-ous, -ious, -eous
(Latin: full of or having the qualities of; in chemistry, a suffix denoting that the element indicated by the name bearing it, has a valence lower than that denoted by the termination -ic; as, nitrous, sulphurous, etc., as contrasted with nitric, sulphuric, etc.)
Only a small number of the hundreds of examples are presented because there are just too many to include at this time.
2. Persevering and constant in effort or application; assiduous.
3. Characterized by or accomplished with care and perseverance.
Sensuous is distinguished from sensual by gratifying the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasures or the delight in beauty of color, sound, or form that is induced while sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the appetites (as of gluttony and lust) as an end in itself.
Sensuous usually means a powerful appeal to the senses or to the esthetic faculties; such as, the sensuous delicacy of a rose petal.
Sensual, on the other hand, refers more to some sexual application; such as, a sensual sculpture of a nude.
The difference between the two words was the original reason for creating the expression sensuous. The poet, John Milton, is said to have invented the word in order to have a synonym for sensual, minus the association with sex. He used the word in an often-quoted formulation of what poetry should be: "simple, sensuous, and passionate".
2. A reference to, or suggesting serendipity.
3. Good; beneficial; favorable: "It was serendipitous weather for our trip to Italy."
2. Carried out in earnest: "He was engaged in serious drinking".
3. Deeply interested or involved: "She was a serious card player."
4. Designed for and addressing grave and earnest tastes; such as, serious art; serious music.
5. Not trifling or jesting: "We're serious. We expect you to complete the assignment on time."
6. Of considerable size or scope; substantial: "The city had a cleanup that cost serious money."
7. Of such character or quality as to appeal to the expert, the connoisseur, or the sophisticate: "Every serious kitchen needs at least one freezer."
8. Concerned with important rather than trivial matters.
9. Being of such importance so as to cause anxiety: "She had serious injuries."
10. Too complex to be easily answered or solved: "The governor raised some serious objections to the proposal."
11. In medicine, (of a patient's condition) having unstable or otherwise abnormal vital signs and other unfavorable indicators, as loss of appetite and poor mobility.
2. Soporific; sleep-bringing.
2. Belonging to that portion of the mental area the processes of which are outside the range of attention.
3. The part of the mind that is not fully conscious but which is still able to influence actions, etc.
2. Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those someone views as unworthy: "Her mother eyed my clothes with a supercilious attitude."
3. Disdainful or contemptuous; full of or characterized by pride or scorn.
4. Anyone who arches his/her eyebrows and looks down her/his nose at someone; in other words, "a high brow".
5. Etymology: from Latin with special reference to a facial expression with raised eyebrows; hence, pride, haughtiness; from super, "above" + cilium, "eyelid".
When someone raises his/her eyebrows, it doesn't necessarily mean she/he is disdainful, contemptuous, etc. Such action may also express surprise, curiosity, etc. Consider the context, or particular situation, before accusing someone of being supercilious.
2. Unnecessary or needless.
3. Possessing or spending more than enough or necessary; extravagant.
