Grammar Clinic

Meaning:  1 : given to joking : merry 2 : characterized by joking : humorous Example: Mr. Battle has a pleasant, jocose style of public address, but Ms. Jamison’s is without equal, exciting in rhythm and phrasing, hilarious in off-the-cuff remarks, generous in spirit.

Meaning:  1 a : a place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition b : a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition 2 : a varied mixture Example: Micheal proved a quick country convert, taking ownership of the grounds and the growing menagerie, which now includes eight Icelandic sheep, eight Bantam chickens, and two

Meaning:  1 :  To select by lot and kill every tenth man of 2 : To exact a tax of 10 percent from 3 a :  to reduce drastically especially in number b : to cause great destruction or harm to  Example: Budget cuts have decimated public services in many towns and cities throughout the state.

Meaning: The act or fact of paying an equivalent to for a service, loss, or expense : recompense, pay Example: The actor was offered a modest speaking fee by the host as remuneration for giving her speech at the awards ceremony.

Meaning: slang : great in quantity or amount : many, much Example: Atlanta has beaucoup amenities for visitors, from one of the world’s largest aquariums, to headier destinations such as the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.  

Meaning: To come out finally: result, come about. Example: The accident eventuated from a cascade of mistakes that could easily have been prevented with better operator training.

Meaning: Exuding fragrance, aromatic Example: Middle Eastern food, redolent with spices, is one of the world’s most popular cuisines, yet home cooks are often intimidated by the sheer number of ingredients many dishes call for.

Meaning: To treat with an excessive or absurd degree of indulgence or attention. Example: The newborn cub at the wildlife park is enjoying being mollycoddled by its mother. 

Meaning: A large number. Example: Daniel regularly receives a slew of clothing catalogs as part of his junk mail.

Meaning: To speak or write verbosely and windily.  Example: It’s a slow night. Just a couple of other regulars and our usual bartender, a bright, young fellow who seems to enjoy his customers’ company, despite our tendency to bloviate.