluntary contributions from people within the country.

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(pronounced mag-NAN-uh-mus)

Meaning: This adjective is a formal word that means having or showing a generous and kind nature.

Origin: It is a combination of two Latin words magnus that stands for great and animus that means soul or spirit. It entered the English language in mid-16th Century.

Usage: She was a woman capable of magnanimous gestures.

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