bloviate, gourmandize, irrupt, flitter, inhere: meanings and examples

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

1. bloviate · verb/ˈbloʊviˌeɪt/

   to speak or write at length in a verbose or inflated manner

   During the meeting, he began to bloviate about his new project without giving anyone else a chance to speak.

   Synonyms: babble, pontificate, ramble

   Origin: Originated in the late 19th century, possibly from 'blow' with a suffix 'viate' suggesting 'to speak or discourse'.

2. gourmandize · verb/ɡɔrˈmændaɪz/

   to eat excessively or indulge greedily in rich food

   When we travel, we love to gourmandize at different restaurants and try local dishes.

   Synonyms: feast, indulge, savor

   Origin: from French 'gourmand', meaning a person who enjoys food, derived from 'gourmandise' meaning gluttony or indulgence in good food

3. irrupt · verb/ɪˈrʌpt/

   to burst or break in suddenly or violently

   The crowd began to irrupt into the stadium as soon as the gates opened.

   Synonyms: burst, invade, erupt

   Origin: Latin 'irrumpere', where 'in-' means 'into' and 'rumpere' means 'to break'.

4. flitter · verb/ˈflɪtər/

   to move quickly and lightly or to flutter about

   The butterflies flitter from flower to flower in the garden.

   Synonyms: flutter, dart, skip

   Origin: The word 'flitter' originated in the early 19th century, likely derived from the Middle English word 'fliteren,' meaning to move lightly.

5. inhere · verb/ɪnˈhɪr/

   to exist as an essential or permanent attribute or characteristic

   The beauty of the painting inhere in its bright colors and intricate details.

   Synonyms: belong, reside, exist

   Origin: from Latin 'inhaerere' which means 'to stick to' or 'to adhere'