ATAVISTIC, INTERREGNUM and BROWBEAT

FROM SAMPATH’S DESK:

ATAVISTIC, INTERREGNUM and BROWBEAT

 

ATAVISTIC: (Adjective)

Pronunciation:

a-ta-vis-tik - அடவிஸ்டிக்

  

Meaning:

Biological genes of the recurrence of a trait reappearing after an absence of one or more generations due to a chance recombination of genes - relating to earlier, more primitive behaviour that returns after a prolonged absence - relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral - of, relating to, or characterized by atavism, reverting to or suggesting the characteristics of a remote ancestor or primitive type - happening because of a very old habit inherited from a forefather or ancestor of a distant past

 

 Example sentences:

 

He has an ATAVISTIC fear for the dark.

 

ATAVISTIC refers to characteristics of remote ancestors or elders.

 

Not surprisingly, John is an ATAVISTIC alcoholic like his great grandfather.

 

In the early 1900s, the two families decided to stop the ATAVISTIC war their ancestors had started half a century ago.

 

The smell of the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies triggered ATAVISTIC memories of my youth.

 

Although that tiger in the zoo seems subdued as it followed its trainer’s commands, it would be foolish to assume that it has lost its ATAVISTIC urge to prey and kill other animals or humans. So, all including the trainer should be careful.

 

True, to be involved to such an extent in this subject means that this tendency exists in the composer’s mind, or at least in its ATAVISTIC layers.

 

Some indulgences of some persons are considered ATAVISTIC by some psychologists.

 

Some mysterious ATAVISTIC impulses tell me, for example, losing some possessions like a ring or chain, or falling and breaking of an important thing in use for a long time is a serious bad luck, bad omen, jinx or hoodoo.

 

Some cultural critics think the reason for the scarcity of women plastic surgeons is based on ATAVISTIC fears.

 

INTERREGNUM: (Noun)

Pronunciation:

Inter-regnam – இன்டெர்ரெக்னம்

Plural form:

Interregnums (or) interregna

 

Meaning:

 

The time during which a throne is vacant between two successive reigns or regimes

 

A period during which the normal functions of government or control are suspended - a lapse or pause in a continuous series.

 

An intermission in any order of succession.

 

Any breach of continuity in action or influence.

 

It is a period between the end of one person’s time as the ruler or leader or head and the coming to power of the next ruler or leader or head.

 

Interval between two reigns, governments, incumbents, etc.

 

A period of absence of some control, authority, etc. or a gap in continuity.

Synonyms:

 

Hiatus, moratorium, recess, pause, break, cessation, interruption, (A temporary respite, stoppage, and suspension)

 

Example sentences:

 

No one in the INTERREGNUM seemed to feel responsibility, and so matters worsened.

 

Fear intensified during the INTERREGNUM between the leadership of X and Y.

 

Robinson spent the years of the civil war and INTERREGNUM building up business interests and achieving prominence in City politics.

 

We, two partners of the firm, were separately interacting with each other in the three-month INTERREGNUM during which there was no production at all.

 

That King’s death was followed by a period of INTERREGNUM and anarchy.

 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a 3-month INTERREGNUM when cinema halls were closed in the entire country.

 

There was a 200-year INTERREGNUM between the rules of ‘X’ dynasty and ‘Y’ dynasty in the country, the history tells us.

 

During the 6-month layoff INTERREGNUM in the factory, there were violent protests and demonstrations carried out by the Trade Unions and their members.

  

BROWBEAT: (Verb transitive)

To intimidate or disconcert by a stern manner or arrogant speech - bully - try to force someone to do something by threatening them or persuading and compelling them unfairly and unreasonably - prevented or discouraged from acting because of fear perpetuated by some

 

 Example sentences:

 

They BROWBEAT Mohan into agreeing to their terms and conditions and signing the document.

 

They would often BROWBEAT children until they cried.

 

As a salesman, I never BROWBEAT or force anyone to buy anything. I only explain to customers the quality and good aspects of our product.

 

 John is a ruthless person who will BROWBEAT anyone to get his way.

 

 The employees BROWBEATEN by the blue-blooded boss were unhappy.

 

He drank only when BROWBEATEN by his peers.

 

The Trade Union leader said to the workers, “Don’t be BROWBEATEN into working more hours than you want.”

 

He objected that Mr. X was BROWBEATING the witness.

 

They are trying to BROWBEAT us into supporting them on it, but we will not budge.

 

They were BROWBEATEN into accepting the unreasonable offer.

 

The witness was being BROWBEATEN under cross-examination.

 

There was no way this man was going to BROWBEAT her.

  

Proverb:

 

இக்கரைக்கு அக்கரை பச்சை.

Distance lends enchantment to the view.

(R.SAMPATH)

9/2/2022