Pushing Your Words Around
Do you know “intrude” has a fraternal
twin?
OBTRUDE (ɘb trōōdʹ, äb-) vt. – 1) to thrust forward, push out, eject;
2) to offer or force (oneself, one’s opinions, etc.) upon others unasked or
unwanted [syn. intrude]. [WW #220]
It’s the quiet twin. One of those
words that sits in the background, waiting for someone to remember it exists.
Obtrude is considered a common word, but apparently not common enough in daily
conversation.
You may be more familiar with obtrude’s relative, “obtrusive,” which in addition to pushy, adds conspicuous and garish to its definition repertoire.
“It was absolutely discourteous. With
one obtrude shove, she sashayed in front of us up to the door. It
was such an obtrusion!” Or … it was so obtrusive! Take your pick.
Try adding it to your casual
conversation and count the quizzical looks or uncomfortable silences while your
chat-mates struggle to recall its meaning. And how many break down with
humility to ask what you said?
Word Challenge: OBTRUDE. While projecting oneself, or a character in a book, consider the intrusive attitude of this word, as you slip obtrude
into your week of opinionated prose.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s
your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of
three) in her Blast from Your Past series about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales
make GREAT Holiday Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
Note: Dictionary
definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
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