Saturday, July 12, 2008

Obeisance

an expression of deference or respect, such as a bow or curtsy

Obeisance is a strong practice in the Japanese culture.

A better word than:

bowing
curtsy
showing respect

Friday, July 11, 2008

Vexillology

the study of flags

I can't imagine too many people going into the field of vexillology.

A better word than:

study of flags

Raconteur

one who excels in telling stories and anecdotes

In English, his infamous raconteur talents aren't evident.

A better word than:

good story teller

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Wayworn

wearied by traveling

I wish to have such worldly experiences that feeling wayworn is a constant in my life.

A better word than:

tired from traveling

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Reticent

inclined to keep silent; reserved; uncommunicative

The reason why I've become so uninterested in group work in school is because of the experiences I've had with reticent students. No progress or development is made without my contributions.

A better word than:

reserved
uncommunicative
silent
anti-social

Fatuous

inanely foolish and unintelligent; stupid.

One of the greatest challenges in life is to enlighten and educate fatuous people of their inaccuracies because they're completely unaware of their misunderstandings.

A better word than:

unintelligent
foolish
stupid
vacuous

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Sanguinary

full of or characterized by bloodshed; bloody: a sanguinary struggle

The movie, Wanted, had a sanguinary theme.

A better word than:

bloody

Friday, July 4, 2008

Tenebrous

dark; gloomy

Every captivating storyline has at least one tenebrous character.

A better word than:

dark
gloomy

Rapacious

given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed

Although it doesn't always seem actively conscious, I do believe I make an effort to not become rapacious like some people I used to befriend.

A better word than:

greedy
avaricious
plundering
ravenous
voracious

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Ferocious

savagely fierce, as a wild beast, person, action, or aspect; violently cruel: a ferocious beating

It was my ferociousness that gave me the courage and desire to become a journalist.

A better word than:

fierce
relentless
merciless
savage

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Tumult

violent and noisy commotion or disturbance of a crowd or mob; uproar: The tumult reached its height during the premier's speech.

A tumultuous environment is a distant memory and foreign exposure to me now.

A better word than:

noisy
turbulent
termagant (sometimes)