5:1 PULCHRITUDINOUS

When/Where found: I found this while I was browsing the Vocabulary Blogs when I was looking up a subsequent word I found.  The homepage of dictionary.com had an ad for a free Ipad if you helped select the next Quote of the day.  So my curiosity was sparked and I looked the word up.

What it means: PULCHRITUDINOUS is an adjective that describes something as physically beautiful or comely, according to dictionary.com.  The sentence I found it in was: You'll get a chance to win a truly PULCHRITUDINOUS Ipad.

Level of Familiarity: Before today, I had never encountered this word before.  It seems like it would likely be used by a writer from early 18th century, possibly British.

To know well...or not? At this time, I do not see this word as necessary to many literacy events we participate in.  However, I do think it is important to know that this word has a positive connotation, at least.  That way, if you do hear or see this word, you can understand what is said by context.

Reflective Thoughts So far

I am already noticing a difference in the way I approach reading tasks and everyday events.  At first, the Blog was a difficult medium to get used to; however, after the first couple of entries I feel much more comfortable writing here.

One major difference I notice about myself is that I am constantly noticing more words.  I notice interesting words in my academic readings, personal readings, and even in the shower on my shampoo bottle! 

I think this project is well worth our while in understanding the VSS model.  By acting as "students" we actually experience the essence of the VSS model.  In addition, the student nomination of words is so important.  When the burden or accountability lets say, is placed on the student, the student is significantly more motivated to complete the task and be more engaged.  I already notice the change in how I view the world only after the few weeks we have been charged with this assignment.

4:3 DISSEMINATION

When/Where found:  I found DISSEMINATION in an article written by Barone and Wright (2008) on literacy and technology titled Literacy Instruction with Digital and Media Technologies.  I was reading the article for my other class LTED 609.

What it means: DISSEMINATION is a verb from the word disseminate, which means to scatter or spread abroad, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.  Barone and Wright (2008) used the word to refer to a faster way to get information to more people, similar to a newspaper, however faster.

Level of Familiarity: I am relatively familiar with this word.  I do not generally use this word in my conversations; however, I do read texts with this word and readily comprehend its meaning.

To know well...or not: Yes, this word is worthy of knowing well.  It is important to be familiar with or to have DISSEMINATION is one's reading lexicon in order to effectively comprehend texts, specifically academic texts.

4:2 SIMULTANEOUSLY

When/Where found: I found this word while reading an article by Barone and Wright about literacy and technology.

What the word means: SIMULTANEOUSLY is and adjective that describes something that is occurring at the same time, according to dictionary.com.

Level of Familiarity:  I am very familiar with this word.  I particularly like it.  It is definitely on my personal favorite word list.  I have used it in multiple essays and conversations.


To know well...or not: This word is one anyone should know well.  SIMULTANEOUSLY is a 3 point word in my opinion.  The beauty of this word is that it captures one complex thought in only one word.  How awesome is that?!  I have always thought SIMULTANEOUSLY is unique because of that.  Instead of saying "at the same time" all you need is SIMULTANEOUSLY.

4:1 VERACITY

When and Where Found:  I found this word while reading Many Masters, Many Lives by Dr. Brian L. Weiss.  Again, I was reading the book for a personal read at the time.

What it means: VERACITY is a noun and refers to the truthfulness of an act and/or scientific instrument.  It was being used to talk about a woman's experiences with her therapist.  For example, Catherine did not need any more evidence as to the veracity of her experiences.

My familiarity:  I am relatively familiar with this word.  I believe I have used it personally before.  I think VERACITY is an interesting word because it's roots are in Latin (ver, meaning truth).  Even though I had not used it or encountered it recently, I still knew what it meant without hesitation.

To know it well or not? Yes, VERACITY is worthy of knowing well.  It may come in handy while writing essays or discussing events in a formal or educational setting.  Plus, why not use one word that is more concise than multiple words that can be confusing?

3:2 XENOGLOSSY

When/Where I found it: I found this word while I was reading Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian L. Weiss.  It was near the end of the book when the author was wrapping up the big ideas from the entire text.

What it means: XENOGLOSSY is the act of speaking in a foreign language one has never learned before, which generally only occurs during (spiritual) regressions, as explained in the aforementioned text. According to dictionary.com, it refers to an ability of some mediums/clairvoyants to be able to speak another language they are not familiar with.


Level of Familiarity: I had never seen or heard this word before encountering it in the book.  Just by looking at the word itself, I knew it was a thing or noun due to the "oglossy" portion of the word. 


Do I want to know it well? Why?: To be honest, I don't know if I want to know it well or not.  In many social situations,  using this word may ostracize me from others, because the meaning itself is a little eerie.  I am satisfied understanding the basic meaning of the word.  I choose the word because it has been a long time since I encountered a word I NEVER saw before.  (I have encountered words I do not know the meaning of though.) 

3:1 INSENSATE

When/Where Found: I found INSENSATE while I was reading the Ruddell and Shearer article for class.  It is located on page 356 in Table 1.


Meaning: INSENSATE is an adjective, which means without human feeling or sensitivity.  Insensate may also refer to an individual who does not have "good sense" or judgement.  

Level of Familiarity: I choose this word because I had never seen it before.  My familiarity with the word was minimal before I wrote this entry. 


Do I want to know this word well? Why? As it is an adjective, or describing word, I deem it important to add to my repertoire of word knowledge.  It will be useful in helping to describe a foolish act that someone commits or to describe the individual.


Should others know this word? Yes, others should know this word.  Use of this word demonstrates a higher level of vocabulary knowledge.  In addition, it offers a new possibility of voice when used appropriately.