As I was writing PCSR, I struggled because I wanted to use words that brought my world to life. I felt myself resorting to words like “rough” or “glowing” to describe what I was seeing in my head but I felt these words were lacking. This is why it’s important, in my opinion, for every writer to have a thesaurus.
I’m not going to say that you, as a writer, should pump up your vocabulary skills like a weight training champion. No, no. What I will tell you is this: there is value in learning new words to use for dialogue, description, and illustration.
Each Wednesday, I am going to introduce and define five words to you. Take it or leave it but this isn’t just for you. It helps me, too!
Without further ado:
- Alacrity (n.) eagerness, brisk and cheerful readiness.
- Ex. The dog displayed great alacrity in playing fetch.
- Cajole (v.) to urge or coax, to persuade.
- she wanted to cajole her friend into attending the concert.
- Demure (adj.) quiet, reserved, modest, or shy.
- Tommy was a demure man.
- Lithe (adj.) flexible, thin, or graceful.
- She twirled in a single lithe movement.
- Abscond (v.) to leave quickly and with
- He absconded his duties and hid in the broom closet.
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Is it sad that I use these words in everyday speech and people look at me sideways?! Lol
It happens to me, too! And yes, it’s sad lol
I decided to add “lithe” because I beta read and I almost never see this word. Like, ever. I see words like “slender” or “thin” but rarely lithe.