Word of the Week
Robust
The word of the week for the week commencing 9th November is – Robust
Meaning 1 - Sturdy in construction
Example 1 - A robust metal cabinet
Meaning 2 - Strong and rich in flavour or smell
Example 2 - A robust mixture of fish, onions, capers and tomatoes
The word of the week is designed to enlarge and enrich our vocabulary. We should all try to use this word at some point during the week. Previous examples of the word of the week are summarised below:
Word | Definition | Example |
Vicarious |
Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person |
This catalogue brings vicarious pleasure in luxury living |
Discriminate |
1. Recognise a distinction2. Make an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people |
1. Babies can discriminate between different facial expressions.2. The company's existing employment policies discriminate against women. |
Verbose |
Using or expressed in more words than are needed |
Much academic language is obscure and verbose |
Ubiquitous |
Present, appearing, or found everywhere |
His ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family |
Finite |
Limited in size or extent |
Every computer has a finite amount of memory |
Plethora |
A large or excessive amount of something |
A plethora of committees and sub-committees |
Fortuitous |
Happening by chance rather than intention |
The ball went into the goal because of a fortuitous ricochet |
Industrious |
Diligent and hard-working |
Pupils and staff at this school are an industrious group of people |
Tranquillity |
the quality or state of being tranquil; calmness; peacefulness; quiet; serenity |
I am going to enjoy the tranquillity of the summer holidays |
Globalise |
To put into effect or spread worldwide |
A globalised strategy for dealing with poverty |
Symbiotic |
A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence |
Many people feel the relationship between humans and dogs is symbiotic |
Demeanour |
Outward behaviour or bearing |
The teacher's demeanour was tough and mean |
Volatile |
Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse; easily evaporated at normal temperatures |
He was behaving in a volatile manner |
Misconception |
A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding |
Public misconceptions about the crime rate remain high |
Emulate |
To match or surpass, typically by imitation; to imitate; to reproduce the function or action of something or someone |
Many people seek to emulate their favourite person |
Strategy |
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim |
A coherent economic strategy |
Belligerent |
Hostile, aggressive, eager to fight; engaged in warfare |
Her manner was entirely belligerent and aggressive |
Political |
Of or relating to the government or public affairs of a country; relating to the ideas or strategies of a particular party or group in politics; done or acting in the interests of status or power |
The decision was taken for purely political reasons |
Significant |
Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy |
A significant moment in the history of the world |
Coherent |
Logical and consistent; forming a unified whole |
They failed to develop a coherent plan to deal with the crisis |
Implication |
The conclusion that can be drawn from something even though it is not explicitly stated; the action or state of being involved in something |
The implication is that no one person at the bank is responsible. We are implicated in this crime |
Sustainable |
Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level; able to be upheld or defended |
Sustainable economic growth |
Colloquial |
Ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal |
His choice of language was too colloquial for a formal interview |
Monotony |
Wearisome routine; dullness; lack of variety in pitch or cadence |
She detested the monotony of his voice |
Fundamental |
A central or primary rule or principle on which something is based; forming a necessary base or core; of central importance |
Oxygen is fundamental to human existence |
Effusive |
Unrestrained or excessive emotional expression; overflowing; profuse |
He was effusive in his praise for the quality of her homework |