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Characterized by the use of long words; often used to describe a person who uses long words.
synonyms:verboseloquacious
The word 'sesquipedalian' comes from the Latin 'sesquipedalis', which means 'a foot and a half long'. It was first used in English in the early 17th century.
This word is often found in literary or educational contexts, especially in discussions about language and vocabulary.
While it is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears in academic and literary discussions about language.
His sesquipedalian speech left the audience puzzled and amused at the same time.
She had a sesquipedalian style of writing that often required readers to consult a dictionary.
The professor's sesquipedalian vocabulary impressed his students, but it sometimes made the lectures hard to follow.
The term 'sesquipedalian' is a delightful example of a word that embodies its own meaning! Originating from Latin, it humorously refers to the tendency to use long words, often to sound more sophisticated. In the world of literature and academia, it serves as both a playful jab and a self-referential term. Next time you encounter a particularly long-winded explanation, you might just have the perfect word to describe it!