Nascent is based on a root meaning “birth” and means “just beginning to come into existence.” It does not refer to “starting” in the sense of a game or a movie; nascent must refer to things that “grow” like a business, a project, or a life: Tina worked hard to build her nascent career after graduate school. […]

Magniloquent describes a style of speaking—a tone and style like that of a king giving a public speech, a style of exaggerated importance and formality. Munificent describes a person, a gift, or a behavior which is generous or kind. Magniloquent is formed from magni- meaning “great” and -loquent which means “speaking.” Another word with similar roots and the same meaning […]

Impartable is made from the verb impart, which means “to share information, to communicate,” as in “I imparted my plans to my friend.” So, impartable naturally means “able to be communicated”: Spiritual experiences are not easily impartable; they transcend words. Be aware that some dictionaries do not list impartable, because it is a form that an English […]

Mucus is a substance that is part of the human body and of most complex living creatures. It is a sticky and slippery substance, thicker than a liquid, which protects tissues in the body, such as in the nose and throat. When you get tested for a virus, the doctor (or other medical practitioner) usually takes […]

Meritorious describes honorable or admirable people, actions, and creations: The soldier who risked his life for his comrades received a medal for meritorious action. Bach’s works are considered among the most meritorious compositions of the Baroque period. Meretricious, in contrast, describes people, actions, and creations that falsely present themselves as valuable—but which are deceptive, superficial, insincere, or simply […]