What does the word ‘titular’ mean?
STOMPer 1234Pole
Hi STOMPer 1234Pole
Well, we looked in the dictionary and the adjective ‘titular’ refers to existing or being such in title only, meaning you have a title but have none of the powers associated with it.
It can also mean pertaining to a title, or having a title.
The noun ‘titular’ refers to the person who holds a title, or a person or thing from which a title or name is taken.
There! Hope that cleared things up for you, STOMPer 1234Pole!
What does ‘shuck’ or ‘shucking’ mean?
Stomper Eve
Hi Stomper Eve!
Well, ‘shucking’ describes the action when you shuck. So we can just deal with ‘shuck.
If you look in the dictionary, you will find that the noun ‘shuck’ refers to a husk or pod, or the shell of an oyster or clam.
The verb ‘shuck’ means to remove the shucks from things that have shucks, like oysters! It can also mean to remove or discard like you’re shucking.
What does the word ‘extraordinaire’ mean?
STOMPer Leeming
Hi STOMPer Learning!
Well, if you look in the dictionary, you’ll find that ‘extraordinaire’ a French word that we use in English as an adjective to mean ‘extraordinary’ or ‘remarkable’!
Hi,
I saw this lovely piece of cloth with poetry on it at Club Street and I thought I would send it in, so that everyone can appreciate it. Apologies if it is not such a good picture.
“A cold rain falls at night. In the streets and avenues of my city quiet darkness is hard at work. Poetry searches for radiance.”
Though I have to say, English Language Panel, that I am not sure what it actually means or what is the context, I think it is especially pleasing and beautiful.
Regards,
Jane Doe
Hi Jane Doe!
We have to agree with you. Some poems can be really pleasing and beautiful. And we also agree with you that sometimes it's hard to understand what it actually means!
But we'll just enjoy this poem you sent in anyway.
Thanks for sharing this with us, Jane Doe!
What is the difference between ‘turquoise’, ‘cobalt’, ‘azure’ and ‘lapis lazuli’?
Thanks and regards,
STOMPer Ghana
Hi STOMPer Ghana!
As far as our non-artistic minds can tell, STOMPer Ghana, those are all shades of blue.
As to what the difference is, we have absolutely no idea. And even if we did, we don’t think we’d be able to express it in words either!
We suggest finding an artist and getting him or her to show you!
What does the term ‘to draw a blank’ mean?
Regards,
Sonia
Hi Sonia!
The idiom ‘draw a blank’ means to fail in an attempt, or to fail to comprehend or recollect!
We hope you never draw a blank on anything, Sonia!
What does willy nilly mean?
It is not a name right?
Regards,
Eve
Hi Eve!
No it’s not a name! Although we guess it could be a name if you really wanted your name to be ‘willy nilly’,
If you look in a dictionary, you’ll find that ‘willy nilly’ is an adverb that refers to being in a disorganised or unplanned manner, or that means ‘whether one wishes to or not’.
‘Willy nilly’ as an adjective refers to wasting time or being not resolute, or like the adverb, refers to being disorganised and unplanned!
We hope no one uses ‘willy nilly’ on you, Eve! Unless, of course, it’s your name. Although we can’t see why you’d want a name like that!
What does fatwa mean?
Trewellyn
Hey Trewellyn!
If you look in a dictionary, you will see that ‘fatwa’ refers to an Islamic religious decree!
Dear English Experts
Can these two words, 'gratefulness' and 'gratitude', be used interchangeably? Thanks.
Terence
Hi Terence!
Yes they can! ‘Gratefulness’ and ‘gratitude’ are synonyms -- they are both nouns that refer to the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful!
Hi Stomp,
What is the difference between "dysfunctional" and "disfunctional"?
Thanks,
Self-Fix
Hi Self-Fix!
Guess what? There’s only one difference, and it’s in the spelling!
Those are two ways of spelling the same thing, Self-Fix!
