Category word meaning

The word insipid corresponds to lacking flavour and being weak or tasteless. It can also be used to denote lacking interest or vigour.

Origin:  The word, which has been in usage since 1610s, comes from French insipide, from Latin inspidus meaning tasteless.

The figurative meaning of being uninteresting or dull was first recorded in English in the 1640s, probably from Medieval Latin. The word saw a rapid decline in usage in the 19th Century, but has maintained that level since then.

Usage: Despite an insipid performance in first half of the play, the children more than made up in the second half to make it an enjoyable show overall.

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Meaning: The word cauldron corresponds to a large metal pot with a lid and a handle that is used for cooking over an open fire. Cauldron can also denote a situation that is characterised by instability and strong emotions

Origin: The word has been around since 1300 and is derived from Anglo-French caudrun, Old North French caudern from augmentative of Late Latin caldaria meaning “cooking pot from Latin calidarium used for “hot bath”, from calidus meaning warm, hot. The 1 was inserted in 15th Century in imitation of Latin.

The word which has been in constant usage through the centuries, has enjoyed a burst of popularity in the recent decades.

Usage:  The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was a cauldron of emotions when Real Madrid welcomed Manchester City for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final in 2022.

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Meaning: A confidant is someone to whom secrets can be entrusted, and especially a very close friend.

Origin: This word comes from the Italian confidente, meaning ‘having trust in’ which in turn is derived from Latin ‘confidere’ meaning to put one’s trust in, have confidence in.

Usage: He has since become a close friend and confidant.

Meaning: The noun refers to a device that sends out a radio signal to show the position of something such as a ship, aircraft, etc. It also refers to a good example that gives people hope or encouragement.

Origin: It is said to have originated from the Old English word beacen, meaning “sign, portent, lighthouse”, which, in turn, is from the West Germanic word baukna, meaning “beacon, signal”.

Usage: The blink of beacon could be seen for miles. Her words were a beacon of hope for all of us.

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Meaning: Used commonly in Asia, this noun is used to refer to a warehouse.

Origin: The word appears to have several origins, including from the Portuguese word gudao and Malay word gudang, both referring to a warehouse. Interestingly, it has an Indian connection too. Godown is said to have originated from the Tamil word kidangu, again referring to a warehouse.

Usage: We waited in front of the old godown fro three hours.

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Meaning: This verb means to reach the highest point or to reach the end or final result of something.

Origin: When a star or other heavenly body culminates, it reaches its highest point above the horizon from the vantage point of an observer on the ground. Culminate was drawn from Medieval Latin ‘culminare, meaning ‘to crown,’specifically for this astronomical application. Its ultimate root is Latin ‘culmen’, meaning top.

Usage:  The festivities will culminate with a spectacular display of fireworks.

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