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Showing posts with the label French phrase

Today's Words: Delve, Appellative, En famille

Delve (delv) verb to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate. More about Delve First recorded before 900. Comes from the Middle English word delven from Old English delfan. Has an archaic sense of “to dig.” Examples of Delve The author’s new book will delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The detective decided to delve deeper into the mysterious disappearance of the valuable painting. Appellative  (uh-pel-uh-tiv) adjective designative; descriptive. More about Appellative First recorded around 1375–1425. Comes via late Middle English from the Late Latin word appellātīvus.   Related to the Latin word appellātus, meaning “called upon, named, appealed to.” Examples of Appellative The appellative term “Big Apple” is often used to describe the city of New York. In this context, the word “whale” is an appellative for large marine mammals. En famille (ahnfa-mee-yuh) adverb in or with the family; at home. More about En