aposiopesis – Stopping in the middle of a statement upon realizing that someone’s feelings are hurt or about to be hurt; when a sentence trails off or falls silent, that is an aposiopesis. More…
innocent – From Latin in-, “free from,” and nocere, “hurt, injure.” More…
innocuous – “Harmless, not hurtful,” from Latin in-, “not,” and nocere, “to hurt.” More…
collide – Its Latin base is laedere, “hurt by striking.” More…
In the Central African Republic, Boganda Day marks the anniversary of the death of Barthélemy Boganda, the nation’s first prime minister, who died in a plane crash on March 29, 1959. Boganda had been a driving force in the creation of the Central African Republic, which became a self-governing republic in 1958. He was also a leader in the movement to unite black African nations. Boganda Day is a national holiday in the Central African Republic; all banks, official government offices, businesses, and schools are closed. Discuss
Incredibly quickly or speedily. Watch the video
Humans have been carving animal tusks, or ivory, since prehistoric times. Ivory carvings have been found in European caves and in ancient Chinese tombs, and the material is even referenced in the Bible. Though a number of animals—including modern narwhals and walruses as well as long-dead mammoths—have ivory tusks, elephants have historically been the most significant source of the highly valued material. What ancient Egyptian ivory statuette is considered a masterpiece? Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Having or marked by unusual and impressive intelligence.
Synonyms: smart as a whip, brilliant.
Usage: The brainy teen was surprised to see books she had read in fourth grade on her summer reading list for high school.
Discuss
hair-trigger – Its underlying meaning is something that may be triggered with the pressure of something as slight as a hair. More…
legerdemain – “Slight of hand, conjuring tricks,” from French, literally “light of hand.” More…
velleity – Describes a mild desire, wish, or urge that is too slight to lead to action. More…
March 28 is the birthday of Jan Amos Komensky (or John Comenius; 1592-1670), a noted educational reformer and theologian in the former Czechoslovakia. Komensky was the first person to write an illustrated textbook for children, used for teaching Latin words; he was also a proponent of compulsory education. It has been traditional for children to honor him on Teachers’ Day, or Komensky Day, by bringing flowers and gifts to their teachers. The day is also observed with lectures, music, and educational activities. Discuss
To have a carefree, uplifted attitude; to be in a happy or gladdened state or condition. Watch the video
Since 1943, the Dickin Medal has been awarded in the UK to more than 60 animals that have served exceptionally in times of war. Instituted by the founder of a British veterinary charity, the medal is sometimes referred to as “the animals’ Victoria Cross.” Dogs and horses have been honored, but the greatest number of recipients comes from the ranks of pigeons that delivered critical wartime messages through bad weather or despite injuries. One cat earned the medal by performing what feline feat? Discuss