Set 272 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

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.

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.

Word Ultra — Set 272

Set 272 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: malapropism, hagiography, impassibility, celerity, galactophagist. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. 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.

  2. 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'.

  3. 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').

  4. 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'

  5. 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'