How is the word ‘satiate’ pronounced? (K. Jagan, Srirangam)
The first syllable is pronounced like the word ‘say’, and the third like ‘ate’. The ‘t’ in the second syllable sounds like the ‘sh’ in ‘sheep’, ‘should’ and ‘sheet’. The word is pronounced ‘SAY-shi-ate’ with the stress on the first syllable. It comes from the Latin ‘satiatus’ meaning ‘enough’. Nowadays, the word is mostly used to suggest ‘too much of something’. One generally talks about satiating one’s hunger, thirst, and so on. For example, when you satiate your hunger, you satisfy your needs to the full; at times, perhaps overeating.
The hero walked into a bar to satiate his thirst.
My friend Aruna just loves gossip. Nothing can satiate her need for it.
What is the meaning of ‘on the quiet’? (R. Anirudh, Benagluru)
The expression is mostly used in informal contexts. Native speakers of English sometimes reduce the word ‘quiet’ to ‘q.t.’ When you do something ‘on the quiet/ q.t.’, you do it secretly, without anyone knowing or noticing what it is you are doing. When you tell someone to keep a matter on the quiet, what you are suggesting is that you would like it to be kept confidential; it is not to be discussed with others.
Despite the doctor’s warning, Atul has been smoking one or two cigarettes every day on the quiet/q.t.
The good news is you have been promoted. Keep it on the quiet for the time being.
What is the difference between ‘eloquent’ and ‘grandiloquent’? (G. Mala, Chennai)
The two words have the Latin ‘loqui’, meaning ‘to speak’, in common. Both refer to the way an individual uses language to communicate — it could be either written or spoken. The word ‘grandiloquent’ is mostly used to show disapproval; it literally means to speak/write in a grand manner. When someone speaks grandiloquently, he makes use of big words to impress those listening to him/her. The bombastic words are used to hide the fact that there is very little substance in what he/she is saying. Think of the type of language that some of our politicians use; it sounds wonderful, but there is no real content. One gets a little irritated after listening to this type of talk; it gets on one’s nerves. The word ‘eloquent’, on the other hand, has a positive connotation. When you say that someone speaks ‘eloquently’, what you are suggesting is that he/she speaks persuasively; he is able to use language skilfully to get his message across — the aim here is to communicate effectively with others, and not merely to impress them.
The Minister is well known for his grandiloquent speeches.
Ganesh’s eloquent response to the question surprised many in the audience.
What is the meaning of ‘smith’ in ‘blacksmith’, ‘goldsmith’, and so on.? (V Shanthi, Kanchipuram)
In the old days, anyone who worked with metals was referred to as a ‘smith’. A blacksmith was therefore, someone who tried to beat ‘black metal’ (iron) into shape using a hammer and other tools. A ‘goldsmith’ was someone who shaped gold. With the passage of time, the word ‘smith’ began to be used to refer to any skilled craftsman — not necessarily someone who worked with metal. For example, a ‘wordsmith’ is someone who uses words skilfully.
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Light travels faster than sound. That’s why certain people appear bright until you hear them speak. Albert Einstein
The author teaches at the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. upendrankye@gmail.com
