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Orchidaceous describes ridiculously extravagant things, like a parade at Disney World or a diamond-encrusted wristwatch. Depending on your personal tastes, you might also call those things gar___: too showy in a tacky way.
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"ORCHIDACEOUS"
Think of that extremely fancy-looking tropical flower, the orchid. Something orchidaceous is related to orchids, or is showy and extravagant.
Pronunciation:
OR kuh DAY shuss
Part of speech:
Adjective.
(Adjectives are describing words, like "large" or "late."
They can be used in two ways:
1. Right before a noun, as in "an orchidaceous thing."
2. After a linking verb, as in "It was orchidaceous.")
Other forms:
The noun is "orchidacity," but it's very rare.
How to use it:
Sure, "orchidaceous" is an unusual and rare word, but it's easily understood thanks to the simple base word, "orchid." Plus it's an interesting, colorful way to describe anything outrageously showy or fancy.
So, talk about orchidaceous artwork and photographs, orchidaceous scenery and architecture, orchidaceous poetry and novels, orchidaceous performances and productions, orchidaceous clothes and accessories, orchidaceous people and personalities (like David Bowie and Lady Gaga), and orchidaceous behavior and attitudes.
examples:
Thanks to the more realistic design of the SAT's new critical reading section, you no longer need an orchidaceous vocabulary to score high.
Don't miss the orchidaceous mansions along Memorial Drive; there's one with 27,000 square feet of living space that can be yours for $43 million.
study it now:
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "orchidaceous" means when you can explain it without saying "gaudy" or "over-the-top."
try it out:
Think of something that would be better if it weren't so showy or so fancy. Fill in the blanks: "The orchidaceous ____ detracts from _____."
Example: "The orchidaceous writing style detracts from the story."
before you review:
Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first.
This month, we're playing with the original and literal meanings of familiar words. I'll give you three words and their original or literal definitions, and you'll match them up. Easy! But then the following day, see if you can recall those old meanings. Hard! :) Our game has two purposes. One, we'll visit the interesting, thought-provoking old meanings of words. And two, we'll remind ourselves of a powerful learning strategy: delayed recalling. Let's play!
First, try to recall from yesterday the original meanings of "lunch" and "husband" and the literal meaning of "animate." Answers appear at the bottom of this issue.
Next, match these words to their original or literal definitions in the answer bank below:
1. "Glamour" originally meant _____
2. "Comrade" originally meant _____
3. "Graffiti" literally means _____
Answer bank:
A. "magic or a spell."
B. "scribblings."
C. "roommate."
review today's word:
1. The opposite of ORCHIDACEOUS is
A. STARK
B. FLORID
C. MELANCHOLY
2. There's more to _____ than its orchidaceous _____.
A. New England .. clam chowder
B. Austin .. bat colonies
C. Las Vegas .. hotels
Answers are below.
a final word:
To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com
Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes.
Answers to game questions:
1. "Lunch" originally meant "a thick piece (of something like bread or cheese)."
2. "Husband" originally meant "the master of the house."
3. "Animate" literally means "to give breath to."
Answers to review questions:
1. A
2. C
Orchidaceous describes ridiculously extravagant things, like a parade at Disney World or a diamond-encrusted wristwatch. Depending on your personal tastes, you might also call those things gar___: too showy in a tacky way.
"ORCHIDACEOUS" Think of that extremely fancy-looking tropical flower, the orchid. Something orchidaceous is related to orchids, or is showy and extravagant. Part of speech:
Thanks to the more realistic design of the SAT's new critical reading section, you no longer need an orchidaceous vocabulary to score high.
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "orchidaceous" means when you can explain it without saying "gaudy" or "over-the-top."
Think of something that would be better if it weren't so showy or so fancy. Fill in the blanks: "The orchidaceous ____ detracts from _____."
Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first.
1. The opposite of ORCHIDACEOUS is
To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com
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