The Words You Should Know to Sound Smart: 1200 Essential Words Every Sophisticated Person Should Be Able to Use by Robert W. Bly

Author:Robert W. Bly [Bly, Robert W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781598698862
Google: GZE_DgAAQBAJ
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2009-04-18T04:00:00+00:00

“Arrogance on the part of the MERITORIOUS is even more offensive to us than the arrogance of those without merit: for merit itself is offensive.” – Friedrich Nietzsche, nineteenth-century German philosopher

metachromasis (meh-tah-CROWM-ah-sis), noun

The phenomenon of different substances becoming different colors and shades when stained by the same dye.

An identical cotton blend was used in the entire lot of shirts to avoid METACHROMASIS ruining the color.

metaphor (MEH-tah-for), noun

A sentence or phrase in which a word ordinarily associated with one thing is applied to something else, to indicate that in some way they are similar.

“If we are a METAPHOR of the universe, the human couple is the metaphor par excellence, the point of intersection of all forces and the seed of all forms.” – Octavio Paz Lozano, Mexican writer, poet, and diplomat

metaphysics (met-a-FIZ-iks), noun

The study of arguments, thoughts, and principles based primarily on thinking and abstract reasoning rather than hard facts that can be demonstrated through physical evidence.

“During my METAPHYSICS final, I cheated by looking into the soul of the person sitting next to me.” – Woody Allen, American film director, writer, and comedian

metastasize (meh-TA-sti-size), verb

The tendency of cancer cells to spread from a tumor throughout the body.

Byron’s ugly nature quickly METASTASIZED in our group, as he spread lies and gossip among more and more of our social contacts.

metallism (MEH-tah-liz-um), noun

The belief that money must either be made of precious metal or backed by precious metal held in reserve—usually gold or silver.

Richard Nixon abolished the gold standard for U.S. currency, and METALLISM declined as a result.

mete (MEET), verb

To distribute or allot.

After Elyssia ran up several of her father’s platinum cards, he METED out substantial punishment for her by not allowing her to shop at exclusive boutiques for an entire week.

meticulous (meh-TICK-yuh-luhss), adjective

Extremely precise; fussy.

The overly METICULOUS maître d’ made us self-conscious and detracted from our enjoyment of the meal.

métier (MAY-tee-yay), noun

One’s occupation, profession, field of work, etc.

Since her family started one of Wall Street’s most profitable houses, it’s only natural that Ellen’s MÉTIER would be finance.

miasma (my-AZ-mah), noun

An unhealthy atmosphere or environment; an unpleasant feeling pervading the air.

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