Tag: Adjective

In a zero-sum game or situation, all the gains and losses sum to zero (that is, they add up to zero). The winners win things only because the losers lose things. In other words, something zero-sum (like a game or a situation) involves people Read More …

[more off–key; most off–key] not in tune : above or below the proper pitch Some of the notes were slightly off-key. — off–key adverb He sang off-key.

  This word has Latin roots that mean “sitting in,” as in “sitting in a hiding place, lying in wait, about to trap or attack someone.” Insidious people and things are secret, sneaky, and tricky, as if they’re planning to trap things Read More …

  Adjective “Olfaction” is the ability to smell. (“Olfaction” has Latin roots that literally mean “smell making,” which explains why it looks like other words about making things, like “factory.”) So, something olfactory involves the sense of smell. Pronunciation: ole FACK tuh Read More …