APN 41-48

Question 1

ADAGE

Answer 1

An adage is a short, pointed and memorable saying based on facts, and is considered a
veritable truth by the majority of people. Famous adages become popular due to their usage over
a long period of time. In fact, an adage expresses a general fact or truth about life. As it becomes
popular, it is then accepted as a universal truth. For instance, “God helps those who help
themselves” is now considered a universal truth because of its usage throughout the human
history. Often repeated sayings and quotes become adages that pass on to many generations.

Question 2

PEDANTIC

Answer 2

Pedantic comes from a French word, pedant, means “to teach or to act as pedagogue.” A
pedantic is someone who is concerned with precision, formalism, accuracy, minute details in
order to make an arrogant and ostentatious show of learning. He could be a writer, a character,
feelings, tone or words. Sigmund Freud defines pedantic as, “The pedant is he who finds it
impossible to read criticism of himself without immediately reaching for his pen and replying to
the effect that the accusation is a gross insult to his person.”A pedant often corrects small
mistakes that are not very important in grand matters and, therefore, may annoy others around
him.

Question 3

FLIPPANT

Answer 3

lacking proper respect or seriousness. This is often associated with the
impatience of youth.

Question 4

EVOCATIVE

Answer 4

the use of language that “suggests” meanings other than the denotative. Language that
connects with emotions or feelings not associated with the actual meaning of a word.