Thematic Learning
8 themed wordsGreek and Latin Borrowings
Unit 88 - Part 5: 8 themed words
apologia
/ˌæpəˈləʊdʒiə/
Definition:
A defense, especially of one's own ideas, opinions, or actions.
Example:
His resignation speech was an eloquent apologia for his controversial actions as chairman.
Explanation:
An apologia and an *apology* usually aren't the same thing. An apology includes an admission of wrongdoing, but an apologia rarely *apologizes* in this sense, instead seeking to justify what was done. So, for example, in 1992 some of the books published for the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage were apologias explaining why European powers such as Spain acted as they did in the New World: because, for example, the Aztecs were a cruel people, practicing human sacrifice in grotesque ways (victims were skinned, and their skins were worn by the high priests), and Christianity hoped to reform them. Of course, the Spanish Inquisition was torturing and executing nonbelievers at the same time—but that would be the subject of other apologias.
atrium
/ˈeɪtriəm/
Definition:
(1) An open rectangular patio around which a house is built. (2) A court with a skylight in a many-storied building.
Example:
Best of all, their new home had a large atrium, where they could eat breakfast in the fresh air in spring and summer.
Explanation:
In malls and grand office buildings today, the enclosed atrium, often with full-size trees growing in it and high indoor balconies with hanging vines, has become a common architectural feature. But the original atria (notice the unusual plural) were open to the sky and occupied the center of a house or villa in ancient Rome. The open Roman courtyard allowed air to circulate and light to enter, and even its plantings helped cool the house. Situating the cooking fireplace in the atrium was another way of keeping the house itself cool. Still today, houses around the Mediterranean Sea and in tropical Latin America often have internal courtyards.
oligarchy
/ˈɒlɪɡɑːki/
Definition:
A government in which power is in the hands of a small group.
Example:
The population was shackled by an iron-willed oligarchy that dictated every aspect of their lives and ruthlessly crushed any hint of rebellion.
Explanation:
*Oligarchy* combines roots from the Greek words *oligos*, meaning “few,” and *archos*, meaning “leader or ruler.” In ancient Greece, an *aristocracy* was government by the “best” (in Greek, *aristos*) citizens. An oligarchy was a corrupted aristocracy, one in which a few evil men unjustly seized power and used it to further their own ends. Since at least 1542, *oligarchy* has been used in English to describe oppressive governments of the kind that serve the interests of a few very wealthy families.
encomium
/ɪnˈkəʊmiəm/
Definition:
Glowing, enthusiastic praise, or an expression of such praise.
Example:
The surprise guest at the farewell party was the school's most famous graduate, who delivered a heartfelt encomium to the woman he called his favorite teacher of all.
Explanation:
*Encomium* comes straight from Latin. Mark Antony's encomium to the dead Caesar in Shakespeare's *Julius Caesar* (“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears”) is one of the most famous encomiums of all time, while Ben Jonson's encomium to the dead Shakespeare (“He was not of an age, but for all time”) has also been widely read and discussed. The British poet laureate is expected to compose poetic encomiums to mark special events or to praise a person honored by the state. And any awards banquet is thick with encomiums, with each speaker trying to outdo the last in praise of those being honored.
neurosis
/njʊˈrəʊsɪs/
Definition:
A mental and emotional disorder that is less severe than a psychosis and may involve various pains, anxieties, or phobias.
Example:
He has a neurosis about dirt, and is constantly washing his hands.
Explanation:
A neurosis is a somewhat mild mental disorder; unexplained anxiety attacks, unreasonable fears, depression, and physical symptoms that are mentally caused are all examples of *neurotic* conditions. A superstitious person who compulsively knocks on wood or avoids anything with the number 13 might be suffering from a harmless neurosis. But a severe neurosis such as agoraphobia (see agoraphobia) can be very harmful, making a person a prisoner of his or her home. *Neurosis* is based on the Greek word for “nerve,” since until quite recently neurotic behavior was often blamed on the nerves. Neurosis is usually contrasted with *psychosis*, which includes a considerably more serious group of conditions.
opprobrium
/əˈprəʊbriəm/
Definition:
(1) Something that brings disgrace. (2) A public disgrace that results from conduct considered wrong or bad.
Example:
The writers of the New Testament hold the Pharisees up to opprobrium for their hypocrisy and hollow spirituality.
Explanation:
Witches have long been the objects of opprobrium; in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, women thought to be witches were burned by the thousands. The *opprobrious* crime of treason could likewise result in the most hideous torture and execution. In *The Scarlet Letter,* the sin of adultery in Puritan times brought opprobrium on Hester Prynne. Today the country of Israelis the object of opprobrium in many countries, while the Palestinians suffer similar opprobrium in others. And mere smokers, or even overweight people, may sometimes feel themselves to be the objects of mild opprobrium.
referendum
/ˌrefəˈrendəm/
Definition:
(1) The referring of legislative measures to the voters for approval or rejection. (2) A vote on such a measure.
Example:
The referendum on the tax needed for constructing the new hospital passed by seven votes.
Explanation:
*Referendum* is a Latin word, but its modern meaning only dates from the 19th century, when a new constitution adopted by Switzerland stated that the voters could vote directly on certain issues. Thus, a referendum is a measure that's *referred* (that is, sent on) to the people. Since the U.S. Constitution doesn't provide for referenda (notice the common plural form) at the national level, referenda tend to be on local and state issues. In most locales, a few questions usually appear on the ballot at election time, often involving such issues as new zoning ordinances, new taxes for schools, and new limits on spending.
ultimatum
/ˌʌltɪˈmeɪtəm/
Definition:
A final proposal, condition, or demand, especially one whose rejection will result in forceful action.
Example:
The ultimatum to Iraq in 1991 demanding that it withdraw from Kuwait was ignored, and a U.S.-led invasion was the response.
Explanation:
An ultimatum is usually issued by a stronger power to a weaker one, since it wouldn't carry much weight if the one giving the ultimatum couldn't back up its threat. Near the end of World War II, the Allied powers issued an ultimatum to Japan: surrender completely or face the consequences. Japan rejected the ultimatum, and within days the U.S. had dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing some 200,000 people.