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March 27 & 28, 2003 perpetrator (PER pa tray tur) The noun perpetrator refers to a person who commits a crime or does something very wrong. The verb form is perpetrate. Mr Jakrapob said the more frequent the attacks, the clearer was the sign that the authorities were closing in on key perpetrators of the violence. Mr Jakrapob said the more frequent the attacks, the clearer was the sign that the authorities were closing in on key perpetrators of the violence. The police spokesman said the horrendous crimes could only be perpetrated by someone who was mentally ill. Some hoaxes are perpetrated just for the fund of it, others for profit. March 26, 2004 grid The noun grid refers to a system of electric wires or pipe, for sending electricity, gas, water, etc. over a large area. Grid can also refer to a pattern of straight lines, usually crossing each other to form squares. The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has proposed a 400-billion-baht national water grid that includes piping and reservoir construction. There is already an extensive list of independent power projects wanting to sell power to the national grid. Power could not be transferred from north to south because of inadequate grid capacity. If any of the numbers appear on your grid, then mark them off. March 25, 2004 palpable (PAL pa bul) The adjective palpable means to be obvious, intense or easily noticed or felt. A week after the deadly attacks, the fear was still palpable on the morning trains arriving in Madrid from outlying Alcala de Henares. The dissatisfaction among the two million party members is almost palpable. The tension in the room was palpable. The sense of excitement before the singer arrived was palpable. March 24, 2004 ploy The noun ploy refers to something which is said or done in order to gain an advantage. A ploy is usually carefully planned and it is often carried out using dishonest methods. Mr Den said the press conference held by Pol Gen Kowit was merely a ploy to divert attention from the disappearance of Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit. The announcement was seen as a public relations ploy for political gain. Critics called the proposal a negotiating ploy that had little chance of being approved. The veteran politician proved once again that he was the master of the last-minute tactical ploy. March 23, 2004 mandate (MAN date) The noun mandate refers to the right and power given to a government, organisation or body of people chosen to represent others. Mandate can also refer to a formal command to act in a certain way. The verb form is also mandate. Mr Abdullah looked certain of winning a strong mandate to pursue the anti-corruption, pro-development agenda he launched after taking over from longtime leader Mahathir Mohamad five months ago. The Security Council is drawing up a mandate for the peacekeeping force. The monarch said he had no intention of participating in politics since that would exceed his mandate as a neutral head of state. Critics were angry the provision mandating the use of recycled plastics has vanished from the law. March 22, 2004 flourish (FLUR ish) The verb flourish means to grow well because of good conditions. Flourish can also mean to be active and successful or to develop quickly and strongly. The government was attempting to persuade rice farmers to switch over to the planting of crops such as green beans, which required much less water to flourish. Mr Thaksin's companies flourished as the Thai economy experienced some of the fastest growth rates in the world. Prostitution, although illegal, flourishes in nightclubs and hotels. The government needs to foster an environment where innovation can flourish. 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 26, 2004