Vocab Builder Word

SOLIPSISM

sol·ip·sism (slp-szm, slp-)

n. Philosophy
1. The theory that the self is the only thing that can be known and verified.
2. The theory or view that the self is the only reality.
[Latin slus, alone; see s(w)e- in Indo-European roots + Latin ipse, self + -ism.]
solip·sist n.
solip·sistic adj.

I read this word in a workshop piece and fell in love with it.  Essentially it is a spectrum word that indicates a person's inability (in varying degrees) to empathize with others.  It's totally a Philip K. Dick wet-dream word.  

Grammar Corner: Rather or Whether

Which to use: rather or whether?  At the crux of the debate are the phrases: rather or not (vs) whether or not. A friend and I discussed this recently and so I decided to look into this conundrum, since, as evident through the auto complete feature of the Google search engine, many people have wondered the same thing.  My results are as follows:

rath·er  adv.

1. More readily; preferably: I'd rather go to the movies.

2. With more reason, logic, wisdom, or other justification.

3. More exactly; more accurately: He's my friend, or rather he was my friend.

4. To a certain extent; somewhat: rather cold.

wheth·er  conj.

1. Used in indirect questions to introduce one alternative: We should find out whether the museum is open. 

2. Used to introduce alternative possibilities: Whether she wins or whether she loses, this is her last tournament.

3. Either: He passed the test, whether by skill or luck.

Rather describes the stated or understood verb while whether provides choices.  Always use whether when saying 'whether or not.'  For more information on the debate of rather or whether, you can always Ask the English Teacher, and for expanded definitions, usage notes, and synonyms please visit TheFreeDictionary.com.

Amanda LaFantasie (Skoora) © 2012

A Weekly Vocabulary Word?

In my Fatty List of Goals, I mentioned that I wanted to improve my vocabulary. Well, how about-for those who are interested- we each put up a word that we've always wanted to know the meaning of and it's definition and them challenge ourselves to incorporate it in a story or some way within our writing?

Doesn't have to just be one word, everyone can contribute and we could make a weekly vocab list to pick and choose from.

My word for the week would have to be one I came across today: Definition taken from Dictionary.com.

lam·bent

   [lam-buhnt]  Show IPA

adjective

1.

running or moving lightly over a surface: lambent tongues offlame.

2.

dealing lightly and gracefully with a subject; brilliantlyplayful: lambent wit.

3.

softly bright or radiant: a lambent light.

Anyway, this was just an idea...