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The idiom is usually stated the proof is in the pudding and means that the end result is the mark of the success or failure of one’s efforts or planning. The phrase may also be used in the past and future tenses: the proof will be/was in the pudding. The original phrase was the …
One of the many idioms using the word pass, pass muster means to attain approval or meet a set of expectations. The verb may be conjugated through all its forms. There is no plural for muster. The word pass could mean this all on its own (e.g., I passed!), but the idiom has a more nuance. Muster is …
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The idiom how’s it going is another way to say how are you, how are things progressing, or what’s up. The it can refer to life in general, a project, or your day. It should be noted that this idiom is said in many countries with the answer expected to be fine or good. This is not usually what a …
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When comparing two or more things, compared to and compared with are two phrases that bounce around but can come with a bit of confusion over which one to use and when. Both are correct; it just comes down to the right time and place. So, let’s explore the differences between …
Cum laude is a phrase used mainly in the United States, though it is found in other countries as well. It is Latin and literally means with praise. It is used by universities and colleges to set some graduates apart as having honors. Magna cum laude is the next level up, meaning …
Alliteration is a noun used for the concept of words starting with the same phonetic sound and these words placed in a row or close together. Alliterate is the verb form of alliteration. To alliterate is to create alliteration either with spoken language or written words. The adjective form is alliterative, and the adverb is alliteratively. Assonance is the noun used …
Amative is an adjective whose complete definition one dictionary is ‘synonym of amorous’. It is used to describe something or someone has feeling or pertaining to love or lust. However, amorous may be used to describe someone or something as in love, which amative does not do. The adverb form is amatively. The noun form is amativeness. …
When pronounced as two syllables (dog ged), dogged is an adjective to describe something or someone as unstoppable or persistent. He, she, or it will do whatever it takes to get want they want and nothing will get in their way. The adverb form is doggedly, while the noun form is doggedness. When dogged is pronounced …
Beside can mean to literally be on the side of something or it can be used to show two things are being compared to one another. And confusingly, it can be a synonym for besides; however, besides is not a synonym for beside. Besides can be used as a synonym for except (e.g., nothing besides that …
Access, as a noun, has been established since the fourteenth century. It means the ability or permission to enter or go through an area or communicate with a person. One would gain access or have access to something. As a verb, however, access has only been around since the 1960s. It has almost the same meaning …