the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect
example
Her continual malapropism during the speech led to laughter from the audience every time she misused a word.
synonyms
misuseblundergaffe
word origin — Coined in the 18th century from the character Madame Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play 'The Rivals' (1775), who was noted for her ludicrous misuse of words.
malapropism, hagiography, impassibility, celerity, galactophagist: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 272. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
malapropism · noun/ˌmæl əˈprɑː pɪ zəm/
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect
Her continual malapropism during the speech led to laughter from the audience every time she misused a word.
Synonyms: misuse, blunder, gaffe
Origin: Coined in the 18th century from the character Madame Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play 'The Rivals' (1775), who was noted for her ludicrous misuse of words.
hagiography · noun/ˌhæɡiˈɑɡrəfi/
a biography that idealizes its subject or elevates them to saintly status
The hagiography of the famous leader painted an exaggerated picture of his virtues, making him seem almost divine.
Synonyms: panegyric, eulogy, apotheosis
Origin: The word hagiography comes from the Greek 'hagios', meaning 'holy' or 'saint', and 'graphia' meaning 'writing'.
impassibility · noun/ɪmˌpæsəˈbɪlɪti/
the quality of being unable to suffer or experience pain
The ancient philosophers often debated the impassibility of the divine, arguing that a perfect being could not experience suffering.
Synonyms: impassiveness, insensitivity, apathy
Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'impassibilis', meaning 'not able to suffer' (from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'passibilis' meaning 'able to suffer').
celerity · noun/səˈlɛrɪti/
swiftness of movement or action
The emergency response team acted with remarkable celerity to control the situation before it escalated.
Synonyms: speed, swiftness, rapidity
Origin: from Latin 'celeritas', from 'celer' meaning 'swift'
galactophagist · noun/ɡəˈlæktəˌfədʒɪst/
a person who consumes milk or milk products
As a dedicated galactophagist, she often explored various artisanal cheeses and yogurts at the local farmers' market.
Synonyms: dairy eater, milk drinker
Origin: from Greek 'galacto-' meaning 'milk' and 'phagist' meaning 'eater'