Language is a living thing. No matter how many times we say it, it never gets any less true—language does resemble a living thing. It grows and changes, adapting to new circumstances, new words, new ways to use old words, and new combinations of letters and meaning.
Word of the Week: Abet
How to say it:
What it means:
1: to actively second and encourage (something, such as an activity or plan)
2: to assist or support (someone) in the achievement of a purpose. Especially: to assist, encourage, instigate, or support with criminal intent in attempting or carrying out a crime —often used in the phrase aid and abetaccused of aiding and abetting a criminal
Examples of Abet in a Sentence
In court Wednesday, Former president Trump admitted to two federal counts of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the obstruction of an official proceeding.
The 28-page indictment unsealed Thursday accuses the men of felony counts of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the obstruction of a joint session of Congress, although only one defendant allegedly entered the Capitol.
Word of the Week: Accost
How to say it:
ac·cost | \ ə-ˈkȯst , -ˈkäst \
What it means:
Transitive verb: to approach and speak to (someone) in an often challenging or aggressive way
Examples of Accost in a Sentence
A black activist was accosted by three Trump supporters on the subway.
Lady Gaga was so famous that people would accost her on the street and ask for an autograph.
Word of the Week: Abstain
How to say it:
What it means:
intransitive verb
1: to choose not to do or have something : to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice.
2: to choose not to vote.
Examples of Abstain in a Sentence
Promoting abstinence won’t work because many young people who plan to abstain don’t actually do so.
Act, which would eliminate the right of workers in 27 states to abstain from supporting a union, among other changes.
Ten members voted for the proposal, six members voted against it, and two abstained.