The 10 Words of the Week #2

The concept is simple: each week we challenge you to slip 10 rare or seldom-used words into your conversations.
We are constantly told that the French language is becoming impoverished. Here is a small-scale way of responding to that. A perfect opportunity to learn new words, teach them to those around you, or simply enjoy playing with original language.

1. Defective : Adjective. Said of a verb that cannot be conjugated in certain tenses. For example, the verb "extraire" (to extract) cannot officially be conjugated in the simple past tense.

2. Abjure : Verb. To openly renounce an opinion, a religion, or a practice.

3. Fatuity : Noun, feminine. Ridiculous self-conceit. Vanity.

4. Nubile : Adjective. Of marriageable age; pubescent.

5. Affable : Adjective. Pleasing through good grace. Welcoming.

6. Felony : Noun, feminine. A disloyal act. A betrayal of a person or an ideal.

7. Quid : Adverb. Equivalent to "What about it?" or "What is the situation?"

8. Obsolete : Adjective. No longer in use; no longer current.

9. Traverse : Verb. To travel across in all directions.

10. Morass : Noun, masculine. Moral weakening, discouragement, depression. Also used to describe a significant slowdown or even a halt in economic or commercial activity.