A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 40

Nyms – English is a curious language

‘Nyms’

English is a curious, complex and crazy language. Not least of which are the -nyms.

You may use these in everyday language and not give a second thought, unless you’re like me – a wordsmith and amateur etymologist – and such curiosities intrigue you.

Many of us have heard the term ‘Synonym’ – but what does it mean?

Synonym

a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language, for example shut is a synonym of close.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synonym

Examples:

Shut/Close*

Far/Distant

Evil/Wicked/Bad/Malevolent

Push/Shove

Jump/Leap

Create/Make

Near/Close*

*See examples below as Close (as in near) and Close (as in close a door) are also Homonyms.

It’s likely you’ve used homonyms regularly but might not have been aware that’s what they were called.

What is a Homonym?

This is more complex – as there are several linguist concepts related to homonyms.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homonym

Homographs -words that share the same spelling – regardless of meaning.

Desert (arid region) and desert (to leave)

Bark(the covering on a tree) and bark (the sound a dog makes) * This is also a homonym (as it sounds the same)

Lime (the fruit) and lime (the chemical/material)

Rose (the flower) and rose (to travel upwards)

Tear (to rip) and tear (a drop of moisture from the eye)

Heterophones – words that share the same spelling but are pronounced differently.

Examples:

Bow (as in bow tie, or violin bow or the weapon) and bow (as in bow of a ship or take a bow) * These are also Heteronyms as they pronounced differently.

Row (as in row a boat or stand in a row) and row (as in argue with one’s spouse) *Also a Heteronym.

Homophones – words that sound the same – regardless of spelling.

Examples:

Threw (as in threw a ball)/through (to pass through something)

To (the place – go to somewhere)/Two (the number/amount)/Too (also – I want to come too)

Their (Possessive – Their house, their dog etc/There (location – there is the house, there is the dog)/They’re (contract of they are).

For (the ball is for Alex, the knife is for cutting) /Four (the number)/Fore (the front part/golfing term).

Wind (the wind is blowing today)/wind (to wind up a watch) or windy – it is windy today/this road winds around the village.

Antonym – Words with opposite meaning

Examples:

Add/Subtract

Happy/Sad

Open/Close

Lie/Truth

Contronym (also known as a Janus word) a word having two meanings that  contradict  one another (also contranym)

– Merrium Webster definition   called also antagonym, autoantonym, Janus word

(Janus was the Roman god of doorways and portals – he was the chap with two faces).

Examples:

Aught – all or nothing,

Cleave – to separate and to join together,

Buckle – to fasten or secure and to bend/warp under pressure,

Dust (verb)– to sprinkle with fine particles (such as dust a cake), or to remove fine particles (to dust a shelf),

Overlook – to fail to see something, or to monitor or inspect,

Fine – excellent or just good enough,

Sanction – to approve or boycott.

For further examples – check here https://www.dailywritingtips.com/75-contronyms-words-with-contradictory-meanings/

Capitonyms

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitonym

Words that have the same spelling but different meanings if one is capitalised

Polish (from Poland)/polish (to shine something) and Pole (citizen of Poland)/pole (a long piece of wood or metal)

March (the month)/march (walk in step or border territory).

August (the month)/august (respected)

Turkey (the country)/turkey (the bird consumed at Christmas)

Scotch (from Scotland)/scotch (the drink or to scotch a rumour)

Frank (the name)/frank (honesty or to postmark a letter)

Slough (the place)/slough (to shed the skin)

Mass (the religious gathering)/mass (a large object/gathering)

75 Contronyms (Words with Contradictory Meanings)

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/10-verbs-contronyms/

Confused? I’m not surprised.

Meet My Characters – Protagonist and Antagonist – Saelth and Relana – Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse

Protagonist: Saelth

Antagonist: Relana

I am Saelth, warrior-king. Slayer of beasts and men. I came to Eadsham to slay the monster blighting the land, for all before me have failed. In return, I was promised riches, power and the hand of a beautiful princess. This part of the bargain I received, in abundance. Yet there was another bargain struck on a stormy night… a bargain struck with magic.

I am Relana, fae lady and witch, those titles will suffice for now. I go where I please, or at least I did then. The monster slain was my poor son, denied his birthright by his father. This mortal took my child from me and bargained away his soul. What a man will do when confronted by a beautiful woman, the chance of riches and reputation is great. Such a man thinks not with his head, but with his loins, and his greed. Such men are but my toys.

Saelth: You deceived me, fell-witch. You tricked me.

Relana: I did not. I merely did not present all the facts. I recall you were keen to acquiesce to my terms. Your seed in my belly for all the wealth and power you could hold. If you did not question the terms, or heed the warnings given then the fault is yours. You added terms to which I did not agree.  Nowhere in our bargain did I say you would be free from me.

Saelth: You used magic against me.

