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Back at it with the white vans<\/s><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We’re back to themed lists, with today’s themed GRE English Word List – BadJectives. Adjectives that have negative connotations, or in some cases, are straight-up vices. Part of Speech<\/strong> – adjective This Greek origin story is a twofer – Two mythical figures having a shared origin story. Seldom ends well, and this one isn’t any different. This is one version of the myth – Ovid’s Metamorphoses – but is generally accepted to be true. Startled by her approach, Narcissus rebuffed her advances and left Echo heartbroken. Echo withdrew from society and became so lonely, that quite literally, only an echo of her remained. Yet, she still pined for Narcissus. Part of Speech<\/strong> – adjective Unlike what the word seems to suggest, the origins of lackadaisical has nothing to do with daisies. One story suggests that it originated from alas\/alack and grew to ‘alack the day’ as referenced in Romeo and Juliet. In this context, the word suggests regret or disappointment.
This week’s words are Narcissistic, Lackadaisical, Hedonistic, Irascible and Machiavellian<\/em>.
Read on for some interesting word origins and trivia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\ni. narcissistic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Definition<\/strong> – having or showing an excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance.
Word Origins<\/strong> – from the Greek name Narkissos\/Narcissus<\/em> + -ism.
Synonyms<\/strong> – vain, self-centred, egocentric.
Usage<\/strong> – He\u2019s such a narcissist that his walls must be covered in mirrors. <\/p>\n<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/online.wizako.com\/gre-preparation\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/narcissistic-2-1024x1024.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nNarc is sus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When Narcissus was born, a great seer made a prediction about Narcissus’ life. He said that Narcissus would live long if he didn’t discover himself (See<\/em> the irony in that?).
Years later, Echo, a nymph became attracted to Narcissus and stalked him. Sensing that he was being followed, Narcissus asked, ‘Who’s there?’ Echo repeated “Who’s there?” and revealed herself.
A bit of context – Echo was a mountain nymph who was ordered by Zeus to distract Hera while he consorted with other nymphs. Echo was a fast-talker and managed to do so long enough for Zeus to escape. So, Echo incurred Hera’s wrath and was cursed by Hera to be only able to repeat the last words spoken to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBack to Narcissus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Nemesis, the Goddess of Revenge, wanted Narcissus to get his comeuppance. She made him come across a body of water, in which he caught his reflection. So taken by his own image, he fell in love with it, neither able to divert his gaze nor do anything about his love. As he lay wasting away over his love, he uttered “Oh marvellous boy, I loved you in vain, farewell” and turned into a flower.
Echo, who was watching, uttered “farewell” and faded away as well. Only her voice remained, destined to repeat what others say.
Sorry for ruining the fun of every Echo Point you visit henceforth.
[Fun Fact: The Portrait of Dorian Gray is based on the myth of Narcissus.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nii. lackadaisical<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Definition<\/strong> – lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy.
Word Origins<\/strong> – mid 18th century (also in the sense \u2018feebly sentimental\u2019): from lackaday <\/em>or its obsolete extended form lackadaisy<\/em>.
Synonyms<\/strong> – careless, lazy, unenthusiastic.
Usage <\/strong>– His parents did not approve of his lackadaisical attitude towards his studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUpsy-Daisy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The other variant is more in line with the modern usage (if any) of the word. The phrase ‘alack the day’ was taken and made to sound whimsical, by apparently adding a ‘sical’ to the end, thus giving the word a slightly less sombre meaning.
To get a better account of how lackadaisical traces its origins, check this blog<\/a> out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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