spec-, spic-, spect-, spectat-, spectro- -spectr, -spectful, -spection, -spective
(Latin: to see, seeing; to look at, looking at; sight, to appear, appearing; to behold, to examine, examining)
Geographic speciation refers to the differentiation of populations of biological groups in various geographical isolations to the point where they are recognized as separate species.
"In spite of the high prices, there is still enough demand for oil to keep the costs of gas higher than some people can afford."
"Note that unlike 'despite' being spelled as one word, 'in spite' [of] should always be spelled as two separate words and not as 'inspite [of]'. Remember: inspite of, NO; in spite of, YES!"
The augur is now reversing his previous auspicious interpretation of the birds in flight so that the situation is now inauspicious.
Bird Poops On President Bush During Rose Garden Press Conference
Was this an Example of an Inauspicious Moment?
An outdoor news conference in perfect spring weather, with birds chirping loudly in the magnolia trees, is not without its hazards.
As President Bush took a question Thursday (May 24, 2007) in the White House Rose Garden about scandals involving his Attorney General, he remarked, "I've got confidence in Al Gonzales doin' the job."
Simultaneously, a sparrow flew overhead and left a splash on the President's left sleeve, which Bush tried several times to wipe off.
Deputy White House Press Secretary promptly put the incident through the proper spin cycle, telling ABC News, "It was his lucky day... everyone knows that's a sign of good luck."
Obviously, the Press Secretary did not recognize the inauspiciousness of the moment!
Statements from blog writers
Since when is it good luck to have a bird fly over and take a crap on you? These people will lie about anything. Watching Bozo trying to wipe it off with his bare hand made me sick! Yuck!
I guess they'll have to set up a "bird-free zone" in the future to protect the President from signs and portents in such form.
Do we remember the space shuttle that disintegrated over Texas before the Iraqi war started? Believe in signs anyone?
2. To investigate officially: "Maria had to pay a fee for the goods that she had purchased while on her holiday in Europe when they were inspected by a customs official in Canada."
2. An examination carried out in order to ensure that something has accomplished official standards: "Greg's company had to prepare a tax report; so, the accountant verified that it was ready for the official inspection."
2. A police officer who is charge of several departments: "Spencer was an inspector who was supervising other police who were examining the scene of a major bank robbery."
2. To look into one's own mind, feelings, etc.: "All of us need to spend some time introspecting our lives so we can strive for greater achievements."
Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.
2. Descriptive of examining and analyzing one's own thoughts, experiences, and feelings: "Some people have gone through introspective periods in their lives, where they reflect and meditate about their lives."
2. A reference to the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.
Cross references of word families that are related directly, or indirectly, to: "appear, visible, visual, manifest, show, see, reveal, look": blep-; delo-; demonstra-; opt-; -orama; pare-; phanero-; phant-; pheno-; scopo-; vela-, veal-; video-, visuo-.