English Moribund

Join the english memorists on the english front opposing the english oblivescence!

[englishmoribund]

Multiloquent (adjective) マルティロクウェント (marutirokuwento)

Definition:

Given to speaking at great length; excessively talkative or loquacious.

Characterized by an abundance of words, often in an elaborate or detailed manner.

Etymology:

From Latin multiloquus (multi- "many" + loquus "speaking").

Example Sentence:

My grandfather is so multiloquent that a simple question about the weather turns into a 30-minute historical overview of climate patterns from his childhood.

Explaining the Meme

The meme humorously depicts the struggle of trying to politely leave a conversation while an older family member is deeply engaged in a long-winded story.

Visual Breakdown:

The student with their head stuck inside the tuba: Represents "Me—trying to leave because I need to pee—but politely." This conveys the feeling of being completely trapped in a conversation, unable to escape, no matter how urgently nature calls.

The other student playing the tuba: Symbolizes "My older family members in the middle of a story." Their storytelling is loud, immersive, and all-encompassing—much like the instrument taking over the other person’s entire existence.

The phrase “Them being multiloquent and in the middle of a story”: Perfectly encapsulates how older relatives often get caught up in detailed storytelling, making it nearly impossible to excuse yourself without seeming rude.

Humor and Relatability:

The humor comes from the relatable struggle of balancing politeness, love for family, and the very real urgency of needing to leave. It exaggerates how overwhelming and all-consuming these moments can feel, making it a perfect visual metaphor for a common social dilemma.

[englishmoribund]

The Surprising Etymology of "Joukery": From Dodging to Deceit

Language is a fascinating tapestry of words and phrases that have evolved over centuries, often taking unexpected turns in their meanings and connotations. Sometimes, a word might sound offensive at first glance, but delving into its etymology reveals a surprisingly innocent origin. "Joukery" is one such word. Though it might initially strike you as a potentially offensive term, its etymology takes us on a journey from dodging to deceit.

The Mysterious "Joukery"

"Joukery" is a word that doesn't see much use in modern English, but it still lingers in some corners of the language, meaning trickery or deceit. It's a term that can sound harsh, even offensive, depending on the context in which it's used. However, when we dig into its history, we uncover a much more innocent beginning.

Etymology of "Joukery"

To understand the origins of "joukery," we need to break it down:

Jook: The first part of the word, "jook," is the key to its meaning. "Jook" is a term that can be traced back to Scottish and Northern English dialects. It means to dodge or move quickly to avoid something. It has the sense of a quick, evasive action, much like when someone ducks or sidesteps to avoid being hit or caught.

-ery: The second part of "joukery" is the suffix "-ery." In this context, "-ery" is used to form nouns that denote a place or condition. It's a suffix that has its roots in Old French, where it often transformed adjectives or verbs into nouns.

So, when we put these elements together, "joukery" essentially means the act or condition of dodging or avoiding things quickly. This concept of dodging or evading forms the basis for its eventual shift in meaning towards trickery and deceit.

The Evolution of Meaning

Language is constantly evolving, and words can change their meanings over time. In the case of "joukery," its transformation from a word denoting evasive action to one describing trickery likely occurred as people began to associate evasive actions with deceitful intentions.

Imagine a situation where someone is constantly dodging questions or evading the truth. Over time, it's not difficult to see how "joukery" could come to describe such behavior. The line between evading questions and engaging in trickery blurs, and the word naturally takes on a more negative connotation.

"Joukery" serves as a compelling example of how words can take on meanings that diverge from their innocent origins. What may seem like an offensive term today actually began as a description of quick, evasive actions. The evolution of language is a complex and dynamic process, shaped by the way people use and understand words in various contexts.

So, the next time you come across a word that sounds potentially offensive, take a moment to explore its etymology. You might uncover a fascinating journey that leads you from seemingly harsh connotations to a more innocent starting point, like the intriguing path that "joukery" has followed from dodging to deceit.

[englishmoribund]

The Enigmatic Grimalkin: Unveiling the Esoteric Significance of a Feline Figurine

Have you ever heard of the word "grimalkin"? This word, which is not commonly used today, has a long and fascinating history in the English language. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of grimalkin, its usage in literature, its etymology, and its figurative and literal definitions.

