What new words have you learned this week? Join Kathy to see more.
1. bespoke
(adj) [bih-SPOHK]
Definition—(British) custom-made clothes
Use—“You see people around you losing their bespoke shirts, and you overestimate the dangers.”
~ The Checklist Manifesto
2. gaucherie
(n) [goh-shuh-REE]
Definition—lack of social grace, sensitivity ; awkwardness
Use—“I wd. have liked to do (if you can understand) for the v. reason that I wd. not have liked doing it, since a deep spiritual gaucherie makes [me] uneasy in any ceremonial act; and I wd. have wished in that way to be honoured with a share, however tiny, in this Cross.”
~ C. S. Lewis letter in A Severe Mercy
3. asperity
(n) [uh-SPER-i-tee]
Definition—harshness or sharpness of tone, temper, or manner
Use—“But he was set right there by Mrs. Bennet, who assured him with some asperity that they were very well able to keep a good cook, and that her daughters had nothing to do in the kitchen.”
~ Pride and Prejudice
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3 comments:
For once I know all the words!
:D
Here is my wondrous word.
I knew all except bespoke. I was surprised at it's definition and the way it was used.
I knew gaucherie from our time in France. I was surprised by the definition of bespoke.
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