Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 146
606. How is the word `obsequious' pronounced?
The `o' is like the `a' in `china' and the following `se' is pronounced like `see'. The `qui' is like the `qui' in `quit', `quiz', and `quid', and the final `ous' sounds like the `ous' in `dangerous', `furious', and `curious'. The main stress is on the second syllable `se'. The word has a negative connotation. When you are `obsequious' to someone, you do whatever he tells you to do in the hope that you will be suitably rewarded for doing all the work. In other words, you suck up to the person. *I think it's about time that you stopped being so obsequious to your boss. *The obsequious mechanic walked in wearing a fake smile on his face. The word comes from the Latin root `sequi' meaning `to follow'. Other words which are derived from this root are `consequence' (something which follows), `sequel', and `non sequitur'.
606. How is the word `obsequious' pronounced?
The `o' is like the `a' in `china' and the following `se' is pronounced like `see'. The `qui' is like the `qui' in `quit', `quiz', and `quid', and the final `ous' sounds like the `ous' in `dangerous', `furious', and `curious'. The main stress is on the second syllable `se'. The word has a negative connotation. When you are `obsequious' to someone, you do whatever he tells you to do in the hope that you will be suitably rewarded for doing all the work. In other words, you suck up to the person. *I think it's about time that you stopped being so obsequious to your boss. *The obsequious mechanic walked in wearing a fake smile on his face. The word comes from the Latin root `sequi' meaning `to follow'. Other words which are derived from this root are `consequence' (something which follows), `sequel', and `non sequitur'.
607. What is the difference between `ambience' and `ambiance'?
The French spell it `ambiance', while most people in the U.S. spell it `ambience'. As far as the meaning is concerned, there is no difference between the two words. The `a' in `ambience' is like the `a' in `cat', act', and `bat', while the following `i' is like the `i' in `pit', `bit', and `fit'. The `e' in the third syllable sounds like the `a' in `china' and the final `e' is silent. The main stress is on the first syllable. This is one way of pronouncing the word. `Ambience/ambiance' is normally used to refer to the atmosphere of a place. *The ambiance/ambience in the new restaurant was fantastic. *The ambience of their new apartment is anything but cosy.
608. What is the origin of `nit picking'?
Monkeys and gorillas do this all the time. Among human beings, mothers perform this duty once in a while. Any idea what a nit is? Most of us have come home with this unwanted visitor on a few occasions. Nits are the eggs of lice or any other parasitic insects. When our head becomes infested with lice, what is it that our mothers do? They run a special comb through our hair and then peer intently at the comb. Whenever they spot a louse, they proceed to squash the insect; they pick them off one by one. Getting rid of these small, but irritating insects from one's head can be an overwhelming task. Every inch of the head has to be carefully examined and you spend a lot of time looking for them. The original meaning of nitpicking was therefore looking for lice and their eggs. With the passage of time, however, the expression acquired another meaning. It began to be used to refer to someone who looks at the trivial details and finds faults with them. *There was a lot of nitpicking going on as to what type of bouquet should be given to the chief guest. *Let's stop with the nitpicking. Tell me what you think of the plan. `There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage.' — James Holt McGavran
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
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