Yvonne
… Is a weekly meme where we share new (to us) words that we have encountered in our reading.
It is hosted by Kathy, over at BermudaOnion’s Weblog.
You can either stop by and leave a link to your own ‘mystery’ words of the week, or just browse the eclectic mix of words that others have discovered, there is always a great selection.
Don’t forget that Kathy and the rest of us, all love to read your comments as well, so that we can visit and share your words of the week!
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My first word this week, appears in my current book ‘The House On Willow Street’ by Cathy Kelly.
CHIAROSCURO
She was the pale version of her sister, chiaroscuro in action, with strawberry blonde hair …
CHIAROSCURO …
1. The technique of using light and shade in pictorial representation.
2. The arrangement of light and dark elements in a pictorial work of art.
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The second word, is also relates to ‘The House On Willow Street’, only this time is taken from a review of said book.
PEREGRINATIONS
The characters, with all their detailed idiosyncrasies, are authentically portrayed, and the peregrinations of the complex plot make for a fascinating journey and an excellent read.
PEREGRINATIONS …
To travel from place to place, especially on foot and with the suggestion of a roundabout route.
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Just the two new to me words this week. I am looking forward to discovering what new words everyone else is sharing !
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Well, that’s two great new words I’ve learnt today, thanks for sharing.
Hi Tracy,
When I come across words that I don’t know, I am always torn between being excited and annoyed.
I really enjoy the challenge of looking up a definition for a new word, and then actually remembering it!
However I also get really annoyed with myself for my basic lack of vocabulary and English language skills.
This meme is an excellent place to visit, to discover just how many of these obscure words there are still in use and perhaps to gloat just a little when I actually know a word which someone else doesn’t!!
Hope that all is well with you and thanks for stopping by.
Both of those words are mouthfuls! Peregrinations makes me think of the Peregrine Falcon and I can’t help but wonder if they’re related – a falcon does travel from place to place, but not on foot.
Hi Kathy,
I have to admit, that I couldn’t even have begun to guess what either word meant, even put into the context of the sentence.
Chiaroscuro, could sound a little like charcoal, which does put light and shade into a sketch drawing, although that is only a thought with hindsight, now that I have actually looked up the exact definition.
Thanks for stopping by, your comments are always appreciated, as is your hosting this great, fun meme.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks to a later comment from Louise, I was prompted to research the connection which both she and yourself suggested, between my word ‘peregrinations’ and the Peregrine Falcon.
Sure enough, the Peregrine Falcon is so named because, both the English and scientific names of this species mean “wandering falcon”, referring to the migratory habits of many northern populations. Falco peregrinus was first described under its current binomial name by English ornithologist Marmaduke Tunstall in his 1771 work Ornithologia Britannica. The scientific name Falco peregrinus is a Medieval Latin phrase that was used by Albertus Magnus in 1225. The specific name taken from the fact that juvenile birds were taken while journeying to their breeding location rather than from the nest, as falcon nests were difficult to get at.
Here is the link to the full article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peregrine_Falcon and many thanks goes to Louise for the prompt.
I love learning new words, and I’ve never heard of either of those.
Hi Vicki,
Learning new words is definitely fun, remembering them is another matter completely!
We have a lobby group, here in the UK, called ‘The Campaign For Plain English’, which has been around since 1979, with the sole aim of trying to ensure that everyone is given access to clear and concise information, without resorting to the use of gobbledygook, jargon and misleading public information.
http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/about-us.html
I guess that many of the new words I come across, would quite readily fall into one of the above categories, but on the other hand, there is something very decadent and luxurious in some of the words, which we seldom use today.
Thanks for stopping by, I always value your comments and opinions.
Found you through WWW 🙂 What great words! I love “PEREGRINATIONS”. That’s one heck of a way to describe an on-foot route! I would love to see people’s reactions if I snuck this into conversation.
Hi Caitlin,
First off, I would like to thank you for stopping by Fiction Books today. I love ‘meeting’ new people and your visits and comments will always be welcome and appreciated.
I was quite impressed with the way in which this review utilised the word ‘peregrinations’, in the context of the book’s storyline, although I am not sure that, from what I have read of the book so far, I would necessarily agree.
As you say, this probably isn’t a word that I would use in everyday conversation, although I think it would certainly provoke a few raised eyebrows, if I did.
Two great words. Peregrination is related to peregrine falcons as Kathy suggested.
Hi Louise,
Thank you so much for your interesting contribution to the conversation. Thanks to your prompt, I did a little more research into Kathy’s suggestion about the link between ‘peregrinations’ and the Peregrine Falcon. I have consequently spent a very illuminating few minutes on Wikipedia, checking out the exact synergie between the two uses of the word.
I am so pleased that you stopped by, your comments and visits are always appreciated.
Fascinating Yvonne, particularly CHIAROSCURO as split up into CHIARO SCURO these words are Italian and mean Light and Dark! 🙂
Hi Linda,
When I checked out the definition for chiaroscuro, I did realise that it had Italian origins, however I didn’t take the time to check out the word in any more detail. Your comments have prompted me to return to the word and research it more thoroughly.
Thank goodness for Wikipedia, the font of all information … the page devoted to the process and art of chiaroscuro, is just so interesting and informative for the layperson.
I am so pleased that you decided to stop by and prompt me to delve a little deeper into the word.
I’ve not heard of these ones before. Thanks for sharing as it’s always good to learn new words! 🙂
P.S. – I hope you’re well 🙂
Hi Nikki,
They were certainly a couple of interesting words this week, which started some great discussions and had me researching and reading some excellent additional material, rather than just perusing the usual definition pages.
I just got a real fright when your comment came through. The whole screen went blank, as I am in the middle of publishing my latest review, and I thought that I had lost the entire thing. Goodness knows what happened there … Oh well! that’s technology for you I guess, I nearly had to call tech support from his armchair in the lounge!! LOL
I am fine thanks, a little cold and windswept with the weather today, but anything is preferable to being snowed in. How are things with you?