Vaughan’s Vocabulary began on my morning radio show in 1990 and evolved into a column in The Reflector, Mississippi State University’s newspaper, when I became a lecturer in MSU’s Communication Department.
Since then it has been published in a few papers in our great state of Mississippi. Readers have shared that the column is fun, educational and addicting. Learning the definitions of advanced words has always been intriguing to me, and hopefully to you as well.
Before reading this week’s Vaughan’s Vocabulary, invite someone to take the five-word quiz with you. Let this be someone who likes to add advanced words to their word bank. Each correct answer earns each of you 20 points.
In case of a tie, each of you goes Dutch treat for a tantalizing meal at your city’s finest restaurant. The winner, however, pays for both.
[1.] farrier (FAIR-ee-er)
A. a domesticated usually albino, brownish or silver-gray animal
B. a fair-weather friend
C. a person who shoes horses
D. an equestrian instructor
E. a long-distance marriage
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[2.] inestimable (in-ES-tuh-muh-bul)
A. of incalculable value
B. too large or great to be estimated or appreciated, value beyond measure
C. priceless
D. too valuable or excellent to be measured or appreciated
No. 1, farrier, is C. Mr. Anderson, our farrier, loves my horse, Bucky.
All four are correct for No. 2, inestimable. Madge’s service to this company is inestimable. Thanks to Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster for those.
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[3.] copious (CO-pea-us)
A. yielding something abundantly
B. plentiful in number
C. full of thought, information or matter
D. taking place on a large scale
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[4.] afflatus (uh-FLAY-tus)
A. an inspiration or force working from within you
B. an area of controlled burning
C. a person addicted to downloading apps
D. discouragement
E. an aftertaste
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[5.] belles lettres (BELL-leh-TRUH)
A. golden locks of hair
B. light, entertaining and often sophisticated literature
C. letters written by the deceased that are read at a funeral
D. sensual silhouettes
Thanks to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary for the definition of copious.
As was true with No. 2, all four are correct for No. 3. Examples: Mike is a copious talker. Smith’s essay has copious references to other writers. There is no “cop” sound in copious.
Aside from A, afflatus, according to the Collins English Dictionary website, means “inspiration or powerful impulse, as of an artist or poet.” Thanks, CED. What I have for 4-C is the definition of “appaholic.”
No. 5 is B. On an actress’ script of “Hope for Tomorrow,” East Mississippi Community College’s radio drama, I wrote, “Here is more in our series of belles lettres.”
Editor’s Note: Dr. Don Rodney Vaughan is the pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church near Eupora.
and is on the faculty of East Mississippi Community College, Golden Triangle Campus. Contact him at dvaughan@eastms.edu.
