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euphuism

noun/ˈjuːfuɪzəm/

definition

a style of writing that uses elaborate and affected language and syntax

example

The playwright's use of euphuism made the dialogue feel ornate but often detracted from the emotional weight of the story.

synonyms
rhetoricgrandiloquenceornateness
word origin — from 'euphuism' derived from the Greek word 'euphuēs', meaning 'well-shaped' or 'well-spoken', popularized by John Lyly's works in the late 16th century.

euphuism, onomasticon, halidom, osteotome, pareidolia: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 246. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. euphuism · noun/ˈjuːfuɪzəm/

    a style of writing that uses elaborate and affected language and syntax

    The playwright's use of euphuism made the dialogue feel ornate but often detracted from the emotional weight of the story.

    Synonyms: rhetoric, grandiloquence, ornateness

    Origin: from 'euphuism' derived from the Greek word 'euphuēs', meaning 'well-shaped' or 'well-spoken', popularized by John Lyly's works in the late 16th century.

  2. onomasticon · noun/ˌɑː.nəˈmæstɪ.kən/

    a reference work containing a list of proper names with explanations or descriptions

    The scholar consulted an extensive onomasticon to better understand the origins of the ancient names mentioned in the text.

    Synonyms: name directory, nomenclature, name list

    Origin: From Greek onoma, onomat- 'name' + -icon

  3. halidom · noun/ˈhælɪdəm/

    a holy place or sacred object

    The pilgrims trekked for days to reach the ancient halidom, a revered temple said to hold sacred relics of the saint.

    Synonyms: sanctuary, shrine, altar

    Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'hālig' (holy) + 'dōm' (dominion or realm); related to the concept of holiness.

  4. osteotome · noun/ˈɑːstɪoʊtoʊm/

    a surgical instrument used for cutting bone

    During the orthopedic procedure, the surgeon carefully utilized the osteotome to reshape the bone for proper alignment.

    Synonyms: bone chisel, bone cutter

    Origin: The word originates from the Greek 'osteon' meaning 'bone' and 'temnein' meaning 'to cut'.

  5. pareidolia · noun/ˌpɛr.ɪˈdoʊ.li.ə/

    the tendency to perceive a specific, often familiar image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern

    Many people experience pareidolia when they look at clouds and see familiar shapes like animals or faces.

    Synonyms: apophenia, illusion

    Origin: from Greek 'para' (beside) and 'eidolon' (image, form)