MODULE 01: VOCABULARY

Geetanjali Bhandari

Key Concepts:

Use of Dictionary
Use of Words:
Diminutives

Homonyms

& Homophones

Use of Dictionary

Meaning
Synonyms Antonyms Usage Etymology

Use of Dictionary

Pronunciation Increase word power Effective communication skills

Speaking Skills Reading Skills

Writing Skill

High level of confidence

Diminutives

A Word Form that Indicates Smallness

Diminutives: Meaning

It literally means small; tiny; little

A

diminutive for a model train layout

It is pertaining to or productive of a form denoting smallness, familiarity, affection or triviality

Droplet

from drop

Diminutive: Examples

A booklet, is a small book

A circlet, a small circle

A duckling, a young duck A hillock a small hill A novelette, a short novel A wavelet, a ripple or small wave

A gosling, a young goose

A droplet, a tiny drop

Diminutive: Further Explanation

"English usually forms diminutives by suffixing -y or ie

Hanky for handkerchief, doggie for dog and Tommie for Thomas

We also use -ette

As in kitchenette for a small kitchen

Productive diminutive derivation hardly exist at all

Despite the existence of isolated baby forms such as handies, doggie or birdie one can say girlie but not *mannie, auntie but not *unclie, horsie but not *goatie, and so on.

Diminutives are titles of endearment

Goldsmith becomes Goldy

Homonyms & Homophones

Homonyms

One or two words that have same sound and often same spelling but different meanings

Homographs

Words that are spelled the same but differ in meanings Example Stalk, Stick, Bat, Bow etc.

Homophones

Word that are pronounced the same but differ in meaning, derivation or spelling Example hair & hare; night & knight etc.

Importance of Diminutives & Homonyms

Usage
Formal vs. Informal Expression Effective communication skills Engaging the audience

Clichs

A clich is a phrase or opinion that is overused and betray a lack of original thought The original was striking but due to its overuse it lost its charm In modern culture it is used for an idea that is expected or predictable A clich may or may not be true Clichs come from all over the world. They can be interpreted differently, depending on your cultural knowledge and identity. Often, a clich starts with a smart remark that ends up becoming very well known. Even if the origin is unclear, its clear to see that clichs are a popular form of expression

Clichs: Examples

Clichs of Time

Time will tell In the nick of time Lost track of time Lasted an eternity A matter of time A waste of time Rushed for time In a jiffy The time of my life At the speed of light

Clichs of Life, Love & Emotions

Opposites attract
Scared out of my wits Frightened to death

All is fair in love and war

Every cloud has a silver lining Haste makes waste

The writing on the wall

Time heals all wounds What goes around comes around

Clichs of People

As old as the hills: This describes someone very old Fit as a fiddle: This describes someone in great shape Without a care in the world: This describes someone who is not plagued by problems or worries A diamond in the rough: This describes someone who has a great future. Brave as a lion: This describes a very brave person. Weak as a kitten: This describes a very weak person

Euphemism:

A mild or indirect word or expression for one too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Intended to ameliorate the situation

Examples:

Passed away instead of died Correctional facility instead of jail Departed instead of died

Differently-abled instead of handicapped or disabled

Fell off the back of a truck instead of stolen Ethnic cleansing instead of genocide

Jargons: Meaning

The specialized language of a professional, occupational, or other group, often meaningless to outsiders.

Business Jargons:

Business Jargon "Jargon is an invaluable tool in massaging meaning for marketing purposes.

Promoters may describe a start-up with no customers as 'prerevenue,' optimistically implying that sales are inevitable. Hoped-for turnover will be projected in a 'business plan,' a document used for raising finance and scrupulously ignored thenceforth.

Business Jargons:

Terminology that deflects criticism while bestowing spurious professionalism is essential to the manager.

Hence the phrase 'I'm outside the loop on that' excuses knuckledragging cluelessness. 'I'm afraid I don't have the bandwidth' is a polite way of saying: 'You aren't important enough for me to help you.

'It is my understanding that . . .' allows the speaker to assert vague suspicions as solid facts. . . .

Examples of Business Jargons:

Bang for the buck

Getting a lot for your money,

Due diligence

Doing research before purchasing or investing in a business

Sweat equity

Receiving equity or ownership in the business instead of a salary.

!!!Thank You!!!