History and Usage:

Grimalkin is an old-fashioned term for a female cat, especially an old or ill-tempered one. The word is not often used in modern English, but it has a long history of use in literature, particularly in poetry and folklore.

For example, in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," one of the witches refers to her familiar, a cat named Graymalkin. Similarly, in the English nursery rhyme "Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat," the titular feline is sometimes called a "grimalkin." Other notable uses of the term include Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat" and Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Ginger and Pickles."

Etymology:

The etymology of grimalkin is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to come from two words in Middle English: "grim," meaning fierce or cruel, and "malkin," a diminutive form of the name "Mary." The latter is thought to have been a common name for female cats in the Middle Ages, possibly due to the association of cats with the Virgin Mary.

Figurative and Literal Definitions:

In addition to its literal definition as an old or ill-tempered female cat, grimalkin has taken on several figurative meanings over the years. It can be used to describe a woman who is old, ugly, or unpleasant, particularly in appearance or demeanor. For example, "Mrs. Norris was a grimalkin of a woman, with a sour expression and a sharp tongue."

Grimalkin can also be used to describe a person who is cunning, sly, or sneaky, particularly in a negative sense. This usage is often associated with the idea of a witch's familiar, a supernatural being in the form of a cat that helps a witch carry out her magic.

In conclusion, the word grimalkin is a fascinating example of how language can evolve over time. While it is not commonly used today, it has a rich history in literature and folklore, and its figurative meanings continue to resonate with modern audiences. Whether referring to a cantankerous old cat or a shrewd and crafty person, grimalkin remains a powerful and evocative term in the English language.

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Demystifying "Stovepiped": A Visual Word for Talking About Siloed Information

Have you ever heard of the term "stovepiping"? No, it's not a term for making pipes that run to your stove, but rather a term used to describe a problematic communication issue. In this post, we'll dive into the history and definition of stovepiping and provide a silly example sentence to help you understand it better.

Etymology

The term "stovepiping" originally referred to the vertical pipes that carried smoke from wood-burning stoves to chimneys in homes and buildings. The resemblance of these pipes to a stovepipe hat - a type of tall, cylindrical hat worn by men in the 19th century - is also cited as a possible inspiration for the term.

Over time, the term was adopted as a metaphor for the flow of information within organizations. Just as smoke could only travel through a stovepipe in a single direction, information could only be transmitted within specific channels or silos, leading to a lack of communication and collaboration across different departments or individuals.

Today, the term "stovepiping" is often used to describe the negative consequences of such a compartmentalized approach to information sharing, such as inefficiency, missed opportunities, and a fragmented view of the overall picture.

History

Stovepiping became a popular term during the Cold War, where intelligence agencies were criticized for their inability to share information with each other. This siloed information sharing led to missed opportunities and intelligence failures.

Since then, the term has been applied to a wide range of situations in which information is siloed or compartmentalized. Stovepiping can occur within any organization, from small businesses to large corporations.

Definition

Stovepiping is a communication issue that occurs when information is siloed or compartmentalized within a specific department or individual. This can lead to a lack of sharing or communication with other relevant parties, resulting in a fragmented view of the overall picture and hinder decision-making processes.

Example Sentence

Here's a silly example sentence to help illustrate the concept of stovepiping: "Due to the stovepiped nature of our government agencies, it can be difficult to get a clear picture of how policies are being implemented across different departments."

Conclusion

Stovepiping is a communication issue that can have serious consequences for organizations. It's important to ensure that information is shared effectively and efficiently to avoid missed opportunities and failures. Understanding the history and definition of stovepiping can help organizations identify and address this issue.

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Placophobia [プラコフォビア] is the irrational fear of tombstones.

#Placophobia #MorEnglish [See: Placophobia] #MoribundInstitute #Phobias

Placophobia is the irrational fear of tombstones. Someone suffering from this condition can expect to experience a very high amount of...

