PAW-suh-tee
The paucity of affordable housing in the city has become a growing concern for residents.
Fun Fact
“Paucity” comes from the Latin paucus, meaning “few.” It’s often used in discussions of resources, such as food shortages, a lack of evidence, or even a paucity of ideas. A fun twist? While the word describes a shortage, the English language is anything but lacking in colorful vocabulary!
het-uh-roh-JEE-nee-uhs
The committee was composed of a heterogeneous group of experts from every field.
Fun Fact
From Greek hetero (different) and genos (kind), “heterogeneous” often describes diverse populations, mixtures, or systems. It’s a key term in science (heterogeneous solutions), social studies (heterogeneous societies), and engineering. The opposite—”homogeneous”—suggests uniformity, while heterogeneity implies richness, complexity, and often greater resilience.
ver-choo-OH-soh
The young pianist was hailed as a virtuoso after her breathtaking performance.
Fun Fact
Originating from Italian, “virtuoso” was once a title of honor for someone who excelled in virtù, or virtue and excellence. Today, it refers mostly to musicians, artists, or anyone with elite mastery—think Mozart, Yo-Yo Ma, or Picasso. It’s also used beyond the arts, like a chess virtuoso or a tech virtuoso in Silicon Valley.
pug-NAY-shus
His pugnacious attitude turned even minor disagreements into major arguments.
Fun Fact
From the Latin pugnare (“to fight”), pugnacious has long described combative personalities. While often used negatively, it can also imply tenacity and fearlessness, especially in sports, debates, or activism. Famous pugnacious figures include Winston Churchill and Muhammad Ali, both known for fighting in different arenas.
in-KOH-it
The inchoate plan lacked specifics but hinted at an innovative new direction.
Fun Fact
“Inchoate” comes from the Latin inchoare, meaning “to begin.” It’s often used in legal contexts (like an inchoate crime) or in creative and scientific fields when an idea is still forming. Think of a sketch before it becomes a painting or a startup’s rough pitch before full launch.
LUR-id
The tabloid’s lurid headline exaggerated every detail of the scandal.
Fun Fact
“Lurid” originally described a pale, ghostly glow—like the eerie light of a volcano or twilight. Over time, it evolved to refer to overly dramatic or shocking content, especially in journalism or fiction. Gothic novels, horror films, and clickbait headlines all rely on a touch of lurid flair to keep audiences hooked.
kyoo-PID-ih-tee
His cupidity led him to embezzle millions from the company.
Fun Fact
Despite sounding romantic, “cupidity” is no love story—it comes from Cupid, the Roman god of desire. While Cupid usually represents romantic longing, cupidity refers to a more selfish craving, particularly for money or power. It’s been a central trait in classic tragic heroes and villains alike—from Ebenezer Scrooge to modern financial fraudsters.