These are words that are unusual or difficult to use, particularly in verbal communication. If they are native English words they will usually be a minimum of four syllables. This list will also contain latin phrases or terms from other languages that have made their way into scholarly parlance.

anacolutha: An abrupt change within a sentence to a second construction inconsistent with the first, sometimes used for rhetorical effect

anaphora: the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of several successive verses, clauses or paragraphs.

antonomasia: the substitution of a title or epithet for a proper name, as in calling a sovereign “Your Majesty.”

apodictic: necessarily or demonstrably true; incontrovertible.

apotheosis: exaltation to divine rank or stature; model of excellence or perfection of a kind.

asseverate: to affirm, to declare seriously or positively

autarky: a policy of complete economic self-reliance.

autochthonous: indigenous, originating where found.

hortatory: marked by exhortation or strong urging

cupidity: avarice, extreme greed for material wealth

inimitable: matchless, defying imitation

locus classicus: a passage from a classic or standard work that is cited as an illustration or instance

modus vivendi: a temporary accomodation of a disagreement between parties pending a permanent settlement.

nachdichtung: imitation; the creation of versions rather than translations.

nomothetic: relating to or involving the search for abstract universal principles.

paideutic: educational method or theory

paraenesis: advice, exhortation or instruction; moral exhortation.

peripatetic: walking about from place to place; traveling on foot.

perspicacious: having or showing penetrating mental discernment; clear-sighted. (synonym: shrewd)

phenomenology: The science or study of phenomena, or things as they are perceived, as opposed to the study of being, or the nature of things as they are.

plenipotentiary: a agent or diplomat who is fully invested with the powers of those he represents. A person who can make decisions or policy on behalf of the state or another great power.

polygenesis: derivation of a species or type from more than one ancestor or germ cell.

preponderant: having a superior weight, force, importance or influence.

prevaricate: to intentionally stray from or evade the truth.

prolepsis: the anachronistic representation of something as existing before its proper or historical time.

propinquity: nearness, proximity.

pulchritudinous: characterized by or having great physical beauty and appeal.

quotidian: everyday, commonplace; found in the ordinary course of events

rapprochement: a reestablishing of cordial relations between two countries.

recension: a critical revision of a text incorporating the most plausible elements found in varying sources.

sina qua non: an essential element or condition.

soteriology: the theological doctrine of salvation as effected by Jesus.

teleology: the study of purpose or design in natural phenomena. The use of ultimate purpose or design as a means of explaining natural phenomena. Purposeful development, as in nature or history, toward a final end.

tendentious: strong implicit point of view; partisan.

thaumaturge: a performer of miracles or magic feats.

theophany: an appearance of a God to a human being. A divine manifestation.

vaticinate: to prophesy, foretell.

vicissitude: a sudden or unexpected change or shift encountered in one’s

vis major: an overwhelming force of nature having unavoidable consequences that under certain circumstances can exempt one from the obligations of a contract.