[englishmoribund]

Nebulaphobia [ネビュラーフォービア] Morbid fear of fog or clouds. Specific fear of fog is termed homichlophobia.

nebulaphobia

Definition of nebulaphobia in the Medical Dictionary by The Free Dictionary

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Tralatitious: The Word That's Been Passed Down Through Time

The word "tralatitious" is a word that refers to something that has been passed down from generation to generation, typically in the form of cultural traditions, beliefs, or practices. This word is derived from the Latin word "trālātīcius," which means "passed over or transmitted."

In terms of definition and usage, tralatitious refers to things that have been passed down over time and have become part of the collective cultural heritage. Examples of tralatitious expressions, beliefs, and objects could include holiday traditions, family recipes, religious customs, and cultural artifacts.

One way to understand the concept of tralatitious is through analogies. For example, the ideosphere can be seen as a present-day example of something tralatitious. The ideosphere refers to the sum total of all human ideas, beliefs, and knowledge that have been passed down and continue to be passed down through time. In this sense, the ideosphere is similar to tralatitious, as both involve the passing down of ideas and beliefs from generation to generation.

Similarly, the memeplex can be seen as another example of something tralatitious. A memeplex refers to a set of interrelated cultural ideas and beliefs that are passed down from one generation to another, just like tralatitious. In this sense, the memeplex and tralatitious share the same fundamental concept of cultural transmission over time.

In the world of My Hero Academia, the Quirk "One For All" can also be compared to tralatitious. One For All is a transferable Quirk that is possessed by its current host, Izuku Midoriya. Like tralatitious, One For All involves the passing down of abilities, powers, and knowledge from one individual to another. In this sense, One For All is similar to tralatitious, as both involve the transmission of something from one person to another over time.

In conclusion, the word "tralatitious" is a useful word to describe things that have been passed down from generation to generation, such as cultural traditions, beliefs, and practices. By understanding the concept of tralatitious through analogies like the ideosphere, memeplex, and One For All Quirk, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of passing down cultural knowledge and traditions over time.

[englishmoribund]

A Word to Describe a Boastful Person: Thrasonical

Have you ever encountered someone who brags excessively about their accomplishments? If so, then you have met a thrasonical person. The word "thrasonical" is derived from the character Thraso in the ancient Greek play "Eunuchus" by Terence, who was known for his boastful behavior.

Thrasonical people are characterized by their excessive bragging and boasting. They love to talk about their achievements, wealth, and success to make themselves look better than others. Here's an example sentence to showcase a thrasonical person's behavior:

"He was so thrasonical that he claimed to have personally taught Leonardo da Vinci how to paint."

The term "thrasonical" has been used in English literature since the 16th and 17th centuries to describe boastful and arrogant characters. In modern times, it's still used to describe people who are overly boastful.

An example of a thrasonical character can be seen in the anime series "Chillin' in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King's Army." The character Gashita starts off as thrasonical but changes as the story progresses, growing as a person and learning the importance of humility.

In conclusion, the word "thrasonical" is a rich and humorous term that refers to people who are excessively boastful and love to show off their accomplishments. So next time you encounter a thrasonical person, just remember to use the word to describe their behavior in a comedic yet precise manner. And always keep in mind that true success lies in being grounded and humble.

[englishmoribund]

Erotesis: A Guide to its History, Etymology, and Definition

Erotesis is a term that has roots in both philosophy and rhetoric. It refers to a type of questioning or inquiry that seeks to establish a truth through the asking of questions. Erotesis is used to help clarify, explore, and understand complex ideas, and has been used for centuries by philosophers, scholars, and teachers.

History

The origin of the term “erotesis” can be traced back to ancient Greece. The philosopher Socrates was famous for using a method of questioning known as the Socratic method, which was a type of erotesis. Socrates believed that by asking questions, he could help others see the truth and clarify their thoughts. The Socratic method became famous and was widely adopted by other philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle.

Over time, the concept of erotesis evolved and was also adopted by rhetoric, where it was used as a way to guide the listener or reader towards a particular conclusion. In rhetoric, erotesis is a type of question that presupposes a particular answer, and is used as a tool for persuasion.

Etymology

The word “erotesis” is derived from the Greek word “erotēsis”, which means “question” or “inquiry”. The word “erotēsis” is related to the verb “erōtō”, which means “to ask”. The word “erotesis” has been adopted into modern English, and is widely used in academic and scholarly writing.

