SESQUIPEDALIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Sesquipedalian is an adjective that describes something or someone who tends to use excessively long words or sentences in speech or writing. It originated from the Latin word "sesquipedalis," which literally means "a foot and a half long."
A sesquipedalian individual is often characterized by a proclivity for verbosity or overcomplication, making their communication unnecessarily complex and challenging to understand. They may display a preference for using obscure or archaic words, often relying on convoluted sentence structures that can confuse or alienate their audience. This behavior may stem from a desire to appear knowledgeable or sophisticated, or it may simply reflect a habitual style of expression.
The term sesquipedalian can also be used more broadly to describe anything that is needlessly long or wordy. It can refer to written works or speeches that are excessively verbose, filling up space or time with unnecessary details or flowery language. In these cases, the sesquipedalian nature of the material can hinder understanding and clarity.
While a higher level of vocabulary is generally considered commendable, people who habitually employ sesquipedalian language may inadvertently alienate or frustrate their readers or listeners. Finding a balance between clarity and articulation is crucial in effective communication, as it ensures that the message is both comprehensible and engaging to a wide range of individuals.
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Containing a foot and a half; long-worded; using long words.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SESQUIPEDALIAN
Etymology of SESQUIPEDALIAN
The word "sesquipedalian" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Latin words "sesqui" meaning "one and a half" and "pedalis" meaning "foot". The term originally referred to a specific type of measurement in Ancient Rome, where "sesquipedalis" described a unit of measure that was one and a half feet long.
Over time, the term evolved and began to be used metaphorically to describe someone who used long, verbose, and excessively intricate language. This figurative usage of "sesquipedalian" can be traced back to the 17th century in English. It eventually became a noun and an adjective to describe those who tend to employ excessively long words or complex language in their speech or writing.
Similar spelling words for SESQUIPEDALIAN
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