Words / C2

i-MOL-ee-uh-nt/ɪˈmɒliənt/

Emollient means softening and soothing, of a cream or of language that eases tension: an emollient cream, emollient talk. Soft (already in the dictionary) is everyday not hard; comfort (already in the dictionary) is ease, and oil (already in the dictionary) is the everyday thick liquid. Oleaginous (already in the dictionary) is oily flattery — insincere, not soothing. This batch: to vituperate is to abuse in violent language — the opposite flavour. Talk of “healing” is not a named first-aider.

Meaning

Softening and soothing, of a cream or of language that eases tension.

Examples

• “Emollient talk of “healing” is not a named first-aider.”
• “Soft is not hard (already in A2). Comfort is ease and a pleasant feeling (already in B1). Oil is a thick liquid (already in A2). Oleaginous is oily and insincere (already in C2). To vituperate is to abuse in violent language (this batch) — the contrast. Tone on the night can be exact. Tone instead of a named post is a hole. Write the rota; then the balm.”

Good to know

Softening; soothing. Everyday: soft / oil (already in this dictionary). Close: comfort (already in B1). Mix-up: oleaginous (oily flattery — already in C2). This batch: vituperate (the contrast). Healing-talk ≠ a first-aider.

Near in meaning

soothing, softening, mollifying, palliative

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