Sacrosanct describes something that is regarded as so important, sacred, or fundamental that it must not be questioned, challenged, or violated.
(especially of a principle, place, or routine) regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with
most sacred or holy : inviolable
thought to be too important or too special to be changed
stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.
Fixed and unyielding in course or purpose
Tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield.
Refusing to change your opinions, way of behaving
“She remained obstinate in her decision, refusing to reconsider despite new evidence.”
Obstinate is a powerful word that highlights the fine line between determination and inflexibility. Understanding it helps us reflect on our own behaviour and recognise when persistence becomes an obstacle rather than a strength.
What does obstinate mean to you?
Can obstinacy ever be a positive trait?
When have you seen determination turn into stubbornness?
Share your reflections in the comments below and join the discussion.
Members are invited to share their favourite words throughout the day. At the end of the session, the community will vote for the most thought-provoking word shared.
Add your voice and help choose today’s winning word.
Lackadaisical (adjective) describes someone or something lacking interest, enthusiasm, or effort, showing a lazy, listless, or half-hearted attitude. It implies a carefree indifference or a spiritless lack of energy, often seen in a person’s approach to work or tasks. Synonyms include languid, lethargic, idle, spiritless, and unmotivated, while examples of usage involve “lackadaisical service” or a “lackadaisical attempt
Lackadaisical describes a relaxed, lazy, or indifferent attitude, especially one that shows little enthusiasm, effort, or concern.
without interest, vigor, or determination; listless; halfhearted:
lacking enthusiasm and determination or effort
Lackadaisical is a wonderfully expressive word that captures more than simple laziness—it reflects a state of apathy or low energy that can affect motivation and outcomes. Recognising it helps us reflect on when slowing down is healthy and when it becomes a barrier to progress.
What does lackadaisical mean to you?
Have you ever noticed this attitude in yourself or others?
When is being relaxed helpful, and when does it become unproductive?
Share your reflections in the comments below and join the conversation.
to alter or corrupt (something, such as a text) by inserting new or foreign matter
to add something in the middle of a text, piece of music
Interpolate is a versatile word used across literature, mathematics, data analysis, and everyday conversation. It reminds us that meaning can be expanded thoughtfully by filling gaps with care and intention, rather than assumption.
What does interpolate mean to you?
Have you encountered this word in reading, writing, or data work?
How do you see interpolation helping clarify ideas or information?
Share your reflections in the comments below and join the discussion.
Members are invited to share their favourite words throughout the day. At the end of the session, we’ll vote for the most insightful or inspiring word shared by the community.
Add your voice and help us choose today’s winning word.
Vocabulary Tuesdays at Emerald Book Club is a space to explore language, strengthen communication skills, and connect through shared learning.
Discover new meaning—one word at a time.
To infantilize means to treat someone as if they are a child—by underestimating their abilities, denying them autonomy, or speaking to them in a patronising manner—regardless of their actual age or competence.
Infantilization is the prolonged treatment of someone as if they are much younger than they really are
to treat someone as if that person were a child, with the result that they start behaving like one:
“It’s important not to infantilize adults by making decisions for them without their input.”
The word infantilize comes from the Latin infans (child) and the suffix -ize, meaning “to make into,” essentially meaning “to make childlike” or “to treat as an infant”. First appearing in English in the 1930s, it’s formed from the adjective infantile (dating to the 17th century) and describes making someone immature or dependent, often used in social or psychological contexts.
Infantilize is a powerful word because it highlights an often-overlooked behaviour that can affect confidence, dignity, and independence. Understanding this word helps us become more aware of how language and actions can unintentionally diminish others, encouraging more respectful and empowering communication.
Be part of Vocabulary Tuesdays at Emerald Book Club, where we explore new words, sharpen our language skills, and connect through the magic of expression.
A gambit is a strategic move or opening action in which something is deliberately risked or sacrificed in order to gain an advantage later. The term is commonly used in chess, but it also applies to conversations, negotiations, business decisions, and everyday life.
a clever action in a game or other situation that is intended to achieve an advantage and usually involves taking a risk
(in chess) an opening move in which a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, for the sake of a compensating advantage.
“chess opening in which a pawn or piece is risked for advantage later,” 1650s, gambett, from Italian gambetto, literally “a tripping up” (as a trick in wrestling), from gamba “leg,” from Late Latin gamba “horse’s hock or leg” (see gambol (n.)).
Applied to chess openings in Spanish in 1561 by Ruy Lopez, who traced it to the Italian word, but the form in Spanish generally was gambito, which led to French gambit, which has influenced the English spelling of the word. The broader sense of “opening move meant to gain advantage” in English is recorded from 1855.
Gambit captures the balance between risk and strategy. It reminds us that thoughtful risks—when taken intentionally—can open doors to opportunity, creativity, and growth. The word is both intellectually rich and highly versatile, making it useful across many contexts.
What does gambit mean to you?
Have you ever taken a calculated risk that paid off?
Where have you seen this word used—in books, games, or real life?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your perspective may be featured in a future Vocabulary Tuesdays post.
Vocabulary Tuesdays at Emerald Book Club is a space to explore language, sharpen communication skills, and connect through words. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or simply curious, you’re welcome to take part.
Discover something new—one word at a time.
