ossify

OS-uh-fahy | Latin: os = bone

to become rigid or inflexible in habits, attitudes, opinions, etc.; to convert into or cause to harden like bone

“Continue to read, young one, lest your mind ossify”

raconteuse

rak-uhn-TOOZ | French: raconteur from raconter = to tell

a woman skilled at interestingly relating stories and anecdotes

“That Marja is quite the raconteuse… wonder where she gets that from?”

contretemps

KON-truh-tahn / Counter-temps | French: contre = against; temps = time > entered English via fencing

an inopportune occurrence; embarrassing mischance

“How did he get invited to this classy shindig? His speech is riddled with faux pas and his comedic timing is tantamount to contretemps!”

valetudinarian

val-i-tood-n-AIR-ee-uhn, -tyood- | Latin: valetudo = state of health from valere = to be well

one excessively concerned with one’s poor health or ailments; an invalid

“Good grief! Every time I talk to my dad, he carries on about how well he isn’t doing… what a valetudinarian!”

sophrosyne

suh-FROS-uh-nee | Greek: sophron = prudent

moderation; discretion; prudence

“I’m not sure about all these fad diets… everything in sophrosyne is what I always say…”

kenspeckle

KEN-spek-uhl | Scottish: similar to Norwegian kjennespak = quick at recognizing or, literally, know-clever

conspicuous; easily seen/recognized

“His interest in ladies underwear is as unnerving as it is kenspeckle.”

wordmonger

WURD-muhng-ger, -mong- | English: monger = a dealer in or trader of a commodity, in a petty or contemptible way

a writer or speaker who users words pretentiously or with careless disregard for meaning

“Did you read that trivia blog? Man… that guy’s such a wordmonger!”

avuncular

uh-VUHNG-kyuh-ler | Latin: avus = a forefather > avunculus = a mother’s brother

of or relating to or characteristic of an uncle

“I’m sure all your kids will experience avuncular affection if they read this list.”

so far on wonderful words