Epigone is a noun that refers to a less distinguished follower or imitator of someone.

The Greek word epigonoi (EP ee go knee) means ‘those born afterward.’ The word later came to refer to a descendant of someone who doesn’t distinguish themselves as their ancestors did. More recently it can refer to someone who doesn’t distinguish themselves as well as someone they have emulated or followed.

For years, everyone in Mr. Gykone’s science class feared we’d become epigones. It seemed impossible that we could ever come close to achieving the things he had achieved.

Patois is a noun that refers to the dialect of the common people of a region.

Our word of the day comes from a French word that means ‘rough speech.’ It has come to refer to any dialogue of a language spoken by the common people.

I had always thought I understood English perfectly well, but after hearing the patios of many people in Appalachia, I realized how little I truly understood. Their brand of English was difficult for me to make sense of.

Antecedent is a noun that refers to a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another.

The Latin word cedere (say DARE ay) means ‘to go.’ The prefix A-N-T-E means ‘before.’ Our word of the day is often used when discussing history. Here’s an example:

It is often assumed that the war was a consequence of the dictator’s behavior, but the war was actually an antecedent. It began years before the dictator’s actions became unruly.

Ecclesiastic is a noun that refers to a priest or member of the clergy.

The Greek word ekklesia (eh KLES ee ah) refers to a ‘church’ or ‘assembly.’ As the word evolved and was imported into Latin, then English, it came to refer to those who were a member of the clergy.

As an official member of the church, Father Brown was able to make many decisions regarding church policy. Still it annoyed him that his privileges as an ecclesiastic didn’t extend to having his own parking space.

Granitic is an adjective that means hard like granite.

The Latin word granum (GRAH noom) refers to ‘grain.’ The word later drifted into Italian, then English and its meaning shifted to a reference to a very hard stone. Our word of the day is the adjective variation that can refer literally to anything composed of granite or metaphorically to anything or anyone that is firm and determined. Here’s an example of granitic used metaphorically:

Jimmy’s granitic will ensured that our band would succeed. We knew from the beginning that nothing would shatter his determination.

Decamp is a verb that means to depart suddenly or secretly.

The French word decamper (doo com PAY) was imported into English in the 17th century, holding on to its original meaning of ‘to break camp’ or ‘take off’ quickly and quietly. Here’s an example:

The group of concert goer decided to decamp soon after rain began to fall around ten. As much as Californians love music, they don’t care much for rain.

Asynchronous is an adjective that means not existing or happening at the same time.

The Greek word Chronos (CROW noss) refers to ‘time.’ Synchronous events occur at the same time. If we add an A as a prefix to this, we get the opposite — things not occurring at the same time. Here’s an example:

As a kid, I’d always imaged cave men playing with pet dinosaurs. It wasn’t until later that I learned that the existence of dinosaurs and early man were asynchronous events.

Extortionate is an adjective that means too costly.

Our word of the day is derived from the Latin-based word extort, which means to obtain by force or threat. Extortionate either describes behavior that is rooted in extortion or it simply means ‘very costly.’ Here’s an example of the latter:

I couldn’t believe that plate of shrimp cost seventeen dollars. I wouldn’t have minded such extortionate prices if it had tasted good, but in the end, they weren’t worth the high cost.

Anserous is an adjective that means silly.

The Latin word anser (AHN sir) means ‘goose.’ Our word of the day simply adds the suffix O-U-S, which means ‘characterized by,’ to create an English word that describes someone behaving as a goose would.

I’m sure my old wardrobe looks a bit anserous to my kids. But we didn’t find that look silly at all in the eighties. The word we used was rad.

Expropriate is a verb that means to take property from its owner.

The Latin word proprium (PRO pree um) means ‘property.’ The addition of the prefix E-X, which means ‘out or from,’ gives expropriate a meaning of ‘taking property from.’ Here’s an example of expropriate in use:

Signing that recording contract was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. When I saw that fine print about the manager having the right to expropriate my music, I had no idea that he was using a euphemism for steal!