Relana: I am a witch – where did you think all the jewels, the riches and the magnificent hall came from? The belly of the mountain in which you stood? He who bargains with witches beware.

Saelth: You are a monster, and mother of monsters.

Relana: (Laughs). Monsters come in many forms. Some are clad in ugliness and ignorance, while others reside in a hall filled with gold. Some take a life for revenge, others for a pretty face or a share of the spoils. Truth is rarely what it appears. Monsters can oft be clad in silk and furs, and honour bought and sold upon a kiss.

Synopsis

He who bargains with monsters beware! A hero forges an unholy bargain with a witch and learns magic never forgets.
#Mythic #tales in a land of forbidden magic.
A Tales of Erana dark #fantasy #novella.
#audio #ebook #paperback
Universal Link  https://www.books2read.com/WarriorsCurse

Let it Snow – Audiobook Event -30 Nov – 2nd Dec #Giveaway #Audiobooks

� Let It Snow � Audiobook Event

https://www.facebook.com/events/821999746332037/
Join us for a chance to win #audiobook #prizes

Check out the prizes here:
https://uviart.blogspot.com/2023/10/join-amazing-audiobook-event-let-it-snow.html

I’m offering three of my short audiobooks

Release Blitz for Brazen – Carol Burnside

BRAZEN by @carol_burnside #westernromance #historicalromance #sensualromance #newrelease

Blurb

Because of a secret not hers to tell, spinster Rachel must marry quickly, and Angus is the first man who comes to mind. He’s a hard worker and strong. She’s seen him eyeing her and senses hunger in his gaze. Rachel goes to Angus, the local blacksmith, alone at night and asks him to marry her.

Although eager to accept her brazen offer, Angus is suspicious, thinking it’s some kind of prank and she’s been put up to this to embarrass him. After all, what would a lady like Rachel want with the likes of him? His work is hot and dirty, and his lineage doesn’t exactly have the pedigree ladies look for.

When he realizes she’s sincere, his heart won’t let him refuse her, but even the road to a quick, convenient marriage isn’t smooth. Angus keeps his feelings for Rachel hidden. After the ceremony, Rachel finds a distance she can’t bridge…until tragedy strikes.

Will they ever find the courage to declare their love, or will their stubborn need to protect their hearts prevail?

Shorter blurb:

Harboring a family secret, spinster Rachel seeks out Angus, the blacksmith, alone at night and requests he marry her. Despite suspicions regarding her motives, he’s lonely and admires Rachel. He agrees to a quick wedding, but the road to happiness is marred by more secrets. Then tragedy strikes. Will they find the courage to bridge the distance between them in time to save their marriage?

UBL:  https://books2read.com/Brazen-MBN1

Excerpt

Angus had finished washing the last of his supper dishes when he heard a soft knock at his back door. Who the devil could that be?

He opened it cautiously, seeing the hem of a fancy lace-and-lemon dress in the slice of light from his doorway, quite similar to the one he’d seen Miss Dunn wearing tonight. Of course, it wouldn’t be her.

“Who’s there, Miss? Show yourself.”

“It’s Rachel Dunn, Mr. Brody.” Her voice held a slight tremor, but she made no move to obey him. “May I speak with you?”

His heart thumped faster upon hearing her soft reply. Rachel here? “And John? Is he with you?”

“I come unchaperoned with a matter of some importance.”

She risked her reputation to speak with him? “I see.”

But he didn’t see, couldn’t fathom why she would seek him out. The fact that he was this close to her, alone and having a conversation, stunned him.

“Might I gain entrance before someone happens along and sees me, Mr. Bro—”

“Angus. My name is Angus.” His breath hitched at the thought of hearing his given name pass her lips. Calling himself all kinds of a fool, he stood aside. Rachel rushed past him like a flash of sunshine, and he shut out the night.

Her gaze darted around the room much like a rabbit seeking the nearest escape route. Angus stifled a sigh and moved from between her and the door. His size frightened most women.

The oil lamp he’d placed on the bedside table threw a dim glow around the room. He turned up the wick, enough that he could see color had risen high in her cheeks.

“Oh, dear! This is your…”

“Uh, yes.” He grabbed the lamp and gestured to the doorway on the opposite wall. “The kitchen is through there. I’m sorry. This is a shotgun house. I built my room at the back, as far away from the heat of the smithy as I could get.”

And he was running off at the mouth. Not his finest hour.

She turned to him with a tight smile. “Not your fault I turned up unannounced at the back door.”

Damn, but she was a pretty thing with her large, upturned eyes and high cheekbones. Not a short bit of fluff that hit him mid-chest like most, but willowy. Sturdy and soft at the same time.

“Nice place you have here, Mr. Bro—” She pressed her lips together. He held his breath. “Angus.”

“Thank you.” He praised whatever had sent her to his door.

