A dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters in a book, play or movie or a conversation between two or more people in real life, especially when they are working together on a particular project or problem. In North America, dialogue is also used as a verb to mean to take part in a conversation in order to work toward a resolution of a particular problem or particular project. Related words are dialogues, dialogued, dialoguing. Dialog is an …
Categorize means to sort something into a particular group, to place something in a particular class. Categorize is the preferred North American spelling of this transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. Related words are categorizes, categorized, categorizing, categorization. Categorise is the preferred British spelling, related words are categorises, categorised, categorising, categorisation. The North American spelling of categorize is also considered correct and is gaining acceptance around the world. Categorize and categorise are examples of a group …
A gunwale is the upper side of a ship or boat or the uppermost planks of a wooden vessel. Originally, the gunwale of a ship was the part of the deck where the guns were mounted and the term was spelled gonne wale, meaning gun plank. Gunwale is pronounced GUNnull. Gunnel is an alternate spelling of gunwale, the definition of gunnel is also the upper side of a ship or boat or the uppermost planks of a wooden vessel. This …
Computerize means to convert an analog system to a digital system, to replace human labor with a computer system, to install a computer. Computerize may be used as an adjective or as a verb, related words are computerizes, computerized, computerizing, computerization. Computerize is the North American spelling. Computerise is the preferred British spelling, related words are computerises, computerised, computerising. The North American spelling of computerize is also considered correct and is gaining acceptance around the world. Computerize and computerise are …
An abridgment is a shortened rendering of a written work, a condensing of the material that keeps the tone, spirit and intent of the work intact. Usually, a written work is made into an abridgment in order to translate the material into different media such as television or audiobooks, but not always. The purpose of an abridgment might be to make the material more available to a wider audience. Older works that might be difficult for modern readers to digest …
Criticize means to enumerate faults or failings in a disapproving fashion. Criticize may also mean to analyze something, such as a work of art. Criticize is a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. Related words are criticizes, criticized, criticizing, criticizer. Criticise is the preferred British spelling, related words are criticises, criticised, criticizing. The North American spelling of criticize is also considered correct and is gaining acceptance around the world. Criticize and criticise are examples of a …
An amphitheater is a round or oval building surrounding an arena suitable for presenting sporting events or dramatic events. An amphitheater is usually open to the outside, seating is tiered around the arena for spectators. The word amphitheater comes from the Greek word amphitheatron, meaning with spectators all around. The design of the amphitheater was invented in Ancient Greece, though the earliest amphitheaters were only semi-circular. The Colosseum is an example of an amphitheater, as is the Hollywood Bowl. The …
Separate describes something viewed independently, something apart, distinct, different. Separate is an adjective. Separate may also be used as a verb to mean to move things apart, to be moved apart from a group, to act as a barrier. To separate means to sort, detach, or create a boundary. Related words are separates, separated, separating, separately, separateness, separation. Separate is one of the one thousand most frequently used words in the English language according to the Oxford English dictionary. Separate …
Anesthesia is the total or partial loss of sensation, especially of pain, through the use of gas, injection or hypnosis before a medical procedure. Local anesthesia blocks pain while the patient is still conscious, general anesthesia blocks pain through the loss of consciousness. Anesthesia may also refer to the total or partial loss of sensation, especially pain, as a result of disease, or may be used metaphorically. Anesthesia is the preferred North American spelling. Anaesthesia is the preferred British spelling, …
Accessorize means to enhance an outfit with a complementary item such as a purse or scarf. Accessorize is a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. Related words are accessorizes, accessorized, accessorizing. Accessory comes to mean a woman’s smaller articles of dress in 1896, the word accessorize follows in 1939 as a back formation from the word accessory. Accessorize is the North American spelling. Accessorise is the preferred British spelling, related words are accessorises, accessorised, accessorising. The …
