DILL-uh-tor-ee
(adjective) Tending to delay or procrastinate; intended to cause delay.
The lawyer’s dilatory tactics frustrated the judge, who demanded immediate progress in the case.
Fun Fact
“Dilatory” shows up often in legal and political contexts, especially when one party tries to stall progress. In real estate deals, courtroom strategies, or congressional debates, a dilatory move can derail outcomes without ever saying “no.”
DILL-uh-tor-ee
(adjective) Tending to delay or procrastinate; intended to cause delay.
The lawyer’s dilatory tactics frustrated the judge, who demanded immediate progress in the case.
Fun Fact
“Dilatory” shows up often in legal and political contexts, especially when one party tries to stall progress. In real estate deals, courtroom strategies, or congressional debates, a dilatory move can derail outcomes without ever saying “no.”
ad-MAH-nish
(verb) To warn or reprimand someone firmly, often with the intention of correction.
The teacher admonished the student for speaking out of turn, but her tone remained calm and constructive.
Fun Fact
In literature and film, characters who admonish others often serve as the story’s moral compass—think of Gandalf’s warnings in The Lord of the Rings or Atticus Finch’s guidance in To Kill a Mockingbird. These moments aren’t just disciplinary—they’re pivotal points of growth.
kuh-LOH-kwee-uhl
(adjective) Used in everyday, informal speech rather than formal language.
Her writing had a colloquial tone that made complex topics easy to understand.
Fun Fact
“Colloquial” comes from Latin colloquium—literally “conversation.” It’s how we speak off the cuff, full of contractions, slang, and casual phrasing. Colloquial language brings relatability and voice, especially in dialogue and branding. What’s proper in a textbook might sound stiff in a coffee shop.
TEN-uh-buhl
(adjective) Able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
Her position on the issue was no longer tenable after the new evidence came out.
Fun Fact
“Tenable” stems from Latin tenere, “to hold.” It’s often used in philosophy, politics, or debate, where arguments must be strong enough to “hold up.” A tenable claim isn’t just logical—it’s resilient under scrutiny. When a position becomes untenable, retreat is inevitable.
PAL-ee-ayt
(verb) To reduce the severity of something without removing its cause; to ease or alleviate.
Medication can palliate the symptoms, but it won’t cure the disease.
Fun Fact
“Palliate” comes from Latin palliare, “to cloak.” It refers to masking pain or consequences, especially in medicine or diplomacy. Palliative care focuses on comfort, not cure—a way to preserve dignity and reduce suffering when solutions are limited.
LAY-tent
(adjective) Present but not visible or active; existing in potential.
Her latent talent for design became clear when she joined the project.
Fun Fact
“Latent” comes from Latin latere, meaning “to lie hidden.” In biology, latent viruses remain dormant until activated, and in psychology, latent traits may influence behavior without being obvious. It’s the unseen force waiting to emerge—whether talent, energy, or emotion.