Definition

Erotesis is a method of questioning that seeks to establish a truth by asking questions. In philosophy, erotesis is used as a tool for clarifying and exploring complex ideas, and is used by scholars and teachers to help students understand difficult concepts. In rhetoric, erotesis is used as a tool for persuasion, and refers to a type of question that presupposes a particular answer. Erotesis questions are framed in such a way that they guide the listener or reader towards a particular conclusion, and can be seen as a form of suggestive language.

Conclusion

Erotesis is a term with a rich history and a wide range of applications. Whether used in philosophy to clarify complex ideas, or in rhetoric as a tool for persuasion, erotesis remains an important and useful method of inquiry. By asking questions and exploring new ideas, erotesis helps us to better understand the world around us and to expand our knowledge and understanding.

[englishmoribund]

A Paean to Learning English Vocabulary: The Time-Traveling Tale of Henry VIII's Math Triumph

Paean (noun): a song or hymn of praise or thanksgiving.

Etymology: The word "paean" comes from the ancient Greek word "paian," which was a song or hymn of thanksgiving to Apollo, the Greek god of healing. The word was later used in English to refer to any song or hymn of praise or thanksgiving.

History: In ancient Greece, paeans were sung to Apollo as a form of thanksgiving for healing or other blessings. The paean was also sung by the Greeks as a battle hymn, to invoke the god's protection and to encourage the warriors. The Roman poet Horace wrote paeans to celebrate victories of Augustus.

An Example Sentence Using The Word "Paean" - Overwhelmed with joy and relief after getting an A on his math test, Henry let out a victorious paean to the powers of staying up all night studying as he walked out of the classroom, ready to take on whatever else the future had in store for him.

The Word Paean In A Story - Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom, there lived a young prince named Henry VIII. He was known for his intelligence and strategic thinking, but as a prince, most of his attention would have been focused on statecraft, diplomacy, and military strategy rather than mathematics. However, math was a subject that he had always struggled with. One day, when he was 17 years old, a strange portal opened up in his palace and, before he knew it, he was transported to the modern day.

As he walked around the streets, he couldn't help but notice how much things had changed. Cars zoomed by, people walked around with strange devices in their hands, and he even saw a man flying through the air in some kind of metal contraption. But despite the shock of it all, Henry was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

He soon found himself in a classroom, sitting in front of a math test. He had studied all night, pouring over textbooks and working through practice problems. He was determined to overcome his math struggles once and for all. He felt a mix of anxiety and excitement as he picked up his pencil and began to work through the problems.

As he worked, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. He realized that, despite all the advancements in technology and society, the basic principles of math were still the same. He felt a renewed sense of confidence as he put the finishing touches on his test and handed it in to the teacher.

A few minutes later, the teacher returned the tests to the class, and Henry eagerly grabbed his from the desk. He flipped to the last page and saw the big red "A" scrawled across the top. Overwhelmed with joy and relief, Henry let out a victorious paean to the powers of staying up all night studying. He felt as if he had conquered not just a math test, but the whole modern world. And with that, he walked out of the classroom, ready to take on whatever else the future had in store for him.

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Discovering the Lost Art of Rhabdomancy: Understanding the History and Practice of Divining for Water and Minerals

Rhabdomancy is a little-known term that refers to the practice of divining for water or minerals using a forked stick or rod. The word is derived from the Greek "rhabdos," meaning rod, and "manteia," meaning divination.

The practice of rhabdomancy dates back to ancient times and has been used in various cultures and civilizations throughout history. In ancient Greece, for example, rhabdomancers were believed to possess the ability to locate underground water sources by holding a forked stick and walking across a dry landscape. The stick would supposedly bend or move in the direction of the water, allowing the rhabdomancer to locate the source.

Rhabdomancy was also used in mining to locate ore deposits, this time with a metallic rod.

Rhabdomancy was an especially important practice in arid regions where water was scarce and vital for survival. In these areas, rhabdomancers were highly respected and their services were in great demand.

