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August 30&31, 2003 Mar The verb mar means to spoil something, making it less perfect or enjoyable. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's visit to Srinagar was marred by violence yesterday. Government officials worried that the presence of the unpopular former leader would mar the memorial ceremony. The powerful oil is sometimes used to excess, marring otherwise excellent dishes. Saturday's election was marred by fraud charges that may lead to new balloting. August 29, 2003 footage (FUT idj) The noun footage refers to a film or videotape of an event or part of an event. Police raided a house in Pathum Thani suspected to be the place where copies of the private footage of a high-society couple making love were produced, police sources said yesterday. Investigators examined footage from dozens of cameras at the three airports where the terrorists boarded the aircraft. Television showed footage of Monday's lava shower, which spread against the night sky like a fireworks show. The network does not let any of its footage be used by political parties. August 28, 2003 prototype (PRO ta taip) The adjective prototype refers to a new type of machine or device that is not yet ready to be sold or made in large numbers. The noun form is also prototype. The prototype rocket was being prepared for tomorrow's launch when the explosion occurred. The head of the major telegraph company dismissed Bell's prototype telephone as an "electrical toy". In 1991 Congress called for a prototype system to be built within six years. The early prototypes have all been disappointing. August 27, 2003 rebuke (re BEWK) The noun rebuke refers to severe criticism towards someone who has done something wrong. A rebuke can be done directly or it can be carried out indirectly through an action. The verb form is also rebuke. Thailand's threat to single-handedly fight drug lords in Burma has offended its military government and provoked a diplomatic rebuke. The accused politician earned a public rebuke from his political party. The judge delivered a damning rebuke of the government for its handling of the case. Ms Scrivener was sharply rebuked for her role in the plot. August 26, 2003 hamper (HAM pur) The verb hamper means to make it difficult to get something done. The government's war on drugs is hampering rehabilitation efforts with health officials burdened by too many patients, a study says. Reports from west coast farmers indicated that they were hampered by weak export demand. Bad weather hampered but did not halt the army's forward push. Rescue efforts were being hampered by a shortage of boats. August 25, 2003 persevere (per sa VEAR) The verb persevere means to keep trying to do something and not give up even though it is difficult. The noun form is perseverance. "We will persevere," said UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan after the bombing of the UN compound in Baghdad. He warned that victory will not come quickly and people must have the patience to persevere. How do microorganisms manage to persevere in such harsh conditions for so long? The city is famed for its courage and perseverance. Click here to see our words in the news for the previous week. Return to our home page | Comments to Terry F. at terryfrd@ksc15.th.com | |© The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 2003 | Last modified: September 1, 2003