Speech is a powerful form of communication that allows individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and plays a crucial role in conveying messages, sharing information, and building connections. Through speech, we can articulate our opinions, engage in meaningful conversations, and inspire others. It enables us to convey our intentions, whether it be to inform, persuade, entertain, or express our deepest feelings. Speech is not only about the words we choose, but also about the tone, volume, and body language we use to convey our message effectively. It is a tool that has the potential to bring people together, foster understanding, and create positive change in the world.
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Lesson 32
Is harangue a salty fish, a lemon pit, or a buttonholing tirade?
Which is harder on the ego, being censored or censured?
Does a guttural sound come from an alcoholic, the abdomen, or the throat?
Would you expect the argot of the underworld to be the same as its jargon? Is gobbledegook the same as talking turkey?
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Words List:
- argot
- aspersion
- badinage
- bombast
- braggadocio
- censure
- countermand
- gainsay
- gobbledegook
- guttural
- harangue
- jargon
- mellifluous
- resonant
- sententious
Vocabulary Definitions
Argot
Argot refers to a specialized language or jargon used by a particular group, often to maintain secrecy or exclusivity.
- The tech industry has its own argot that can be confusing to outsiders.
- Criminals often use argot to communicate without being understood by the authorities.
- Understanding the argot of a community can provide deeper insights into its culture.
Aspersion
Aspersion denotes a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism, often intended to harm someone’s reputation.
- The politician faced aspersions regarding his integrity during the campaign.
- Casting aspersions on someone’s character can undermine their credibility.
- The media’s aspersions about the celebrity’s personal life were largely unfounded.
Badinage
Badinage refers to playful, light-hearted banter or joking conversation.
- The badinage between the friends created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Their badinage often included witty remarks and clever comebacks.
- In the midst of serious discussions, a touch of badinage can lighten the mood.
Bombast
Bombast describes speech or writing that is pompous and inflated, often lacking in real substance.
- His speech was filled with bombast but offered little in terms of practical solutions.
- Critics dismissed the novel as mere bombast, lacking genuine emotion or depth.
- The politician’s bombast did not resonate with voters seeking authenticity.
Braggadocio
Braggadocio refers to boastful or arrogant behavior, often characterized by excessive pride in one’s achievements.
- His braggadocio made him unpopular among his peers, who valued humility.
- The athlete’s braggadocio was evident in his constant self-promotion.
- In contrast to his braggadocio, his teammate preferred to let his actions speak for themselves.
Censure
Censure denotes strong disapproval or criticism, especially in an official context.
- The senator faced censure from his colleagues for unethical conduct.
- Censure can serve as a warning to others about unacceptable behavior.
- The organization issued a censure to address the member’s misconduct.
Countermand
Countermand refers to the act of revoking or reversing an order or decision.
- The manager had to countermand the previous directive due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Countermanding orders can create confusion within an organization.
- The government decided to countermand the policy after public backlash.
Gainsay
Gainsay means to deny or contradict a statement or assertion.
- It is difficult to gainsay the overwhelming evidence presented in the case.
- Few could gainsay the need for reform in the outdated system.
- His confident assertions were hard to gainsay, given his expertise.
Gobbledegook
Gobbledegook refers to language that is meaningless or hard to understand, often due to excessive jargon or elaborate phrasing.
- The report was filled with gobbledegook, making it inaccessible to the average reader.
- Critics often point to gobbledegook as a barrier to clear communication.
- Simplifying complex ideas can help eliminate gobbledegook in discussions.
Guttural
Guttural describes a sound produced in the throat, often characterized by a harsh or deep quality.
- The guttural growl of the animal echoed through the forest.
- Her guttural laughter was infectious, drawing others into the moment.
- The speaker’s guttural tones added a dramatic flair to the storytelling.
Harangue
Harangue refers to a lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture, often critical in nature.
- The activist delivered a passionate harangue about social justice issues.
- After a harangue from the coach, the team was motivated to improve their performance.
- Harangues can be effective in rallying support but may also alienate some audiences.
Jargon
Jargon refers to specialized terminology associated with a particular field or profession that may be difficult for outsiders to understand.
