audition • / aw-DISH-un / • noun
An audition is a short performance to show the talents of someone (such as an actor or a musician) who is being considered for a role in a play, a position in an orchestra, etc.
• Auditions will be held next week for the spring musical.
• She had an audition for a small part but ended up landing a starring role.
An audition is a short performance to show the talents of someone (such as an actor or a musician) who is being considered for a role in a play, a position in an orchestra, etc.
• Auditions will be held next week for the spring musical.
• She had an audition for a small part but ended up landing a starring role.
encroach • / in-KROHCH / • verb
To encroach is to gradually move or go into an area that is beyond the usual or desired limits, or to gradually take or begin to use or affect something that belongs to, or is being used by, someone else. Encroach is often followed by on or upon.
• Conflicts between people and bears increase as humans continue to encroach on bear territory.
• They argue that the law would encroach on states' authority.
To encroach is to gradually move or go into an area that is beyond the usual or desired limits, or to gradually take or begin to use or affect something that belongs to, or is being used by, someone else. Encroach is often followed by on or upon.
• Conflicts between people and bears increase as humans continue to encroach on bear territory.
• They argue that the law would encroach on states' authority.
disputatious • / dis-pyuh-TAY-shus / • adjective
Disputatious is a formal word used to describe someone who often disagrees and argues with other people (in other words, someone inclined to dispute). It can also describe something marked or characterized by arguments or controversies, or something that provokes debate or controversy.
• The podcast is hosted by a disputatious pair whose sparring has drawn legions of listeners.
Disputatious is a formal word used to describe someone who often disagrees and argues with other people (in other words, someone inclined to dispute). It can also describe something marked or characterized by arguments or controversies, or something that provokes debate or controversy.
• The podcast is hosted by a disputatious pair whose sparring has drawn legions of listeners.
malapropism • / MAL-uh-prah-piz-um / • noun
A malapropism is an amusing error that occurs when a person mistakenly uses a word that sounds like another word but that has a very different meaning.
• "It's lovely to see all of you on this suspicious occasion," our host said. A flurry of snickers were heard in reply; the malapropism (she had of course meant to call it an "auspicious" occasion) was characteristic.
A malapropism is an amusing error that occurs when a person mistakenly uses a word that sounds like another word but that has a very different meaning.
• "It's lovely to see all of you on this suspicious occasion," our host said. A flurry of snickers were heard in reply; the malapropism (she had of course meant to call it an "auspicious" occasion) was characteristic.
gallant • / GAL-unt / • adjective
Someone or something described as gallant is very courageous and brave. Gallant is also sometimes used to mean “large and impressive” (as in “a gallant ship”), or to describe someone who has or shows politeness and respect for women.
• Though they failed to reach the summit, the mountaineering team made a gallant attempt.
Someone or something described as gallant is very courageous and brave. Gallant is also sometimes used to mean “large and impressive” (as in “a gallant ship”), or to describe someone who has or shows politeness and respect for women.
• Though they failed to reach the summit, the mountaineering team made a gallant attempt.
obtuse • / ahb-TOOSS / • adjective
Obtuse is a formal word that describes someone who is not able to think clearly or to understand what is obvious or simple. It can also suggest a refusal to see something apparent to others, or a willful ignorance of or insensitivity to the real facts of a situation. Obtuse can also describe something that is difficult to understand because it is unclear or imprecise.
• They were too obtuse to take a hint.
• The text is poorly written and downright obtuse.
Obtuse is a formal word that describes someone who is not able to think clearly or to understand what is obvious or simple. It can also suggest a refusal to see something apparent to others, or a willful ignorance of or insensitivity to the real facts of a situation. Obtuse can also describe something that is difficult to understand because it is unclear or imprecise.
• They were too obtuse to take a hint.
• The text is poorly written and downright obtuse.