Grammar Clinic

Move or act in an awkward or confused manner: Example: ‘All through Coronation Street Zack bumbled around, not ever quite standing out’.

Lasting only for a short time; impermanent. Example: ‘The pictures reflect an interest in the ephemeral, impermanent, transient nature of the world’.  

Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason. Example: ‘I prefer to have my laws built on reason rather than arbitrary morality’.

Haughty; proud or snobbish: Example: ‘I do not know why people think I am hoity-toity or a snob’!    

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others: Cooly proud. Example: ‘I get irritated with fanatics that seem supercilious about not having a TV’.

Cowardly; Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid. Example: ‘ Jane is too pusillanimous that is why she is the most bullied girl in class’.

Meaningless talk or activity, designed to trick someone or conceal the truth of a situation: Example:  ‘Bill never offers specifics on any issue; it’s all hocus-pocus’.

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise: Example:  ‘Jack has always been so meticulous about his appearance’.  

Dangerous; unfavourable Example: Josh, reduce your intake of sugar, it’s inimical to your health and can cause diabetes.

Mock;express contempt for; ridicule. Example: Jack is always scared of Josh as Josh knows no other way to play with him than to bully and deride him.