agelast, flibbertigibbet, aporia, gambit, parrhesia: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 96. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. agelast · noun/ˈmɪzənˌθroʊp, ɡrʌmp, ˈsaʊərˌpʌs/

   a person who never laughs

   Despite the humorous antics of his friends, John remained an agelast, never cracking a smile during their gathering.

   Synonyms: misanthrope, grump, sourpuss

   Origin: derived from the Greek 'a' meaning 'not' and 'gelas,' meaning 'laugh'

2. flibbertigibbet · noun/ˈflɪb.ɚ.tɪˌdʒɪ.bɪt/

   a frivolous or flighty person

   Despite her charming personality, everyone knew she was just a flibbertigibbet who could never commit to anything serious.

   Synonyms: fidget, scatterbrain, airhead

   Origin: The word 'flibbertigibbet' originates from the Middle English 'fleobberdigibbet', a combination of 'fleober' (to flit) and 'gibbet' (a reflection of light or a noisy person).

3. aporia · noun/əˈpɔriə/

   a state of puzzlement or doubt especially about an unresolved problem or contradiction

   The philosopher found himself in a state of aporia when faced with the moral implications of artificial intelligence.

   Synonyms: puzzle, dilemma, uncertainty

   Origin: from Ancient Greek 'ἀπορία' (aporia) meaning 'impasse, difficulty' from 'ἀ-' (a-) meaning 'without' and 'πόρος' (poros) meaning 'passage, way'

4. gambit · noun/ˈɡæm.bɪt/

   a calculated move or strategy used to gain an advantage

   Her decision to invest heavily in the new technology was a bold gambit that paid off in the long run.

   Synonyms: maneuver, tactic, stratagem

   Origin: from the Italian 'gambetto' meaning 'to trip up' (from 'gamba' meaning 'leg')

5. parrhesia · noun/pɑrˈziə/

   frankness or boldness in speech often involving a sense of duty to speak the truth

   In the meeting, her parrhesia revealed the uncomfortable truths that everyone else was hesitant to acknowledge.

   Synonyms: frankness, candor, openness

   Origin: derived from the Ancient Greek word 'παρρησία' (parrēsia), meaning 'frankness, boldness of speech'