iconoclast [ ahy-KON-uh’-klast ]
[noun]
MEANING:
- a person who destroys religious images or objects to their worship
- a person who attacks prejudices, beliefs or institutions that are based on superstitions or erroneous rationale.
USAGE EXAMPLE 1:
Only an iconoclast like Raja Rammohan Roy could have succeeded in abolishing sati from Hindu society.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2:
A natural-born iconoclast, Fela was a legend in his own lifetime; as infamous for his lifestyle and politics as he was acclaimed for his music.
splenetic [ spli-NET-ik ]
[noun,adjective]
MEANING:
- (adj.) splenetic or pertaining to the spleen
- (adj.) spiteful, peevish or ill-tempered
- (n.) one who is splenetic in nature
USAGE EXAMPLE 1:
The meeting between the management and the labourers was marked by disruptions due to the splenetic behaviour of the union leader.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2:
As if Jacqui Smith didn’t have troubles enough at home, she has now put up the back of one of America’s most splenetic radio talk-show hosts.
babble [ BAB-uh’l ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb]
MEANING:
- (intr. v.) to say meaningless and indistinct words
- (tr. v.) to speak rapidly and indistinctly
- (n.) unclear and meaningless talk
USAGE EXAMPLE 1:
The toddler babbled in response to questions asked.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2:
Babies this age often begin to babble, squeal, gurgle and laugh.
cleave [ kleev ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb]
MEANING:
- (tr.v.) to penetrate or pierce
- (tr.v.) to divide, disunite or split
- (intr.v.) to split or fall apart
- (intr.v.) to cling or adhere closely
USAGE EXAMPLE 1:
The JCB machine cleaved a path through the dense jungle so that a road could be built which connected the two villages.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2:
For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be in one flesh.
bestial [ BES-chuh’l ]
[adjective]
MEANING:
- beastly or pertaining to or in the form of a beast
- inhuman behaviour
- debased or marked by depravity
USAGE EXAMPLE 1:
The legend is about a person who assumed a bestial form on the night of the full moon.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2:
Fr Murray, a well-known civil rights campaigner, said the treatment of prisoners in the H Blocks was “squalid, cowardly and bestial”.
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