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November 15 & 16, 2003 opportunist (ah per TOO nist) The noun opportunist refers to someone who takes advantage of a situation to gain money, power or some other benefit, usually without considering whether their actions are right or wrong. The adjective form is opportunistic (ah per to NIS tik). Critics said the minister's family must not be opportunists and capitalise on the media profession. The Nazi's architect was one of the great opportunists of all time. He was considered to be one of the Northern Alliances most cruel and opportunistic members. You cannot consider an opportunistic thief tempted by an unguarded diamond ring to be a normally law-abiding citizen. November 14, 2003 discord (DIS kord) The noun discord refers to disagreement or quarreling. The court found the couple had been locked in serious and often violent discord which represented a clear motive for murder. There is open discord within the government on a range of policies. He was secretly promoting discord by telling one side one thing and the other side another. The absence of discord doesn't mean the situation is positive. November 13, 2003 allegiance (a LEE juns) The noun allegiance refers to the support for and loyalty to a particular group, person or belief. The MPs said they were concerned that Mr Korn's immediate switch of allegiance could raise public sympathy for Mr Suwat. The refugee camps are full of armed men whose allegiance is unclear. The Thai Rak Thai Party worked hard to win the allegiance of young people from Bangkok's business elite. Given his clear allegiance to the president, he could not be trusted to give unbiased commentary. November 12, 2003 remorse (ri MORS) The noun remorse refers to a strong feeling of sadness and regret for a wrong that you have done. "The defendant," said the court, "has shown no remorse and repeatedly denied the charges, leaving no grounds to apply any leniency." How could the man claim to feel no remorse after killing 168 people, many of them children? They had hoped for some apology or sign of remorse. When he admitted he made a mistake and he expressed his remorse, they immediately forgave him. November 11, 2003 jettison (JET a son) The verb jettison means to throw away something that is not wanted or needed. Jettison can also mean to deliberately reject something (a plan, an idea, etc.) or decide not to use it. The prime minister said the decision to jettison the coalition partner stemmed from a desire to get things done more quickly. Officials worried that parts of the external fuel tank jettisoned after the launch of the space shuttle might fall from the atmosphere in the area of the Pacific where the balloon was flying. There is little alternative to natural gas because most plants have jettisoned their backup fuel capability. Faced with the weakening economy, analysts wondered if the president might have to jettison some of his campaign promises. November 10, 2003 arbitrary (AR ba trair i) explanation The adjective arbitrary refers to an action, rule or decision that seems unfair or confusing because it is not based on any principle, plan or system. "Confidence is being deliberately undermined by these arbitrary actions," Mr Peiris complained. The complaining countries say the US ban is arbitrary and unjustifiable. The constitution clearly states that no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest. 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: November 17, 2003