I am beginning a new series where I share some words that I believe would significantly enrich your vocabulary if used. Some of these words may be familiar but I believe that the knowledge of other ways of applying them would add value. Here at EnglishXP the objective is not only to improve your Engllish but to make your sound smarter in the process. Without further ado, here are today’s words.
- legerdemain [ˌlɛdʒədɪˈmeɪn] – noun
Meaning: skilful use of one’s hands when performing conjuring tricks.
Usage: He employed such legerdemain that it is nearly impossible to believe he is performing magic
- usurper [juːˈzəːpə, juːˈsəːpə]
Meaning: a person who takes a position of power or importance illegally or by force.
Usage: Prince Michael, the usurper of the throne has shown himself to be a compassionate king, defying initial opinion.
- seep [siːp] -verb
Meaning: (of a liquid) flow or leak slowly through porous material or small holes.
Usage: Due to the shoddy workmanship, water has been seeping through the foundation and has compromised the school building.
- western [ˈwɛst(ə)n] -noun
Meaning: a film, television drama, or novel about cowboys in western North America, set especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Usage: I live westerns, my favourite is the good the bad and the ugly
- finagle [fɪˈneɪɡ(ə)l] – verb
Meaning: obtain by dishonest or devious means.
usage: paul did his best to finagle his way to a job he knew nothing about, now he regrets it!
There is your lot for the day, if you like this article, check out other articles on EnglishXP, we have got resources to improve your speech, vocabulary and writing. If you are in the mood for games, try out this tongue twister.
References
Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America’s most-trusted online dictionary