Home Improvement Glossary

noun the process of making something warmer, especially to heat a building or room

adjective relating to the process of making something warmer

• The heating system in the building is being upgraded to be more energy efficient.
• I always crank up the heating when it gets cold outside.
• Let's blast the heating so we can warm up quickly.
• His anger was like a heating element, slowly building up until it boiled over.

verb to make neat or tidy

• She asked the maid to neaten up the living room before the guests arrived.
• Can you neaten up your desk before leaving the office?
• I need to neaten my hair before we take a selfie.
• The editor had to neaten the article to make it more coherent.

adjective An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'ratty' describes something that is in poor or shabby condition.

• The old man wore a ratty old suit to the formal event.
• I can't believe you're still wearing those ratty sneakers.
• Her hair looked ratty after she woke up late and didn't have time to brush it.
• The relationship between the two countries was in a ratty state after the trade negotiations fell through.

noun a person or thing that takes the place of another

adjective used to describe something that is used as a substitute for something else

• The company is currently looking for a replacement for the retiring CEO.
• My sister is my replacement for the team project since I got sick.
• I need to find a replacement for my old phone, it's so outdated.
• Laughter is the best replacement for stress in life.

noun a type of paint or finish that has a slight shine or gloss

adjective describing something that has a slight shine or gloss

• The painter recommended using semigloss paint for the trim in the living room.
• I like the look of semigloss paint on my kitchen cabinets.
• I heard that semigloss is the way to go for a sleek finish.
• Her smile had a semigloss quality to it, shining brightly in the sunlight.

verb to scatter or spread in drops or small particles

• The artist splattered paint onto the canvas to create a unique abstract piece.
• I accidentally splattered sauce on my shirt while cooking dinner.
• The mud splattered all over my new shoes when I stepped in a puddle.
• The scandalous news splattered across all the tabloids within hours.

verb to release or open by lifting or turning a latch

• Please remember to unlatch the door before opening it.
• Don't forget to unlatch the gate on your way out.
• I couldn't figure out how to unlatch the window, so I just left it closed.
• She finally felt free when she was able to unlatch the emotional burden weighing her down.

noun a person who stages or prepares something, such as a performance or event

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The stager carefully positioned the furniture to showcase the best features of the room.
• The stager totally transformed the living room with just a few simple changes.
• I heard that stager is a pro at making any space look amazing.
• As a stager of emotions, she knew exactly how to elicit a specific response from the audience.