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Mr. Tom Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary
Use of signify and apoplectic
Hi
Would the underlined words or phrases sound overly-formal/stilted in casual conversation?
What does that signify? [instead of mean]
It doesn't signify -- so you needn't worry about it. [instead of matter]
Her stern look reduced me to silence. [instead of silenced me]
Father was apoplectic with fury. [instead of furious/livid/enraged]
Thanks,
Tom
Would the underlined words or phrases sound overly-formal/stilted in casual conversation?
What does that signify? [instead of mean]
It doesn't signify -- so you needn't worry about it. [instead of matter]
Her stern look reduced me to silence. [instead of silenced me]
Father was apoplectic with fury. [instead of furious/livid/enraged]
Thanks,
Tom
Top answer
Yes, not typical of casual, everyday conversation, unless it is between two reasonably well-educated people..
- Yes, not typical of casual, everyday conversation, unless it is between two reasonably well-educated people..
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2 Answers
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Yes, not typical of casual, everyday conversation, unless it is between two reasonably well-educated people..
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Mr. TomapoplecticA popular expression between 1830 and 1880, not so much now.
Mr. TomsignifyCommonly used in scientific circles - eg. statistical significance.
Mr. TomHer stern look reduced me to silence.Quite literary.
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