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March 6&7, 2003 omen (O mun) The noun omen refers to an event that is a sign of what is likely to happen in the future. There are both good and bad omens. Democrat party figures denied the mishaps were bad omens for the party's future. The government's concession was regarded as a good omen for the next round of negotiations. The controversial parade turned out to be a quick and quiet affair, a hopeful omen that could set a peaceful tone for the rest of the Northern Ireland summer. The chameleon was once regarded as an evil omen by South African farmers. March 5, 2003 hover (HUV ur) The verb hover means to stay in the same level or position (often in the air) without moving backwards or forwards or upwards and downwards. Mr Suchart said inflation would hover around 2-3%. A helicopter gunship hovered above the scene. The setting sun hovered above the Pacific, scattering the light in a million ways. Turnout had been expected to hover around the 50 percent level. March 4, 2003 brim The verb brim means to be full of something, especially, but not always, a quality. Senator John Kerry, brimming with confidence and sharpening his knives for George W. Bush, had his sights set on a decisive Super Tuesday victory. The bookstore was brimming with activity. The villagers brimmed with hate for their occupiers. As she spoke her eyes brimmed with tears. March 3, 2003 harmonise (HAR ma naiz) The verb harmonise means to agree to make laws, rules, systems or regulations the same or similar. The noun form is harmonisation (har ma nai ZEY shun). The Senate yesterday passed an executive decree allowing the finance minister to harmonise customs systems to help internal trade under Asean. The conference was intended to begin the process of harmonising the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals. They have not yet been able to harmonise standards between airlines. The commission demanded that ministers resolve any remaining conflicts over the harmonisation of telecommunication systems. March 2, 2003 pamper (PAM pur) The verb pamper means to take care of someone very well, sometimes excessively, so that they feel comfortable. The adjective form is pampered. Pet owners in a central Italian town must pamper their dogs, cats and birds or face fines as high as 500 euros (24,500 baht). "It's great to feel pampered and waited on," she said enthusiastically. Frequent business travelers often don't want to be pampered. His son had led a pampered life. March 1, 2004 vie The verb vie means to compete very hard in order to get something or to do something before someone else. Face with an armed rebellion an intense pressure from the United States and France, Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide yesterday left his troubled Caribbean nation, its future uncertain as armed gangs vied for power on the streets. As political parties developed and vied for power, party interests became more and more important. The former Thai politician had the most support of all the candidates vying for the position. Fifty-one women were vying for the crown in the 80th annual Miss America contest. Click here to see our words in the news for the previous week. Return to our home page |© The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 2004 | Last modified: March 5, 2004