Knowing these 15 words will make you an intellectual in the eyes of others

The words we use during a conversation or speech influence the minds of others and shape our image. The same meaning can be conveyed with different vocabulary and achieve different effects.

neurokuch, philologist

The first ten minutes of communication or listening to a speech is enough for people to realize: whether you have a higher education, what is your outlook, whether the person in front of them is modern or infinitely retired from life. You can also determine whether you are from a city or a village. Of course, a conclusion is made about whether you can be trusted as an expert.

What words you need to know in order to use them for their own good and not get into an unpleasant situation, using something not for its intended purpose?

The list of necessary words and concepts

1. Aparadigm is a set of ideas and concepts, a model, pattern, example.

Example: “If we want to succeed in this issue, we need to change the paradigm and look at everything in a new way.”

2. Cognitive dissonance – a clash of conflicting perceptions in the mind: ideas, beliefs, values, or emotional reactions.

Example: “The combination of dark, red, and blue against the background of joyful music and the smell of paint gave him cognitive dissonance.”

3. Panacea – a magic cure for all diseases or a universal remedy.

Example: “The medicine only relieved her pain, but it was not a panacea for all her symptoms and effects.”

4. Gaslighting – a form of psychological violence, the main task of which is to make a person agonize and doubt the adequacy of his perception of the surrounding reality through constant devaluing jokes, accusations.

Example: “Everyday gaslighting on the part of her husband did its job. She became withdrawn and lost confidence. She no longer wanted social activity and companionship.”

5. Omnipresent – present, being everywhere, abiding everywhere. Example: “Everywhere she went, there were reminders of him everywhere. This omnipresent image was firmly established in her life.”

6. Cacophony – combinations of sounds perceived as a noisy, chaotic and meaningless jumble of sounds.

Example: “The barking of the dog, the metallic clinking of pots, the screaming of the baby, and the music playing created an eerie cacophony that made it impossible for her to concentrate on her work.”

7. Ambivalent – dual, twofold, containing opposite elements.

Example: “This situation is ambivalent in nature. It combines many contradictory factors.”

8. Aplomb – excessive self-confidence bordering on egotism and narcissism.

Example: “From the way he talked to customers, it was easy to realize that he had a lot of aplomb.”

9. Axiomatic – unquestionable, clear, self-evident.

Example: “It is axiomatic that people who make more money spend more money.”

10. epic – exceptional, striking, extraordinary; fantastic, legendary.

Example: “It was an epic sunset: a blood-red sky against the bare dark masts of the winter forest.”

11. textbook – simple and common knowledge.

Example: “A textbook plot for a love encounter has developed. Train, compartment, casual travel companions over a cup of hot tea.”

12. Hedonism – the art of enjoying life.

Example: “The hedonism inherent in her could be felt from the first minute of the meeting. Silk dress, expensive perfume, unhurried gait, relaxed gestures”.

13. Comfort zone is the area of life space with the lowest level of novelty and trials. In it a person feels safe and relaxed.

Example: “He absolutely did not want to leave his comfort zone, so he continued to go to his unloved job and socialize with colleagues complaining about life.”

14. Emotional intelligence – the sum of a person’s skills and abilities to recognize emotions, understand intentions, motivation, and one’s own and others’ desires.

Example: “Low emotional intelligence prevented him from feeling that it was time to apologize, say goodbye, and go home.”

15. Empathy – the ability to empathize.

Example: “Because of her high empathy, she could not listen to stories about painful procedures, surgeries, and injuries. It seemed to her that she could feel the pain with her whole body.”