lahr-JESS
The philanthropist’s largess transformed the struggling school into a state-of-the-art institution.
Fun Fact
Historically, largess was associated with medieval nobility, who were expected to distribute wealth to maintain loyalty and social harmony. It reflects the enduring importance of generosity in building community bonds.
KAS-tih-gayt
(verb) To reprimand someone severely; to criticize harshly.
The editor castigated the writer for missing yet another deadline.
Early 17th century: from Latin castigare, from castus ‘pure’ + agere ‘to drive’.
Fun Fact
Castigate doesn’t just mean to critique—it means to come down hard, often with a tone of moral authority. In the past, it could even refer to physical punishment, but today it’s used more metaphorically: a boss tearing into an employee, a coach yelling during halftime, or a pundit scolding a public figure. It’s always loud, sharp, and meant to correct.