ASSORTED WORDS (WORDS # 25)

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ABASHED

Adjective – embarrassed or ashamed about something you have done.

He was abashed at the results of his efforts.

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ABOVEBOARD

Adjective - Completely honest and legal

She’s been totally open and aboveboard about this negotiation.

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ACQUIESCE

Verb (Intransitive, formal) - To agree to something or to accept something, although you do not want to

He still kept his own view. However, he acquiesced to the Board’s decision.

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ADAGE

Noun (countable) – A well-known phrase that says something about life and human experience

Birds of a feather flock together

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MY COMMENTS ON THESE WORDS

Quite a complicated set of words! I would say the most frequently used are “Aboveboard” and “Adage”

“Abashed” is related to feeling awkward about something. Adolescents are easily “abashed”. They feel uncomfortable and lack confidence in themselves. Even a light criticism will make them feel “abashed”! But I wouldn’t usually use this word, I would probably use the word “uncomfortable” and this is a characteristic that also affects adults.

“Aboveboard” I think is a more useful word, it literally means that procedures or things are “above the board”. This means that everything is on view; there is nothing hidden or secret. The word projects the idea of honest dealing, of transparent actions. I’ve seen it used in relation to business or negotiations.

“Acquiesce” is such a complicated word to write and to pronounce! It’s also very formal. Personally I wouldn’t use it. It can be associated to agreeing or accepting or allowing something to happen. So why use it if you can use these other, simpler words? However, it is used for formal writing and speaking, and it’s on the lists for the various tests, so there you have it!

“Adage” is relatively common. An adage is a saying that usually describes some traditional behavior. It has a feeling of years of experience and wisdom, and is often educational, it teaches something.

The news for Spanish speakers is not very good, I’m afraid! The only word that sounds similar in Spanish is adagio. It sounds the same, looks the same and means the same as the English term “adage”.

So that’s it for now. Study up your words and I’ll see you on my next post!

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 © 2013  joveron  (Joan Robertson)

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