Word Power: Elevate Your Writing with 10 High-End Words - Part I

Overview

Word power is a series of 20 articles in which I will be providing my audience with many high-end and erudite words to elevate their writing prowess. It is no secret that texts imbued with powerful and potent words stand out and leave a lasting impression on the readers. Owing to this, I will be exploring these impactful and intriguing words in our series. Furthermore, a mnemonic technique to memorize all these words will also be provided in the end so that the audience can retain these words easily.

List of Words

The following words are covered in the article: 

1. Emend
2. Adventitious
3. Ecclesiastical 
4. Benison
5. Oleaginous 
6. Prodigious
7. Eldritch
8. Onus
9. Irrefragable
10. Contumely

Emend

This verb refers to making corrections or improvements to a written text. Common errors include using “emend” and “amend” interchangeably, although “amend” means to make changes to something already written or established. It’s often used in the context of professional writing and editing. The noun form is “emendation.” Amend is a broader term and is a verb that means to change something for the better, to make improvements or corrections. This can apply to documents, laws, personal behavior, and more. The noun form is “amendment.” 

Example: The editor decided to emend the manuscript by removing the outdated references. 

Adventitious

This adjective describes something that happens by chance rather than by design or inherent nature. This word is often confused with “random”. The former describes something that arises by chance, but it often implies that the event or occurrence is external or added from outside. It’s not inherent to the situation or object itself. For example, an adventitious root is one that grows from an unusual place on a plant, not from the usual root system.

The word “random” is used to describe an occurrence that has no specific pattern, order, or purpose. It’s often associated with unpredictability. For example, rolling a die produces a random result because any number could come up with equal likelihood.

Ecclesiastical

Pertaining to the Christian Church or its clergy. Errors often occur when “ecclesiastical” is used interchangeably with “church,” though “church” can refer to the building, the congregation, or the wider religious community. “Ecclesiastical” is more specific to the organization and administration of the church.

Example: The ecclesiastical council met to discuss the new policies for the diocese. 

Benison

A noun meaning a blessing or good wish. 

Example: The priest offered a benison at the end of the ceremony.

Oleaginous

This adjective describes something oily or greasy. It is sometimes mistaken for “sebaceous,” which has a different meaning. 

The former refers to something that is oily or greasy in nature. It can describe substances that are rich in oil or fat, such as certain foods or skincare products. Additionally, it can describe a person’s skin or hair that appears excessively oily or greasy. It is also used metaphorically to describe someone who is excessively flattering or unctuous in manner.

The latter, on the other hand, specifically relates to the sebaceous glands in the skin that produce sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate and protect the skin and hair. These glands are most commonly found on the face and scalp but can also be present on other parts of the body. When the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, it can lead to oily skin and conditions such as acne.

Prodigious

Means remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree. Common errors include using “prodigious” to describe negative qualities or as a synonym for “abundant.” It is also often confused with “prodigal,” which means wasteful or extravagant.

Example: The athlete’s prodigious strength was evident when he lifted the heavy weights with ease.

Eldritch

An adjective used to describe something weird, sinister, or ghostly. 

Example: The eldritch howl of the wind through the trees sent shivers down my spine. 

Onus

A noun that refers to a burden, responsibility, or obligation.

Example: The onus of proof in the debate rested on the

Irrefragable

Irrefragable means something not able to be refuted or disproved; incontrovertible.

Example: The scientist presented irrefragable evidence that confirmed the new particle’s existence.

Contumely

It means insolent or insulting language or treatment.

Example: Despite the contumely hurled at him by his opponents, the candidate maintained his composure.

Mnemonic Technique

By visualizing the following story and the events within it, you can recall each word by its place and role in the narrative.

"In the tranquil village of Eldoria, the ecclesiastical council decided to emend the ancient scriptures to reflect the modern values of the community. This task was seen as a prodigious challenge, given the texts’ complexity and sacredness.

As the council convened, an adventitious traveler arrived, bringing tales of distant lands and curious customs. His presence was a benison to the villagers, who were eager for news of the outside world. The traveler, with his oleaginous charm, quickly became a favorite among the townsfolk.

However, the traveler’s stories revealed an eldritch truth about a looming threat over Eldoria, a darkness that could only be dispelled by a legendary artifact. The onus of retrieving this artifact fell upon the youngest member of the council, who was known for her irrefragable courage and wit.

As she embarked on her quest, she faced contumely from those who doubted her abilities. Yet, undeterred, she ventured into the unknown, determined to protect her home and uphold the honor of the council."

Links and Resources for More High-End Words

• A Complete Guide to Using the Word 'Praise'
• A Complete Guide to Using the Word 'Soil'
• Some interesting expressions about 'Quick Understanding'