Word Ultra — Set 55

Set 55 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: nympholepsy, oneiromancy, paradiddle, opsimath, risorgimento. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. nympholepsy · noun/ˈnɪmfəˌlɛpsi/

   a state of intense delight or ecstasy caused by the presence of a nymph or a passionate longing for someone unattainable

   His nympholepsy for the unattainable beauty of the dancer filled him with a bliss he could never express.

   Synonyms: ecstasy, rapture, enchantment

   Origin: The word 'nympholepsy' originates from the Greek words 'nymphē' meaning 'nymph' and 'lepsis' meaning 'seizure' or 'rapture', indicating a state of being seized by the presence or idea of a nymph.

2. oneiromancy · noun/oʊˈnaɪrəˌmænsi/

   the practice of interpreting dreams to predict the future

   In ancient cultures, oneiromancy was often practiced by priests who believed that dreams were messages from the gods.

   Synonyms: dream interpretation, dream analysis, oneirocriticism

   Origin: from the Greek 'oneiros' meaning 'dream' and 'manteia' meaning 'divination'

3. paradiddle · noun/ˈpær.əˌdɪd.əl/

   a drum rudiment consisting of a pattern of alternating strokes played with each hand

   During the drumming workshop, the instructor emphasized the importance of mastering the paradiddle to improve hand coordination.

   Synonyms: drum pattern, rhythmic figure

   Origin: The word 'paradiddle' is thought to have originated from a combination of 'para' (a prefix used in the names of various drumming patterns) and 'diddle' (a playful term used in drumming contexts).

4. opsimath · noun/ˈɑːpsɪmæθ/

   a person who begins to learn or study late in life

   As an opsimath, she embraced her passion for painting, enrolling in classes that allowed her to explore her creativity in her retirement.

   Synonyms: late bloomer, lifelong learner, adult learner

   Origin: The word 'opsimath' derives from the Greek 'opsis', meaning 'sight' or 'view', and 'mathē', meaning 'learning' or 'knowledge'.

5. risorgimento · noun/rɪˌzɔrˈdʒɪˈmɛn.toʊ/

   the revival or resurgent movement aimed at achieving national unification or independence especially in Italy during the 19th century

   The Risorgimento was a crucial period in Italian history that paved the way for the unification of the country under a single monarchy.

   Synonyms: rebirth,resurgence,revival

   Origin: Italian, from 'risorgere' meaning 'to rise again'