noun a word that functions as the name of a person, place, thing, or idea

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

  • The project was completed after a fashion, although there were still some areas that needed improvement.
  • He managed to fix the leaky faucet after a fashion, but it still drips occasionally.
  • She tried to cook dinner after a fashion, but it turned out to be a disaster.
  • The artist's latest painting was considered art after a fashion, but some critics were not impressed.

adjective relating to something that is not in its correct historical or chronological time period; outdated or old-fashioned

  • The use of a typewriter in today's digital age is considered anachronistic.
  • Her taste in music is so anachronistic, she only listens to vinyl records.
  • Wearing bell-bottom pants in this era is totally anachronistic.
  • His views on gender roles are seen as anachronistic in modern society.

adjective representing or constituting an original type after which other similar things are patterned

  • The character of Sherlock Holmes is often seen as archetypical of the detective genre.
  • That old haunted house is like the archetypical setting for a scary movie.
  • She's like the archetypical cool girl, always hanging out with the popular crowd.
  • The crumbling ruins of the ancient city were the archetypical image of a lost civilization.

noun an artist or a director who has a strong personal style and creative vision

  • The film director is considered an auteur for his distinct style and vision.
  • That filmmaker is known as an auteur because of his unique approach to storytelling.
  • People in the industry call him an auteur because of his signature touch on all his movies.
  • Just like a painter with a canvas, the director is an auteur with a film reel, creating masterpieces.

adjective having a peaceful or romantic quality; resembling a dream

  • The sunset over the ocean created a dreamy atmosphere on the beach.
  • I love taking naps in my dreamy bedroom with the soft lighting.
  • That new cafe has such a dreamy vibe, I could hang out there all day.
  • Her voice had a dreamy quality that made everyone feel relaxed and at ease.

adjective amusing in an odd or whimsical way

  • The comedian's droll humor had the audience in stitches.
  • I love your droll sense of humor, it always makes me laugh.
  • That guy is so droll, he always has me cracking up.
  • Her droll wit cut through the tension in the room like a knife.

noun the quality of being scanty or meager

  • The exiguity of resources in the rural areas has led to a decline in agricultural productivity.
  • The exiguity of snacks at the party left many guests hungry.
  • I can't believe the exiguity of parking spaces in this area!
  • Her exiguity of patience was evident as she tapped her foot impatiently.

adjective having a red or flushed complexion; elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated

  • The florid decorations in the ballroom added a touch of elegance to the event.
  • She always wears such florid dresses to parties, it's her signature style.
  • His speech was so florid, I couldn't stop rolling my eyes.
  • The writer's florid language painted a vivid picture of the scene in the reader's mind.

noun a system of thought or behavior based on the belief that ideals and principles are more important than practical considerations

  • The philosopher's work was deeply rooted in the principles of idealism.
  • She's always talking about idealism and how things should be perfect.
  • I don't have time for all that idealism nonsense.
  • His idealism was like a bright light in a dark room, guiding us towards a better future.

adjective relating to or having the characteristics of an idealist; unrealistically aiming for perfection

  • The young politician's idealistic views on social reform were met with skepticism by more experienced lawmakers.
  • She's a bit too idealistic for her own good, always expecting the best out of people.
  • Don't be so idealistic, the real world doesn't work like that.
  • His idealistic vision of a perfect society was shattered when faced with the harsh realities of life.

noun a naive or inexperienced person

  • The artist's work was praised for its naif style and simplistic charm.
  • She has a naif way of looking at the world, always seeing the best in people.
  • Don't be so naif, you need to be more street smart in this neighborhood.
  • His naif belief in the goodness of humanity was shattered after experiencing a traumatic event.

verb to be accepted or considered as; to be mistaken for

preposition a word or phrase that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

  • The counterfeit bill did not pass for genuine currency.
  • I don't think that excuse will pass for being valid.
  • That old car can't pass for a luxury vehicle.
  • Her actions do not pass for someone who is trustworthy.

adjective relating to or characterized by a strict adherence to a particular style or form, especially in language or art

  • The architect designed the house with a puristic style, focusing on clean lines and minimalistic elements.
  • I really like the puristic look of your new furniture, it's so simple and elegant.
  • That puristic car design is so sleek, it's like something out of a sci-fi movie.
  • Her puristic approach to cooking involves using only the freshest ingredients and letting the flavors speak for themselves.

adjective able to be recognized or identified; distinctive

  • The logo of the company is very recognizable and easy to identify.
  • That actress is so famous, she's totally recognizable wherever she goes.
  • The street artist's work is so dope, it's super recognizable in the neighborhood.
  • The melody of the song is so catchy, it's instantly recognizable even after just one listen.

noun a small torn piece of material, typically one that is part of a larger piece

  • The old book was in tatters after years of use.
  • Her dress was all tattered after the wild party last night.
  • I can't believe you're still wearing those tattered jeans.
  • The community was in tatters after the scandal broke out.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. 'Century' is a noun because it refers to a period of one hundred years.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun. In this case, 'twentieth' is an adjective that describes the century as being the twentieth in order.

  • The invention of the internet revolutionized communication in the twentieth century.
  • People in the twentieth century were amazed by the first television broadcasts.
  • Back in the day, the twentieth century was lit with all the new technology.
  • The twentieth century was a turning point in human history, marking significant advancements in various fields.

noun the state of being abstracted or lost in thought

  • The philosopher's work was praised for its depth and abstractedness.
  • I couldn't follow the lecture on quantum physics because of all the abstractedness.
  • I don't get all the abstractedness in this modern art piece.
  • Her mind wandered into a state of abstractedness as she stared out the window.

noun a piece of music that is played freely and expressively

adverb in a capricious manner

  • The composer wrote the piece as a capriccio, allowing for free and spontaneous expression.
  • She painted the mural a capriccio, adding in whatever colors and shapes she felt like.
  • The chef decided to cook dinner a capriccio, throwing in random ingredients and spices.
  • The decision was made a capriccio, without much thought or consideration for the consequences.

noun a movement in poetry advocating clarity of expression and simplicity of style

  • Acmeism is a poetic movement that emerged in Russia in the early 1910s.
  • I recently learned about Acmeism in my literature class.
  • Some people think Acmeism is just a fancy way of writing poetry.
  • In the world of poetry, Acmeism is considered to be a pinnacle of artistic expression.

noun a place or building dedicated to worship or prayer

  • The adoratory expression on her face showed her deep admiration for the artist's work.
  • She gave him an adoratory smile after he surprised her with flowers.
  • The adoratory look he gave her made her blush.
  • The adoratory language used in the poem painted a vivid picture of love and devotion.