a difficult, precarious, or entrapping position or situation
example
The company is in a financial quagmire and needs help to get out.
synonyms
predicamentdilemmamess
word origin — From Middle English 'quakmere', which combines 'quak' (to shake) and 'mere' (a body of water).
quagmire, malapropism, condescension, epithet, gullibility: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 27. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
quagmire · noun/ˈkwæɡˌmaɪr/
a difficult, precarious, or entrapping position or situation
The company is in a financial quagmire and needs help to get out.
Synonyms: predicament, dilemma, mess
Origin: From Middle English 'quakmere', which combines 'quak' (to shake) and 'mere' (a body of water).
malapropism · noun/ˌmæl.əˈprɑː.pɪ.zəm/
the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar
His malapropism made everyone laugh when he said he was going to the store to buy a 'specific' instead of 'spaghetti'.
Synonyms: misuse, mistake, error
Origin: The word 'malapropism' comes from the name of a character, Mrs. Malaprop, in the 18th-century play 'The Rivals' by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, who was known for her humorous misuse of words.
condescension · noun/ˌkɑndɪˈsɛnʃən/
an attitude of patronizing superiority
Her condescension made it clear that she thought she was better than everyone else.
Synonyms: patronizing, disdain, superiority
Origin: from Latin 'condescendere' meaning 'to descend together'
epithet · noun/ˈɛpɪˌθɛt/
a descriptive phrase expressing a quality or characteristic of the person or thing mentioned
The hero of the story was often called by the epithet 'brave warrior' because he fought for his people.
Synonyms: label, nickname, title
Origin: from the Greek word 'epithetos,' meaning 'attributed' or 'added.'
His gullibility makes him believe every story he hears.
Synonyms: naivety, credulity, foolishness
Origin: The word 'gullibility' is derived from 'gull,' which means to deceive or cheat, combined with the suffix '-ibility' to indicate a quality or state.