Most of our reading and writing is being done in the context of social media and email. It may not seem like a surprise that once commonly used words and phrases are being used with lower frequency. This effect is compounded by the fact that communication is becoming increasingly casual. We’re all for adapting to the evolution of the English language; however, when a formal language environment demands higher-level vocabulary, it is best to be able to use such words and phrases correctly.
Though it’s fun to see the definitions that students come up with for these common words, the definitions are incorrect. Improve your vocabulary today by studying these words, then take the vocabulary quiz!
Deciduous
What students thought it meant: “able to make up one’s mind”
Deciduous is a classifying adjective that we use to categorize plants with broad leaves that fall off in the winter, e.g. oak trees.
I love the colors of deciduous forests in autumn.
Longevity
What students thought it meant: “being very tall”
We use this word to talk about something that lasts a long time, often referring to someone or something’s long life. It’s a noun.
My family is known for the longevity of its members—my grandparents all lived into their 90s!
Fortuitous
What students thought it meant: “well protected”
This adjective describes something that happens by chance or fortune; unintended.
We met fortuitously in line at the Smithsonian. We’ve been best friends ever since.
Gubernatorial
What students thought it meant:”to do with peanuts”
This adjective indicates that something is related to a governor.
This year’s gubernatorial election is critical for the future of the unions in the state.
Bibliography
What students thought it meant: “holy geography”
Even though the student definition might seem to make more sense now, in fact, both the Bible and bibliography have the same root. “Bibli” is a Latin root meaning “relating to books,” while “-graphia” (Latin transliterated from Greek) means writing or field of study. A bibliography is an outline of the books and sources cited in a text.
Students should always include a bibliography of their research with essays.
Adamant
What students thought it meant: “pertaining to original sin”
This one has nothing to do with anyone named Adam. This adjective describes someone who is unfailingly sure and insistent on his or her opinion, even in the face of opposing appeals.
The bride was adamant that her dress be white, not ivory or cream.
Diatribe
What students thought it meant: “food for the whole clan”
No diets here! Diatribe is an intense and harsh criticism of someone or something.
The radio show host launched into a diatribe against the politics of the administration.
Polyglot
What students thought it meant: “more than one glot”
The students were right that this related to many, but glot relates to tongue and — therefore — this word is a noun for someone who speaks many languages.
Morgan is is a polyglot, speaking French, German, and English.
Gullible
What students thought it meant: “to do with seas birds”
Gullible is an adjective that can be used to describe people and animals who are easily fooled or who fall for pranks and jokes easily. A gullible person will easily believe lies.
George is the most gullible person in the class — he always falls for our jokes.
Homogenous
What students thought it meant: “devoted to home life”
“Homo” is a Greek root that means same or equal. With this in mind, it makes sense that this adjective describes the quality of being made up of the same features or nature. This word can be used to describe everything from the composition of populations to the nature of ideas in a group of people.
The university had to address the lack of diversity — the student population was almost completely homogenous.
Indefatigable
What students thought it meant: “incapable of losing fat”
This adjective throws people off because of the prefixes. You probably recognize the word “fatigue” here (which means tiredness). The mix of prefixes yields a word that describes a person who is incapable of being fatigued or tired; one who persists unyieldingly!
Though her first attempts at becoming an astronaut were discouraged, Kathleen was indefatigable and will be flying to the International Space Station next month.
How many of these words did you know?
Now test your understanding and knowledge with our quick quiz!
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