Today, rhabdomancy is a largely forgotten practice, replaced by more modern techniques for locating water and minerals. However, the term is still used in some circles, particularly by those interested in divination and the history of dowsing.

Example sentence: "The villagers hired a rhabdomancer to locate an underground water source.

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The Precarious Word: Understanding the Meaning and Use of “Filipendulous”

The word “filipendulous” is a relatively obscure word with a unique and interesting history. It comes from the Latin “filum” meaning “thread” and “pendere” meaning “to hang,” thus literally meaning “hanging by a thread.” In other words, it is used to describe something that is precariously suspended or in danger of falling.

One of the most common uses of the word is in a figurative sense, to describe a situation or relationship that is unstable or uncertain. For example, one might say that a political alliance is “filipendulous” if it is hanging by a thread and in danger of falling apart. The word is also often used in the sense of something that is in danger of collapse, like a bridge that is “filipendulous”, meaning it’s hanging by a thin thread of holding on, it could collapse at any time.

The word can also be used literally, as in describing a physical object that is literally hanging by a thread or wire. For instance, a trapeze artist performing a trick could be said to be “filipendulous” if they are hanging by a single rope or cable.

Humorously speaking, one could use the word “filipendulous” to describe a situation that is unlikely or absurd. For example, a humorous sentence could be something like this : “Draluc the rhinosaurus was feeling quite filipendulous about his new balancing act, where he hangs by a single thread from the top of the jungle gym, while eating his favorite leaves”

All in all, “filipendulous” is an interesting and versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts to describe something that is precariously suspended or in danger of collapse. It’s etymology, which comes from latin roots, adds an extra layer of meaning and color to the word, that make it stand out from other synonyms.

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"Exploring Uncommon Vocabulary: 12 Words to Add to Your Word Bank"?

Vocabulary is an important aspect of language learning, and it can be fun to explore new and unusual words. In this blog post, we'll take a look at 12 interesting and uncommon vocabulary words, along with example sentences to help you understand how they can be used.

Tonitruous: (adjective) characterized by a loud or thundering sound Example sentence: "I was trying to sneak out of the house early in the morning, but my tonitruous sneezing gave me away and woke up the entire neighborhood."

Funambulist: (noun) a tightrope walker Example sentence: "I've always dreamed of running away and joining the circus, but the only job they had available was for a funambulist, and I'm terrified of heights."

Minimus: (noun) the smallest or least significant member of a group Example sentence: "I was trying to impress the judges in the hot dog eating contest, but I'm such a minimus that I could barely finish one frankfurter, let alone the whole plate."

Lickspittle: (noun) a person who behaves obsequiously in order to gain favor or advantage Example sentence: "I was going to ask my boss for a raise, but I chickened out at the last minute and turned into a lickspittle, showering him with compliments instead."

Leptodactylous: (adjective) having slender fingers or toes Example sentence: "I was trying to fix the broken shelf, but my leptodactylous fingers kept dropping the screws and making everything worse."

Acroamatic: (adjective) intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest Example sentence: "I tried to join the secret society, but I was rejected because I couldn't understand their acroamatic handshakes and code words."

Lingua: (noun) a language, especially one used for communication between people of different nations or regions Example sentence: "As a lingua franca, English is spoken by millions of people as a second language."

Odontalgia: (noun) toothache Example sentence: "I was trying to enjoy the amusement park, but the odontalgia from my cavities ruined everything, especially the cotton candy and funnel cakes."

Luculent: (adjective) shining or glowing Example sentence: "I was trying to sneak into the movie theater without paying, but the lucent glow of my phone gave me away and the security guard kicked me out."

Transpicuous: (adjective) easily seen through or understood Example sentence: "I was trying to hide my love for romantic comedies from my friends, but my transpicuous ogling at the posters and trailers gave me away."

Viator: (noun) a traveler, especially one on a journey Example sentence: "I was trying to be a savvy viator and save money on my vacation by booking a cheap hostel, but I ended up sharing a room with snoring wrestlers and a parrot that wouldn't stop squawking."

Viaticum: (noun) provisions or supplies for a journey, especially food and drink Example sentence: "I packed enough viaticum for the road trip to last us a month, but my travel partner managed to eat it all within the first three hours."

