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Which Are The Longest Words In The English Language?


Published on July 16, 2024


Credit: Diana Polekhina

English can sometimes be a daunting language. Think about the challenges a non-native speaker must face in order to learn that "buy", "by", and "bye" are spelled differently but sound the same, or that the word "bear" can both mean "a large mammal" and "to support the weight of something". However, we believe that this difficulty is a large part of what makes the English language so beautiful, filled with unique words and spellings that completely amaze us.

We have compiled a list of ten long words that would both terrify a Spelling Bee contestant and make the mouth of a Scrabble player water. These words range from "a few letters too long" to "ridiculously lengthy". Enjoy!

1

Connecticutensian

Credit: Rusty Watson

We’ll begin this list with one of the longest American demonyms we could find. While the official designations for the good people living in "The Constitution State" are "Connecticuter" and "Connecticutian", the unofficial demonym "Connecticutensian" can also be used.

Interestingly, none of these above-mentioned denominations is as regularly used as the colloquial nickname "nutmeggers". This comes with the unofficial nickname of Connecticut, known as "The Nutmeg State".

2

Pulchritudinous

Credit: Caroline Veronez

Looking for new ways to tell your partner they are beautiful, but the words "pretty" or "handsome" seem to be overused? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Next time you are enjoying a candle-lit dinner, try looking into their eyes and saying, "Darling, you look absolutely pulchritudinous tonight."

Well, maybe this is not the most romantic of words, but it is still pretty interesting. It is derived from the word pulchritude, an out-of-style noun that means "beauty". In turn, this word comes from the Latin word pulcher, which translates to "beautiful".

3

Floccinaucinihilipilification

Credit: Gary Chan

Try saying this three times fast. As quirky as this word sounds, its meaning is not as fun. "Floccinaucinihilipilification" is a word that describes the act of considering something completely worthless or unimportant.

However, don’t be too discouraged by this word’s meaning: chances are it was never used in casual conversation. In fact, it is mostly quoted as an example of a ridiculously long word, and not as an actual measure of importance.

4

Tergiversation

Credit: Pawel Czerwinski

While the verb "tergiversate" isn’t exactly synonymous with lying, they are both cut from the same cloth. Its noun form, "tergiversation", describes the act of producing different statements, often twisting and turning facts to protect self-interest.

However, tergiversate has an accidental ring to it that lying usually doesn’t, since someone caught in tergiversation is found after stating contradictory facts that evidence his or her deceitful ways.

5

Antidisestablishmentarianism

Credit: Akira Hojo

Just like "floccinaucinihilipilification", the word "antidisestablishmentarianism" is considered one of the longest non-scientific words in the English language. However, the main difference between them is that antidisestablishmentarianism was for a while present in everyday vocabulary, albeit in 19th-century England.

This word describes a movement that advocated for the Church of England to continue to receive government patronage. In fact, it was created as a response to another movement also blessed with an extremely lengthy name called "disestablishmentarianism", which called for the separation between church and state.

6

Uncopyrightable

Credit: Umberto

While this word is definitively a mouthful, it is also rather straightforward. "Uncopyrightable" describes cultural products such as books, films, or photographs that can’t be claimed or protected under copyright laws.

The characteristics that might make something uncopyrightable are various: If the author is unknown, for instance, or if a certain item belongs to the public, like a legal code or constitution. Sometimes the matter of who is the author of a certain cultural item is disputed, and therefore no individual can truly claim ownership, so the work is deemed uncopyrightable.

7

Incomprehensibleness

Credit: Sander Sammy

It is rather ironic that we try to explain the meaning of such a bewildering word as "incomprehensibleness" when it literally defines a state in which something is particularly or downright impossible to understand.

While its synonym "incomprehensibility" is far more regularly used, we must take our hats to "incomprehensibleness", a noun that took a word with an already difficult spelling and added a few extra letters just for the sake of being extra confusing.

8

Consanguineous

Credit: Liv Bruce

Just like with "Pulchritudinous", we believe there are warmer ways to refer to your family, but let’s explore this word on the off chance you want to show your affection at the next Thanksgiving in a more formal, slightly offputting way.

"Consanguineous" is an adjective for people related by blood and, while it is mostly used in matters related to ancestry, it is perfectly suitable to describe your immediate family. The main root of this word comes from the Latin word sanguin, which means "blood".

9

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Credit: Andreas Praefcke

We know what you are thinking: This one feels a little bit like cheating. After all, this word was first said by the legendary Julie Andrews in the timeless Disney film "Mary Poppins", and it was written as an extremely long adjective, meant to sound silly for comedic effect.

However, you might be surprised to learn that this word has been included in several renowned dictionaries: Cambridge Dictionary defines "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" as "extremely good". And while its use will forever be associated with our favorite British nanny, this wacky word has truly transcended its medium.

10

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia

Credit: Brett Jordan

We’ll end this article with a bit of an ironic twist. Besides being the longest word we could find, "hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia" describes an irrational fear, as all words ending in "phobia" do. However, this noun holds the dubious distinction of describing an unreasonable fear to itself, since someone suffering from this phobia is terrified of long words.

To make matters worse, some people spell this word with an extra P ("hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia"), which some believe is a humorous misspelling in order to make the word even longer.


MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE

Home-decor: How to Maximize Space and Work on a Budget


Published on July 16, 2024


Credit: R ARCHITECTURE

In the field of interior design, there are two essential goals: making the most of your space and staying within your budget. While it may seem like an intimidating task, with careful planning and a touch of imagination, you can turn your home into a cozy retreat that reflects your style without emptying your wallet.

