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Word for Wednesday: Tantalise

Our Word for Wednesday theme for June is words that derive from Greek mythology. So far we’ve looked at the words atlas, chaos, mentor, and narcissist; our final word for June is tantalise. If you tantalise someone, it means you torment or tease them with something they want but can’t get.  Here is tantalise used in some example sentences: The blue skies tantalised us, but it was still very cold outside.  She held the treat just out of reach to tantalise the puppy before finally giving it to him. We were tantalised by the computer in the shop window but we knew we couldn’t afford it. The word gets its name from Tantalus who, as ...

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Word for Wednesday: Narcissist

Our Word for Wednesday theme for June is words that derive from Greek mythology. Over the last few weeks, we’ve looked at the words atlas, chaos, and mentor. Today’s word is narcissist. A narcissist is someone who has an exceptional interest in or admiration for themself. Here is narcissist used in some example sentences: If you are a narcissist, it means you are self-centred. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is about a narcissistic young man. Could you stop being such a narcissist and talk about someone except yourself? The word is named for Narcissus who, known for his arrogance, was tempted to a pool by the spirit Nemesis. There he fel...

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Word for Wednesday: Mentor

Our Word for Wednesday theme for June is words that derive from Greek mythology. So far, we’ve looked at the words atlas and chaos. Today’s word is mentor. A mentor is a wise and trusted guide and advisor who may serve as a teacher or counsellor. Here is mentor used in some example sentences: Yoda is Luke Skywalker’s Jedi mentor.  She mentored young artists in her free time.  I am looking for a mentor to learn from as I grow my business. In Greek mythology, Mentor was the advisor to Telemachus (the son of Odysseus and Penelope who are the central characters in Homer’s Odyssey).  In many versions of the myth, the goddess Athena ...

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Word for Wednesday: Chaos

Our Word for Wednesday theme for June is words that derive from Greek mythology. Last week we looked at the word atlas and today’s word is chaos. The word chaos is used to describe a state of extreme confusion or disorder.  Here is chaos used in some example sentences:  The performance was utter chaos – no one knew what they were supposed to do!  My bedroom may seem like chaos to you, but I find it a very relaxing space.  The school predicted that the snow would cause chaos on the roads and so decided to close for the day.  In Greek mythology, the god Chaos personifies the void that preceded the creation of the universe. Today the wor...

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Word for Wednesday: Atlas

Our Word for Wednesday theme for June is words that derive from Greek mythology. Our first word of the month is atlas.  An atlas is a book that contains a collection of maps. Here is atlas used in some example sentences:  The Geography teacher gave each student an atlas.    The shelves were filled with globes and atlases.   An atlas was published to accompany the fantasy series so that readers could see maps of the different magical lands. The word gets his name from the story of Atlas who, with his brother Menoetius, fought alongside the Titans in in a war against the Olympians. When they were defeated, Zeus, the King of the Gods, condemne...

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Twenty English Words from Greek Mythology: Part 1

Atlas Definition: Noun 1: a collection of maps in book form Atlas and his brother fought with the Titans in a war against the Olympians. When they were defeated, Zeus, the King of the Gods, condemned Atlas to hold up the heavens on his shoulders as punishment.   Chaos Definition: Noun 1: a state of extreme confusion and disorder 2: the formless and disordered state of matter before the creation of the cosmos The god Chaos personified the empty void that preceded the creation of the universe.   Chronological Definition: Adjective 1: relating to or arranged according to temporal order The god Chronoswas the personification of time. He is i...

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