The expression a method in one’s madness dates back to the turn of the seventeenth century. We will examine the definition of the expression a method in one’s madness, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. A method in one’s madness is a phrase used to assure someone that one’s actions have a purpose, though they may seem foolish or crazy. Sometimes it is not prudent or expedient to explain a plan in full. Telling …
Monetize and demonetize are antonyms. Antonyms are two or more words that have opposing meanings. We will examine the definitions of monetize and demonetize, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Monetize means to convert something into money, to generate revenue from something, to earn a profit from a good or service. The word monetize is often used in business to describe turning a service that is initially offered to the public for free, into …
Mach and mock are two words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings, which makes them homophones. We will examine the definitions of Mach and mock, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Mach is a ratio that relates the speed of a moving body to the speed of sound in the substance that the body is moving through. Most often, Mach is used with a …
The term movable feast is used in a liturgical sense, but it has also come into use as an idiom with varying meanings. We will examine the definition of movable feast, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. A movable feast is a celebration on the liturgical calendar that changes its date from year to year, but occurs on the same day of the week. The term movable feast has been in use since the …
Missed and mist are two words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings, which makes them homophones. We will examine the definitions of missed and mist, where these two words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Missed is the past tense of miss, which means to fail to make contact with something, to fail to catch a thrown object, to fail to understand or hear something. Miss may …
Sadist, masochist, and sadomasochism are words that aren’t three terms you see used every day. But if you do plan to use them in speech or writing, it’s very important you understand what the distinct differences are. Sadist vs. Masochist vs. Sadomasochism They’re all related to the concept of BDSM, which stands for bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism. Not exactly light terms and each definitely comes with heavy meanings and usage. I know these terms from being a …
Momager is a new word that has come into use in the last decade, originating in the United States. We will examine the definition of momager, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. A momager is a mother who is also the business manager for her son or daughter. For the most part, momagers manage entertainment or sports careers for their children. The word momager is a portmanteau of the words mom and manager. A portmanteau …
Microaggression is a word that was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2015. We will examine the definition of microaggression, where this term came from and some examples of its use in sentences. A microaggression is a question, statement or other action that is subtly discriminatory.  A microaggression is demeaning and marginalizes the person or group in question. A microaggression may be intentional or unintentional, and some believe that care must be taken in identifying microaggression. The first known use …
Is there a difference between malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance? Of course, there is! While these three terms are all related to the area of criminal activity, they’re very distinct in their meanings, and mixing them up can cause unfortunate results. So, get them straight with my tips in this guide. The Terms Malfeasance, Misfeasance, and Nonfeasance As usual, let’s start with some quick definitions as a reference point to go back to as you read the article. Misfeasance vs. Malfeasance …
“Mumbo jumbo” sounds quirky and nonsensical because, well, it is. It’s actually a real phrase recognized by all dictionaries, but the meaning of it is literally confusing and nonsensical. Don’t worry, I’ll explain what I mean in this guide so you have a better understanding of the term mumbo jumbo and will know how to use it correctly. Meaning of Mumbo Jumbo “Mumbo jumbo” can be anything! We’re talking about language, ideas or any kind of practice. The difference in …