Wondrous Words Wednesday
Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. If you want to play along, grab the button, and join the fun! (Don’t forget to leave a link in the comments if you’re participating.)
All of my words this week come from Day for Night by Frederick Reiken.
1.tautology – “It’s a tautology, I explained, not a connection, but Mr. Hotshot had failed geometry and had no aptitude for concepts of formal logic.”
Tautology is a needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word.
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2. apotropaic – “The funny sayings, the Yiddish doublespeak, which he called “apotropaic” and which, depending on my mood, I called either superstition or precaution.”
Apotropaic means designed to avert evil.
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3. tractates– “I explained that certain Talmudic tractates that pertain to mourning are referred to as Semakhos or “happy times.””
I should have been able to figure this word out! A tractate is tract (a small booklet used for promotional or informational purposes) or a treatise.
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Have you discovered any new words lately?
I have heard tautology before!
Great words again this Wednesday.
THANKS.
Tautology is the only one I know!
I played after a long time:
http://readbookswritepoetry.blogspot.com/2010/07/wondrous-words-wednesday.html
Once again, you get credit for expanding my vocabulary. All your words were not familiar to me.
CMash
Yes I actually know a word here: tautology. The rest of the words are completely new to me.
tautology ..finally one I knew. as did everyone else it seems…lol
I guess we’re all excited that you included tautology today–add me to the list of those who’ve actually heard of it. {smile}
My words are here:
http://lisanotes.blogspot.com/2010/07/wondrous-words-wednesday_14.html
I’m so sorry I didn’t get my act together this week! Once summer is over, I hope to be in my normal routine!
Good ones! I can’t see me using apotropaic in a sentence. Have a good week, Kathy and happy reading.
Oh, I love “apotropaic.” Interestingly, spell check does not.
I think tautology is one I could use…my words are here:
http://jo-jolovestoread.blogspot.com/2010/07/wondrous-words-wednesday-july-14.html
I like tractates.
Here are is my words – names of many artists I didn’t know when reading By Nightfall by Michael Cunningham. grrr!
http://blog.readinggroupchoices.com/content/blog/barbara/10/july/wondrous-words-wednesday-nightfall-michael-cunningham
Wish I’d heard of even one of your words but I’m afraid they’re all new to me.
You can find my new words here: Joyfully Retired.
Those are all new to me!
I tried to say apotropaic fast three times but it just isn’t happening. …
Kathy, these are great words, all new to me. I’d heard tautology before–but didn’t remember its meaning. Thanks for helping me improve my vocabulary!
Great words, Kathy. I didn’t know a single one! LOL!
Another couple of words that are completely new to me. (You read the most interesting books!) I’ve heard “tautology” before, although I can’t believe I’ve ever used it in a sentence. Or ever would!
I sure couldn’t figure the last one out! I’m fascinated by all the three words, Kathy. Thanks for sharing them!
Great words…Rhapsody, after reading your comment, I tried. Hopeless.
I’ve always been a fan of “tautology”
Well, the word – not having people use it instead of explaining things 
Great words. Tautology is one of my personal faves!
Only knew “tautology.” Oh, the possibilities of “apotropaic” –e.g., is Harry Potter apotropaic?
? What fun! Thanks.