suh-GASS-ih-tee
(noun) Keen judgment and insight; profound wisdom and discernment.
Her sagacity as a negotiator helped settle the dispute fairly and quickly.
Fun Fact
“Sagacity” shares a root with “sage” and comes from Latin sagax, meaning “perceptive.” It isn’t just intelligence—it’s wisdom backed by experience, often associated with leaders, philosophers, and strategists who see through complexity and act decisively. Sagacity implies clarity in chaos.
yohk
(noun/verb) To join, link, or bind together, especially in a burdensome or enforced way.
They were yoked together by debt, unable to separate financially.
Fun Fact
Originally referring to a wooden device binding oxen, “yoke” symbolizes control, servitude, or inescapable attachment—physically or metaphorically. Religious texts reference “throwing off the yoke” of oppression, while literature often uses it to depict the weight of obligation or unwanted connection.
suh-GASS-ih-tee
(noun) Keen judgment and insight; profound wisdom and discernment.
Her sagacity as a negotiator helped settle the dispute fairly and quickly.
Fun Fact
“Sagacity” shares a root with “sage” and comes from Latin sagax, meaning “perceptive.” It isn’t just intelligence—it’s wisdom backed by experience, often associated with leaders, philosophers, and strategists who see through complexity and act decisively. Sagacity implies clarity in chaos.
RANG-kur
(noun) Bitter resentment or deep-seated ill will, especially long-lasting.
Years later, his rancor toward his former business partner hadn’t faded.
Fun Fact
Derived from Latin rancere, meaning “to stink,” the word “rancor” evokes something festering over time—resentment that rots rather than heals. Rancor is often irrational but enduring, and it drives some of the most powerful conflicts in history, politics, and literature—where characters are defined by grudges they refuse to let go.
IN-suh-lur
(adjective) Narrow-minded or isolated; lacking exposure to outside influences or ideas.
His insular attitude made it difficult for him to accept new perspectives.
Fun Fact
“Insular” comes from the Latin insula, meaning “island,” and originally described geographic separation. Today, it applies more often to social or intellectual isolation—a kind of self-contained worldview that can be protective, but also limiting. It’s often used critically in cultural or political commentary to highlight resistance to diversity or innovation.
OSS-uh-layt
(verb) To move or swing back and forth in a steady rhythm; to waver between opposing positions or decisions.
She oscillated between taking the job offer and going back to school.
Fun Fact
From Latin oscillare, “to swing,” the word was first used in reference to physical devices like pendulums and fans. Over time, it took on metaphorical meaning—describing emotional or intellectual back-and-forth. In psychology and politics alike, oscillation suggests indecision, ambivalence, or changing perspectives.
kuh-VORT
(verb) To jump or dance around excitedly; to behave in a lively or exuberant way.
The children cavorted through the sprinklers, shrieking with joy.
Fun Fact
“Cavort” likely originated as a variation of “curvet,” a term used to describe a leaping movement by horses. It’s now used to convey carefree joy, frolicking, or exuberant celebration, often with a sense of unrestrained glee. Whether it’s kids playing, pets bounding around, or partygoers dancing freely, to cavort is to throw caution (and perhaps decorum) to the wind.