Join us as we share some insider tips and creative solutions to help you achieve your dream home without breaking the bank.

1

Assess and plan

Credit: Med Badr Chemmaoui

Before diving into any decoration project, take stock of your space. Measure the dimensions of each room and take note of architectural features or quirks that may impact your design choices. Consider the layout of your home and how each room flows into the next.

Once you have a clear understanding of your space, it’s time to assess how you currently use it. Assess the layout, consider traffic flow, and identify areas that are underutilized. This initial step will guide your decisions throughout the process.

2

Re-arrange furniture

Credit: Spacejoy

This tip is at the beginning of this list as it is the easiest to follow! You may be tempted to buy new decorations. You may even think the color palette is the problem. But before you start browsing for new furniture or contemplating a color overhaul, take a moment to reassess the layout of your current pieces. Your furniture may be perfectly fine, but its arrangement could be holding back the potential of the space. Of course, their size won’t change, but a different display will probably generate a better flow.

In a well-distributed space, you should be able to reach every corner of the room without much trouble. If you constantly find yourself moving stuff around, try rearranging your furniture before making any other changes.

3

Declutter and organize

Credit: Sarah Brown

After you’ve assessed your space and identified your design goals, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle the clutter. Clutter not only occupies valuable space but can also create visual chaos, making rooms feel smaller and more cramped than they actually are. Begin by systematically going through each room in your home, sorting out items into categories such as keep, donate, and discard.

Remember, the goal is not to live a minimalist lifestyle unless that’s your preference, but rather to create a space that is functional, organized, and free from unnecessary clutter.

4

Multifunctional furniture

Credit: Andrea Davis

In the quest to maximize space, multifunctional furniture emerges as a true game-changer. These are versatile pieces of furniture that are designed to serve dual and sometimes even triple purposes, making them invaluable additions to any space-constrained home.

From sofa beds that seamlessly transition from seating to sleeping to coffee tables with hidden storage compartments, multifunctional furniture offers a myriad of space-saving solutions without sacrificing style or comfort.

When choosing this type of furniture, consider your specific needs and how each piece will enhance your space.

5

Vertical storage

Credit: Pickawood

When trying to take advantage of every corner of your house, don’t overlook vertical storage. This solution not only optimizes space but also adds visual interest and depth to your rooms. You can free valuable floor space and create a more open and airy feel throughout your home.

One of the simplest ways to incorporate vertical storage is, naturally, installing shelves or wall-mounted bookcases. Built-in shelves are a more expensive option, but they are practical and can be aligned with the overall decor plan.

6

Strategic lighting

Credit: Yevhenii Deshko

Lighting is crucial in home design and it is, more often than not, overlooked and considered hard to tackle. Of course, natural light is the best option to make spaces look bigger, but compact rooms or small houses may lack natural lighting.

Maximize natural light by using sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to come in. Position mirrors strategically, like opposite windows or in dark corners, to reflect natural light and visually expand your space.

In addition to that, incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to illuminate your space effectively.

7

Paint and color palette

Credit: Christina Winter

The colors you choose for your walls and decor can have a significant impact on the perceived size and feel of your space. If you are working with a small budget, paint becomes one of your most powerful tools for transforming your home’s aesthetic and maximizing its visual appeal.

Opt for light, neutral colors such as soft whites, creams, or light grays to create a bigger space and airiness in small rooms. Light-colored walls reflect more light, making the space brighter.

Consider incorporating vibrant colors in accessories, artwork, or textiles to add visual focus points. In addition to wall color, choose a cohesive color palette that flows from room to room to create continuity and harmony.

8

DIY Decor

Credit: Jo Szczepanska

These kinds of projects are not only a budget-friendly way to add personality and charm to your home but also an opportunity to unleash your creativity and showcase your unique style.

Start by taking stock of items you already have on hand that can be repurposed or refreshed with a coat of paint or some other creative ornaments. Old furniture pieces can always be given new life with a fresh coat of paint or updated hardware.

DIY artwork is also a great way to add a personal touch to your space. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with different techniques and transforming your belongings and spaces into a reflection of your unique style.

9

Plants and greenery

Credit: Kaufmann Mercantile

Integrating plants into your home decor is a budget-friendly strategy to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your spaces. Not only do they enhance visual allure, but they also contribute to your well-being with their inherent health benefits.

If you are not particularly green-thumbed or you are hesitant about plant care, you can always go for low-maintenance varieties such as succulents, snake plants, or pothos. These resilient choices demand minimal attention and flourish effortlessly in diverse indoor settings. Pair this suggestion with the vertical space utilization tip to fashion a lush wall of greenery, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor vibes.

10

Functional decor

Credit: Sophia Kunkel

Maximizing space and staying organized isn't just about furniture; decor plays a vital role too! Picture charming accents that elevate aesthetics and offer practical storage solutions, keeping your daily life efficient. While custom built-ins might not fit everyone's budget, kick-starting your journey with a clever ottoman featuring hidden compartments is a savvy move.

And don't underestimate the power of decorative baskets; they effortlessly corral toys, blankets, or living room essentials like cushions. Taming the electronic chaos? A sleek tray or rustic wooden box can be a game-changer. Remember, your unique needs will guide you to the perfect blend of functional decor!

Looking for an extra scoop of literary fun?

Learn more with our Word of the day

infrangible

/ɪnˈfrændʒəbəl/