Vocabulary Mnemonics Episode 58: Ensorcell, polemic, diurnal, and more!
Mar 22, 2025
Dive into a world of fascinating words! Discover 'polemic,' a fierce critique, and 'apricity,' the delightful warmth of winter sunlight. Explore the art of assonance, the poetic device that brings rhythm and emotion to verse. Unpack the evolution of 'pablum' from baby food to a metaphor for blandness, and understand the careful nature of being 'circumspect.' With clever mnemonics and engaging anecdotes, this exploration enhances your vocabulary while celebrating the beauty of language.
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Polemic Means A One-Sided Attack
- A polemic is a one-sided, contentious speech or article that attacks an opposing position.
- Think of a speaker planting a pole (mic) to stake a hardline stance on an issue.
Apricity: Warmth Of Winter Sun
- Apricity describes the pleasant warmth of sunlight, especially in winter.
- Mom remembers spring snowstorms followed by bright sunny days that feel especially warm.
Assonance Is Repeating Vowel Sound
- Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds that creates near-rhyme rather than perfect rhyme.
- The hosts link assonance to 'sonar' to highlight its auditory, vowel-focused quality.