circumlocution, stevedore, vilification, discord, marsupial: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 72. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. circumlocution · noun/ˌsɜrkəmləˈkuʃən/

   the use of many words to say something that could be expressed more briefly

   The teacher explained the lesson with too much circumlocution, making it hard for the students to understand.

   Synonyms: verbosity, wordiness, periphrasis

   Origin: from Latin 'circumlocutio', meaning 'speaking around'

2. stevedore · noun/ˈstiːvədɔr/

   a person employed to load and unload cargo from ships

   The stevedore worked hard to load the heavy boxes onto the ship.

   Synonyms: longshoreman, dockworker

   Origin: The word 'stevedore' comes from the Spanish 'estibador', which is derived from 'estiba', meaning 'to load or stow cargo'.

3. vilification · noun/ˌvɪlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

   the act of speaking about someone in a way that damages their reputation

   The vilification of the teacher by the students was unfair and hurtful.

   Synonyms: slander, defamation, insult

   Origin: from Latin 'vilificare', meaning 'to make vile or to defame'

4. discord · noun/ˈdɪs.kɔrd/

   lack of agreement or harmony between people or things

   There was much discord in the meeting, and people could not agree on the plan.

   Synonyms: disagreement, conflict, strife

   Origin: from Latin 'discordia', from 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'cor' meaning 'heart'

5. marsupial · noun/mɚˈsuː.pi.əl/

   a type of mammal that carries and nurtures its young in a pouch

   A kangaroo is a well-known marsupial that carries its baby in a pouch.

   Synonyms: pouch mammal, marsupial mammal

   Origin: The word 'marsupial' comes from the Latin 'marsupium,' meaning 'pouch.'