desideratum, dysgenics, harridan, apothegm, raillery: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 125. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. desideratum · noun/ˌdɛzɪˈdɛrəˌtəm/

   something desired or considered necessary

   A good education is a fundamental desideratum for achieving success in life.

   Synonyms: requirement, necessity, want

   Origin: From Latin 'desideratum', meaning 'something desired', from 'desiderare', meaning 'to desire'.

2. dysgenics · noun/dɪsˈdʒɛnɪks/

   the study of factors that lead to the genetic decline of a population

   Researchers in the field of dysgenics are increasingly concerned about the impact of environmental toxins on genetic health.

   Synonyms: genetic decline, genetic deterioration, genetic degradation

   Origin: The term 'dysgenics' is derived from the Greek prefix 'dys-' meaning bad, difficult, or impaired, and 'genics', from 'genesis' meaning origin or source.

3. harridan · noun/ˈhɛrɪdən/

   a strict, bossy, or belligerent woman

   The entire office dreaded presentations led by the harridan, as her harsh critiques left little room for improvement.

   Synonyms: shrew, termagant, virago

   Origin: The word 'harridan' comes from the French 'haridelle', meaning a 'hag' or 'old horse', which itself is derived from the term 'harid', referring to a horse or mare.

4. apothegm · noun/ˈæpəˌθɛm/

   a terse, memorable saying oraxiom

   The teacher often quoted the ancient apothegm, 'Know thyself,' to inspire self-reflection among her students.

   Synonyms: adage, aphorism, maxim

   Origin: from the Greek 'apophthegma', meaning 'to speak out' or 'to say clearly'

5. raillery · noun/ˈreɪ.lɚ.i/

   good-natured teasing or banter

   The friends engaged in playful raillery, each trying to outdo the other with clever comebacks.

   Synonyms: banter, jest, teasing

   Origin: From Middle French 'railler' meaning 'to scold or deride', from Old French 'raille' meaning 'mockery or jest'.