Have you ever come across the word “preclude” in a formal article, contract, academic paper, or professional conversation and wondered what it means? If so, you’re not alone. “Preclude” is a useful English verb, but because it sounds formal, many…

Have you ever felt angry because someone treated you unfairly? Maybe someone blamed you for something you did not do, ignored your contribution, or accused you of something without a good reason. In situations like these, the word indignant can…

Have you ever seen a wall covered with unwanted writing, a damaged sign, or a book whose pages have been marked with drawings? You may have heard someone describe it as defaced. But what exactly does “defaced” mean, and how…

Have you ever come across the word “despot” while reading a history book, watching the news, or studying English vocabulary and wondered exactly what it means? If so, you’re not alone. “Despot” is a powerful word that is often used…

Have you ever met someone who seems to bring energy and excitement wherever they go? Maybe they are cheerful, enthusiastic, talkative, and full of life. If you are looking for the right English word to describe such a person, vivacious…

Have you ever heard someone say, “Stop gallivanting around and get your work done”? If you have, you may have wondered what gallivant actually means. I find this word interesting because it describes something many of us enjoy—going from one…

Have you ever come across the word “exigency” and wondered what it means or how to use it correctly? It is a formal English word that often appears in serious writing, news reports, academic discussions, business communication, and legal contexts.…

Hey friends! Have you ever read a phrase like “fulsome praise” and wondered whether it was a compliment or a polite insult? You’re not alone. Even native speakers, editors, and journalists argue about this word. Today I’ll walk you through…

Have you ever heard someone describe a statement as a “canard” and wondered what that unusual word means? I remember that words like this can be confusing at first because “canard” is not something we hear in everyday English very…