Author bio & web/social media links:

Carol Burnside is an award-winning author of “Sizzling romance with heart and humor.” Her personal second-chance-at-love story resulted in an enduring marriage to her high school sweetheart. They reside in the Texas hill country, where Carol enjoys visiting wildlife from her covered back porch. Like any true southerner, she drinks tea in some form year-round. Carol’s novel length manuscripts have placed in numerous contests and won several, including the prestigious Maggie Award for Excellence. She also writes as Annie Rayburn.

Amazon reviews say Carol’s books are:

“Highly captivating!” “intriguing and a wonderful read” “Emotional and heartwarming” “Engaging!” and “Great reading!”

Carol blogs on her website at www.CarolBurnside.com. Connect with her via Facebook / Newsletter / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest / Google+ / Threads / IG

What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

Check out the Legacy of The Mask Series

Award-winning #historicalfantasy based on the #PhantomoftheOpera.

Echoes of a Song:
A dozen tumultuous years after the dramatic events at the Paris Opera House Raoul, Comte de Chagny is still haunted by the mysterious Opera Ghost – the creature of legend who held staff at the Opera House under his thrall, kidnapped Raoul’s lover and murdered his brother. In Raoul’s troubled imagination the ghosts of the past are everywhere, and strange and powerful music still calls in his dreams.
Madness, obsession and the legacy of the past weave their spell in this short, tragic tale based on the Phantom of the Opera.
Best fantasy 2019 on reviewer site NN Light Book Heaven!
Available on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and many other stores on the link below.
Universal Link https://books2read.com/Echoesofasong

Tears and Crimson Velvet

Madame Giry finds herself embroiled in the tragedy unfolding at the Opera house; mystery and murder stalk the corridors and, it is said, a ghost haunts the place. Giry knows the truth, for she recalls the caged man she met so many years ago. This is her story, their story.

When murder and mystery begin at the Opera House one woman knows who is behind it, and what really lies beneath the mask. Secrets, lies and tragedy sing a powerful song in this ‘might have been’ tale.

Winner of the 2020 Best Short Story award on NNLight Book Heaven
A short, tragic tale based on characters from Phantom of the Opera.

A Legacy of the Mask Tale.
https://books2read.com/TearsandCrimson

 

Meet the Kitchen Imps

Ever wondered where your socks go in the laundry, or why you can’t find your keys?  The Kitchen Imps have the answer.

The Kitchen Imps and Other Dark Tales – six short tales of mayhem and mischief.
Winner of the 2018 best fantasy on NN Light Book Heaven.
Naughty imps, missing socks, cunning thieves and baffled gods feature in this collection of short fantasy fiction.

Universal Link https://books2read.com/KitchenImps

 

LA TOUR VOLÉE – Stolen Tower French Edition

Là où la magie est interdite, une chamane troll, sur son lit de mort, appelle son héritière, Mirandra Var, fille de la tempête. Mirandra fait le serment de retrouver ses parents disparus, de distinguer les amis des ennemis, et de s’approprier les secrets dangereux gardés par des créatures inimaginables. Si elle réussit, elle deviendra la chef de sa tribu. Si elle échoue, il n’y aura aucune tribu à diriger.

#fantasy érotique.

#fantastique #darkfantasy

#Épée et sorcellerie

édition française

adulte évalué pour le contenu

https://books2read.com/StolenTowerFrench

What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

Swift Six Character Interview – Kirin Aradhya

Character Name: Kirin Aradhya

Which book/world do you live in? Second Eight – The Three Rings

Tell us about yourself: Hmm, not much to tell really. I like being outdoors, fishing, collecting. I like to eat, a lot. I recently found out that I was a Nephilim, so that’s kinda cool.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? I’m pretty carefree, which could go under both of those categories, I guess. I’m hella strong when I turn blue – when I alter Nephilim. I’m pretty much indestructible too, which makes me a pretty effective meat shield for our team.

I can be pretty impatient, but Master Fudo is helping me with all that.

Name three important people/creatures/institutions in your world (such as lovers, pets, government institutions, leaders, gods etc).

Director Travis, I mean he raised us all.

Marcus is my best friend, and roommate.

And I guess Captain G. He’s kinda like my father, even though he isn’t.

What does ‘heroism’ mean to you? Looking out for the little guy. Especially since I used to be the little guy.

What do you think of your ‘creator’? I think he and I would get along. I’d like to take him fishing.

Give us your favourite piece of advice: Be still. That’s what Marcus and Master Fudo tell me when I get angry. If I can just calm down and breathe, everything will be OK.

Book Title: Second Eight – The Three Rings

Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/groups/546850003663157

https://www.instagram.com/thesecondeight/

https://www.thesecondeight.com/

https://a.co/d/9rqdIxf (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brian-  Byrom/author/B0C4V7DQ7T?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true (Amazon author)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34370933.Brian_Byrom