Understand the meaning of “profundity” and how to use it effectively. Learn when to use this word to describe depth, wisdom, and insight.
Fallacy: What It Means and How to Spot Faulty Logic
Understand the concept of a fallacy – a flaw in reasoning. Learn to identify common types of fallacies and avoid them in your own arguments.
Opulent: When Luxury Becomes Extravagant
Explore the meaning of “opulent” and learn when to use this word to describe lavishness. Discover appropriate and less suitable contexts with examples.
Impervious: Meaning, Uses, and When It Doesn’t Fit
Is something impervious to water, criticism, or change? Explore the meaning of “impervious,” how to use it correctly, and when to choose a different word.
The Power of “Extol”: Meaning, Usage, and When to Choose a Different Word
Learn the meaning of the word “extol” and discover when to use it for powerful praise – and when it might be overkill. Get examples and alternatives!
Asceticism Explained: Meaning, Lifestyle, and Modern Relevance
What does “ascetic” mean? Learn about the philosophy of asceticism, its historical roots, modern applications, and how the word is used.
Aberration: Meaning, Uses, and When to Avoid This Word
What does “aberration” mean? Learn the definition, when to use it correctly (and when not to), plus synonyms and real-life examples.
Quotidian: Elevate Your Vocabulary with This Word
What does “quotidian” mean? Discover the nuances of this word and when to use it to describe the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Jingoism: What It Means and When It’s Dangerous
Understand the meaning of “jingoism”, its historical roots, and the dangers of this extreme form of nationalism. Learn when it’s appropriate (and inappropriate) to use the term.
“Obsequious” Behavior: When Flattery Turns into Fawning
Learn the meaning of “obsequious,” why it’s often seen negatively, and how to spot this overly flattering behavior in everyday life.
Recent Posts
The Storybook Origins of Your Smartphone
Ever wonder where innovation comes from? Explore how asking “Imagine what if” – a practice rooted in literature – has shaped our reality, from technology to social change, and how you can use it to rewrite your own world.
The Ghost in the Machine: Can AI Write a Novel That Makes You Cry?
A deep dive into the intersection of AI and literature. We explore if AI can be truly creative, the philosophical questions of authorship, and how AI might augment—not replace—human writers.
How to Start a Reading Habit | Listening Comprehension
Develop a reading habit and improve your English listening! A friendly librarian gives five practical tips. Includes script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz for exam prep.
The Story of Literature EP10 | The Global Bookshelf: Migration, Identity, and the 21st-Century Story
In our final episode, we look at the state of literature in our interconnected world. We explore how themes of migration, diaspora, and hybrid identities have come to the forefront. Featuring authors from Oceania, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora, we discuss how technology and globalization are shaping the future of storytelling and creating a truly “world” literature.
The Story of Literature EP9 | The Griot’s Legacy: Oral Traditions and Post-Colonial Voices of Africa
This episode celebrates the immense diversity of African literature, from the ancient oral storytelling traditions of the Griots to the powerful emergence of post-colonial writing. We’ll discuss how authors like Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have used literature to reclaim their history, grapple with the legacy of colonialism, and forge new identities.
The Story of Literature EP8 | Magic and Memory: The Boom of Latin American Literature
We explore the vibrant and revolutionary literature of Latin America in the 20th century. This episode discusses how a generation of writers like Borges, García Márquez, and Allende blended indigenous mythology, political turmoil, and surrealism to create “Magical Realism”—a unique literary style that captured the complex reality of a continent.