Don't just read! work with it!

The English vocabulary is colossal and there knows no end to the list of words that are still undiscovered and we're too languid to look up for them on the internet or the dictionary and we context presumably skip to the conclusion when we come across them while we're reading an article or an important document. It feels no less than an achievement when we're able to find something relatable to our persona or word we can colloquially use and tell people what it means. However, different sources describe these words differently which can consequently be misleading and erroneous to use unless you’re well versed with the etymologies and origins of the words. We can still become handy at using them through effective reading.

“E” has been my favorite letter lately, not because it has got some of my favorite words but because it has a wide range of unique words that can be so confusing yet interesting to use. Let’s have a look at some of them.

1.       Expurgate: "Purge" which means removing unwanted substances, the word hence used as verb means removing unwanted matter or glitches from the written documents. You may also call it removing offensive and objectionable matter that may slander someone's reputation.

2.       Exonerate: Show someone to be blameless. When a convicted person is shown a clean chit, he is said to be exonerated of the blame. For example: Even after having been exonerated of the bribery case, the DCP is still questioned on his loyalty to the Police service.

3.       Exacerbate: The word has a Latin origin, “exacerbatus” meaning to provoke. Make something worse; embitter the feelings of a person. Used as verb, this word can be used to describe an already grim situation which has been ruined further. Example: The Prime minister’s remark on the dalit suicide has exacerbated the rage amongst the protesters.

4.       Expedite: Latin origin, “expeditus” meaning to set feet free. It refers to Speeding up something, make it happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly. Example- The security forces of the terror struck pathankot need to expedite their functioning to ensure the localities’ safety.

5.       Expedient: An adjective that describe ways which are advantageous rather than just, conducive to advantage or interest, as opposed to right. Means of attaining and end, a convenient one but unjust, improper or immoral. Example- It is not the language framing political vision but the campaign slogans serving as an expedient function.

6.       Expiate: Latin origin, ex + piare meaning to atone for. To compensate something with another, make amends for wrong done, past deeds or decisions taken. When you do something that may negate the effects of the wrong done in past, or when you’re sorry for something you realize you shouldn’t have done, you expiate your deeds.

7.       Encomium: A Latin word deriving from en + komion meaning , the praise of a person or a thing, a glowingly warm, enthusiastic praise. Say encomiums bestowed upon a teacher during her retirement ceremonies.

8.       Expatiate: Derives from ex + spatium, to wander from space or course. Used as Verb, meaning to speak or write at length about a subject. Example, the naturalist is known for her willingness to expatiate on any number of issues relating to wildlife and environment.

9.       Extenuate: Derives from, ex+ tenuare meaning to make thin or small. Acting in mitigation to lessen the seriousness of guilt or an offence. Example- But it is my business and shall be all my business, to repent of my failings and not Endeavour to extenuate them.

10.   Exiguous: Used as an adjective this means very small or scanty, in inadequate amounts. Example- Computer equipment that would be prohibitively expensive, given the rural schools exiguous resources.