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Uncommon Words for Uncommonly Precise Thinking

Have you ever struggled to find the right word to convey a specific idea or concept? In a world where language is constantly evolving, it can be tough to keep up with the latest terms and phrases. But precision in language is crucial for clear communication, and sometimes it takes a more uncommon word to get the job done.

In this post, we'll be introducing you to five uncommon words that can help you express yourself more precisely and accurately. Whether you're a writer, a speaker, or just someone who loves to learn new words, these terms are sure to expand your vocabulary and improve your communication skills.

Bricolage

Have you ever had to get creative in order to solve a problem or complete a task? If so, you've engaged in bricolage – a French word that refers to the process of using whatever resources are available to you in order to get the job done.

For example, if you're trying to fix a broken lamp and you don't have the right parts, you might use a paper clip, a rubber band, and a bit of tape to hold it together. That's bricolage in action!

Using the word bricolage can help you describe creative problem-solving or resourcefulness in a more precise and sophisticated way. And it's not just for household repairs – bricolage can apply to all sorts of situations, from business to art to politics.

Incisive

When you need to describe someone or something as sharp or insightful, the word incisive is the perfect choice. It comes from the Latin word "incidere," which means "to cut into," and it refers to the ability to cut through confusion and get to the heart of the matter.

For example, you might say that someone has an incisive mind, or that their comments were incisive and insightful. Or you could describe a piece of writing as incisive, if it cuts through the noise and gets to the point.

Using incisive in your language can help you convey a sense of clarity and precision. It's a great way to show that you've really thought something through and can see it clearly.

Ratiocination

If you want to describe logical, well-reasoned thought, look no further than ratiocination. This word comes from the Latin "ratio," which means "reason," and it refers to the process of using reason and logic to arrive at a conclusion.

For example, you might say that someone used ratiocination to solve a puzzle, or that their argument was based on ratiocination rather than emotion. Ratiocination is a great word to use when you want to show that you've thought something through carefully and come to a logical conclusion.

Apotheosis

Have you ever reached the peak or pinnacle of something? If so, you've achieved apotheosis. This word comes from the Greek "apotheoun," which means "to deify," and it refers to the act of elevating something to the level of a god or goddess.

For example, you might say that someone's success was the apotheosis of their career, or that a particular event was the apotheosis of their efforts. Using apotheosis can help you convey a sense of ultimate accomplishment or excellence – it's a way to really drive home the idea that something has reached its highest possible level.

Regimen

When you need to describe a systematic plan or course of action, the word regimen is the perfect choice. It comes from the Latin "regimen," which means "rule" or "governance," and it refers to the way that something is governed or regulated.

For example, you might say that someone is following a strict regimen in order to get in shape, or that a company has a well-organized regimen for handling customer complaints. Using regimen can help you convey a sense of structure and organization – it's a way to show that something is being done in a deliberate and consistent way.

Conclusion

We hope you've enjoyed this introduction to five uncommon words that can help you express yourself more precisely and accurately. Whether you're looking for a way to describe creative problem-solving, sharp insights, logical thinking, ultimate accomplishment, or a systematic plan, these words have you covered.

Remember, precision in language is crucial for clear communication. Expanding your vocabulary and learning new words is a great way to improve your communication skills and make your writing and speaking more effective. So don't be afraid to try out these uncommon words – you might just find that they're the perfect fit for what you're trying to say.

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Mithridatizing [ミスリダティジング] present participle of mithridatize

Meden agan (Greek phrase) nothing in excess

[See: "The waifu who dabbles only a little; the temperate waifu"]

Definition of MEDEN AGAN

nothing in excess… See the full definition

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Forslugging [ファーズラギング] present participle of forslug

Operose [オパロース] 1. industrious, as a person. 2. done with or involving much labor.

[See: Operose effort to improve myself or forslugging my life]

Definition of operose | Dictionary.com

Operose definition, industrious, as a person. See more.

[englishmoribund]

Desiderating [デジーディーレーティング] present participle of desiderate

Akrasia [アクラシア] lack of self-control; excess; intemperance

Definition of DESIDERATE

to entertain or express a wish to have or attain… See the full definition