Tag: Adjective

Adjective – Insular This word comes from the Latin one for “island.” “Insular” can simply mean “like an island” or “related to an island.” Here’s the figurative meaning. Insular people and things are alone, cut off from other groups, and Read More …

Adjective – Dyed-in-the-wool always used before a noun, often disapproving having very strong beliefs, opinions, etc., that you are not willing to change He is known as a dyed-in-the-wool conservative.

Adjective – spic-and-span very clean and neat He keeps the house spic-and-span.

Adjective – Nonsensical very foolish or silly a nonsensical argument It would be nonsensical to accept the lower paying job.

Adjective – Teeming The word “teem” comes from Old English. It first meant “to give birth to.” When Shakespeare wrote about the “teeming wombe of royall Kings,” the meaning of “teem” started to change. And today, “teem” means “to be Read More …

Adjective – Slovenly We’re not sure where the word “sloven” came from, but it’s been in English since the year 1475 or so. To put it politely, the first meaning of “sloven” was “a person with no manners” or “a Read More …

Adjective – Paternal 1 : of or relating to a father He did not neglect his paternal responsibilities after the divorce. He offered them some paternal (=fatherly) advice. 2 always used before a noun : related through the father his Read More …

Adjective – Scant very small in size or amount Food was in scant supply. She paid scant attention to the facts. Police found scant evidence of fraud.

Adjective – Palatable The palate is the roof of the mouth, or the sense of taste. So, something palatable tastes okay (or even good) to the person who’s eating or drinking it. And, your palate for something can also be Read More …

Adjective – Awkward 1 a : not graceful : CLUMSY She is awkward at dancing. He had large feet and his walk was awkward and ungainly. an awkward movement The story contained some awkward writing. 1 b : lacking skill Read More …