- Medical jargon can confuse patients who are unfamiliar with the terms.
- The lawyer’s use of legal jargon made the contract hard to decipher.
- Simplifying jargon is essential for effective communication with the general public.
Mellifluous
Mellifluous describes a sound that is sweet or pleasing to hear, often used to refer to voices or music.
- Her mellifluous singing captivated the audience and brought them to tears.
- The mellifluous tones of the piano filled the room with warmth.
- Many appreciate poetry for its mellifluous quality when read aloud.
Resonant
Resonant refers to a deep, clear, and continuing sound or effect, often evoking strong emotions or memories.
- The speaker’s resonant voice commanded attention and respect.
- The resonant themes of the novel lingered with readers long after they finished it.
- Resonant sounds can create a powerful atmosphere in music and performance.
Sententious
Sententious describes a style of speaking or writing that is full of maxims or aphorisms, often in a pompous or moralizing way.
- His sententious remarks often came off as self-righteous rather than insightful.
- The lecture was filled with sententious quotes that failed to engage the audience.
- While some appreciate sententious wisdom, others find it tiresome and pretentious.
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Words Unleashed: The Charisma of Max’s Language
In a bustling city filled with diverse characters and vibrant streets, there lived a charismatic individual named Max. Max had a way with words, effortlessly weaving through the intricate tapestry of the city’s argot, the secret language of the streets.
With his mellifluous voice and resonant tone, Max had a gift for captivating audiences. He could turn even the most mundane conversation into a captivating performance, leaving people hanging onto his every word.
However, there were those who viewed Max’s talent with aspersion. They accused him of bombast and braggadocio, claiming that his eloquence was nothing more than empty showmanship. They sought to censure his expressive nature, attempting to diminish the power of his words.
Undeterred by the naysayers, Max continued to engage in witty badinage and clever banter. He refused to let their negativity countermand his passion for language and communication. Max believed that words had the power to bridge gaps, to connect people on a deeper level.
One day, a renowned linguist named Dr. Johnson came across Max’s unique talent. Driven by curiosity, he embarked on a mission to decipher the secret behind Max’s captivating charisma. He delved into the world of jargon, gobbledegook, and guttural sounds, seeking to unravel the mystery.
As Dr. Johnson studied Max’s linguistic prowess, he realized that it wasn’t just the words themselves that held power, but the sentiment behind them. Max’s harangues and impassioned speeches were not mere displays of showmanship; they were heartfelt expressions of his beliefs and convictions.
Dr. Johnson, in awe of Max’s ability to sway hearts and minds, became his mentor. Together, they embarked on a journey to elevate the art of communication. They sought to inspire others to embrace the beauty of language, to use words as a force for positive change.
Through their teachings, Max and Dr. Johnson encouraged people to speak with clarity and purpose, to avoid the trap of sententious rhetoric. They emphasized the importance of genuine connection, urging others to listen and truly understand one another.
Max’s impact on the city was profound. His ability to transform everyday conversations into moments of inspiration and enlightenment brought people together. The city’s argot became a source of unity, a shared language that celebrated diversity and fostered understanding.
And so, Max’s legacy lived on, his words echoing through the city’s streets. His talent for communication had transcended the boundaries of mere language, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
Short Explanation in Indonesian:
- Argot: Bahasa gaul or bahasa khas (slang or specific language)
- Aspersion: Fitnah (slander)
- Badinage: Candaan (banter)
- Bombast: Retorika berlebihan (excessive rhetoric)
- Braggadocio: Kesombongan (arrogance)
- Censure: Kritik atau teguran (criticism or reprimand)
- Countermand: Membatalkan (to cancel)
- Gainsay: Menyangkal (to deny)
- Gobbledegook: Bahasa kacau (gibberish)
- Guttural: Bersuara tenggorokan (throaty)
- Harangue: Ucapan panjang dan berapi-api (lengthy and impassioned speech)
- Jargon: Bahasa khusus (specialized language)
- Mellifluous: Merdu (melodious)
- Resonant: Beresonansi (resonating)
- Sententious: Penuh nasihat atau pengajaran (full of advice or moralizing)