-tude

1. A bitter pungency or penetrating taste combined with a burning flavor: Some people think that the acritude of an old strong smelling cheese cannot be tolerated and so they avoid having it on the table!
2. A caustic or harsh temper or bitterness in language: James was so tired and upset with the unruly students in his class that the acritude in his manner of speaking came through unexpectedly and all of the children were suddenly very quiet!

1. The height of something above a specific level; especially, above sea level or the earth's surface: The higher the altitude, the lower the temperature.

The aircraft was flying at an altitude of 9,000 feet or 2.74 kilometers.

2. A place or region situated high above sea level: The aircraft was trying to avoid the lightening and strong winds by flying at a higher altitude above the thunderstorm.
3. Etymology: from Latin altitudo, from altus, "high" + -tude, "quality, condition of".

1. Largeness in size, volume, or extent: The scientist told his students that the amplitude of the universe is incomprehensible.

The amplitude of the food at the buffet delighted the hungry guests.

An amplitude is also a measurement that indicates the movement or vibration of something; such as, a sound wave or a radio wave.

2. Etymology: from Latin amplitudo, from amplus, "ample, large quantity" + -tude, "quality, condition of".

The deliberate processing of a carrier signal which is used in ordinary radio and TV broadcasting: The amplitude modulation varies in accordance with the level of the modulating signal while transmitting the video portion of a television signal.

Variation of the amplitude modulation of a carrier wave, commonly a radio wave, presents fluctuations in the audio or video signals that are being transmitted.

A higher amplitude modulation wave is interpreted as a "1" and a normal wave is interpreted as a zero.

The method of changing an amplitude modulation is known as "amplitude shift keying", or ASK.

1. A natural ability to do something or to have the talent to obtain knowledge: Since Kelsey can speak five languages, she obviously has a great aptitude for learning languages.

Sam's son had no aptitude for sports, however he did have an aptitude for computer technology and so he spent more of his time studying to be a computer programmer.

2. An inherent competency, as for learning: Dwayne's son said that he would be taking a new test at school which was supposed to measure his aptitude for learning.
3. Etymology: from Latin aptitudo, "fitness"; from Latin aptus, "joined, fitted"; meaning from "natural capacity to learn" is from the 1540s; that of "quality of being fit for a purpose or position" is from the 1640's + -tude, "quality, condition of". © ALL rights are reserved.

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1. A feeling or a way of thinking which affects a person's behavior: Beatrice has a positive attitude about the kind of work she does because she works together with others and is friendly; however, Jeremy has a negative attitude since he is not friendly or cooperative.
2. The way a person feels about someone or something: The teacher, Mr. Straight, wants to change the hostile attitude some of his students have regarding mathematics.

The saleslady has an amiable and pleasant attitude with all of her customers.

3. Etymology: from Latin aptitudinem, "fitness"; from Latin aptus, "joined, fitted".

1. Extreme blessedness, happiness, and serenity: After the wedding services in the church, Jane and Matt felt a beatitude of joy.

The Beatitudes are the opening sentences of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount which begin with "Blessed"; as, "Blessed are the poor in spirit."

2. Etymology: from Latin beatitudo "perfect happiness" and from beatus, "blessed" + -tude, "quality, condition of".

1. The feeling of conviction about something; especially, an opinion or religious faith: Because Greg’s certitude that war is so very wrong, he has decided never to join any military group.
2. Something that is certain to happen or about which someone can feel very convinced is accurate: The certitude that Nancy’s father would be there to pick her up after school gave her a sense of safety and confidence which she needed for the exams that day.
3. Etymology: from Latin certitudo, "that which is certain" from certus, "certain" + -tude, "quality, condition of".

1. The quality or condition of being weakened, worn out, impaired, in poor working order, or broken down by old age, illness, or hard use: Henry realized that decrepitude was creeping into his life even more at the age of 75 because he had to wear a hearing aid and stronger glasses, he needed a cane for walking, and he had uncontrollable arthritis in the joints of his elbows, fingers and knees.
2. Etymology: from Latin decrepitus (de- + crepitus from crepare, "to crack, to break" + -tude, "quality, condition of"

1. A state or condition of inactivity or lack of continued use; with an indication of neglect, disrepair, or inaction: The neighborhood school grounds have fallen into desuetude as a result of a lack of funds to repair the areas around the buildings; including the overgrown weeds and the broken playground equipment.

There are many words from the past that have fallen into desuetude.

2. Etymology: from French désuétude; from Latin desuetudo, from desuetus, the past participle of desuescere, "to put out of use"; from de-, "reversal" + suescere, "to be accustomed". © ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

A state of worry or uneasiness: When the science teacher told her students what the homework was for tomorrow, they looked at her with great anxiety and disquietude.

A condition or quality of differing in one or more respects from someone or something else: Although the girls were twins, the dissimilitude between them was astonishing because they were unlike in many ways; including their hair color, their noses, and their mannerisms!

A sweetness consisting of a pleasant disposition or friendliness: Mary's two little girls were so charming and delightful that this dulcitude resulted in both of them having many friends!

Something that has been done very carefully: Because of the preciseness of the notes, the wonderful tone quality and the exactitude of the rhythms in the sonata that James played that evening in the recital, he was awarded the first prize in the musical competition!

The characteristic quality of women; womanishness: When Deborah gave her talk to the ladies at the cosmetic convention, she presented many examples to describe her femininitude; for example, softness, gentleness, delicacy and muliebrity or the trait of behaving in ways considered typical for the female gender.