Wislawa Szymborska - Vocabulary

Teeming

Be full of or swarming with something

Muse

In Greek and Roman mythology Zeus’ nine daughters of art and science, source of inspiration for an artist

Daimon

In Greek mythology a deity or spirit that watches over someone, synonym for demon

Inferno

A large and out-of-control fire, a place or state resembling hell

Anathema

Something or someone one really dislikes, a curse made by a pope or a church’s council to exclude someone or something from church

Fugue

A musical composition in which a short melody or phrase is introduced by one part and then taken up by others and developed by putting the parts together, a state of loss of awareness of one’s identity often followed by hysteria and epilepsy

Rotund

(A person) large and plump, (a speech) deep, rich, intended to impresss

Aureole

A circle of light or brightness surrounding something, especially in art around someone’s head or person’s person

Consolation

Comfort received after a loss of disappointment

Fidelity

Faithfulness to someone or something shown by continuing loyalty and support

Daunted

Someone intimidated or apprehensive

Deft

Skilful and showing neatness and swiftness in one’s movements

Oneiric

Relating to dreaming or dreams

Mire

Swampy ground, a situation or state of difficulty, distress, or embarrassment that is hard to escape from

Photogenic

Something or someone looking attractive in photos or videos, organism producing light

Magnanimous

Generous or forgiving especially toward a less powerful person, with a big heart

Cunning

Showing skill in achieving one’s goals by deceit, crafty in the use of special resources

Thicket

A dense group of bushes or trees

Cipher

A secret or hidden way of writing a code, the number 0

Arbitrate

To reach an authoritative judgement or settlement

Moulder

To slowly decay into particles

Flayed

Peeled off (referring to skin)

Accord

To give someone power or recognition, to agree or be consistent with, an official agreement or treaty

Plumage

A bird’s feathers

Omnipotent

(A deity) having unlimited power, able to do anything

Omni

All

Nuptials

A wedding