As I was writing PCSR, I struggled because I wanted to use words that brought my world to life. I felt myself resorting to words like “rough” or “glowing” to describe what I was seeing in my head but I felt these words were lacking. This is why it’s important, in my opinion, for every writer to have a thesaurus.
I’m not going to say that you, as a writer, should pump up your vocabulary skills like a weight training champion. No, no. What I will tell you is this: there is value in learning new words to use for dialogue, description, and illustration.
Each Wednesday, I am going to introduce and define five words to you. Take it or leave it but this isn’t just for you. It helps me, too!
Without further ado:

  1. Alacrity (n.) eagerness, brisk and cheerful readiness.
    1. Ex. The dog displayed great alacrity in playing fetch.
  2. Cajole (v.) to urge or coax, to persuade.
    1. she wanted to cajole her friend into attending the concert.
  3. Demure (adj.) quiet, reserved, modest, or shy.
    1. Tommy was a demure man.
  4. Lithe (adj.) flexible, thin, or graceful.
    1. She twirled in a single lithe movement.
  5. Abscond (v.) to leave quickly and with
    1. He absconded his duties and hid in the broom closet.