

Vocabulary Mnemonics
Matt & Dr. Mom
From legerdemain to scrupulousness, from tatterdemalion to kempt, we have the memory tools to help you remember GRE vocabulary, Latin and Greek phrases, medical terms and more -- forever.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 5, 2025 • 24min
Episode 60: Potpourri, grex, cloying, and more!
Dive into the quirks of language with a discussion on tautology and its everyday presence. Explore the layered meanings of 'potpourri' and 'grex', capturing both the delightful and the grumbly. Delve into the nuances of 'cloying' and 'panoply', illustrating contrasts between sweetness and grand displays. Discover the intriguing world of 'doppelgangers' and the dual nature of 'enjoin'. Fun wordplay and mnemonic devices make vocabulary learning both memorable and entertaining!

Mar 29, 2025 • 26min
Episode 59: Desultory, ostentatious, mentation, and more!
Delve into the quirky meanings of words like 'ostentatious' and 'desultory,' revealing their definitions through engaging examples. A memorable character helps unpack 'desultory' with chaotic antics at a gas station. Explore the dual life of 'peruse' as both a careful read and a quick glance. The hosts discuss 'yen' as a powerful desire, linking it to its rich history. Discover the sardonic wit of language and contrast it with the straightforwardness of prosaic writing, while expanding your vocabulary with terms like 'hubris' and 'verbose'.

Mar 22, 2025 • 25min
Episode 58: Ensorcell, polemic, diurnal, and more!
Dive into a world of fascinating words! Discover 'polemic,' a fierce critique, and 'apricity,' the delightful warmth of winter sunlight. Explore the art of assonance, the poetic device that brings rhythm and emotion to verse. Unpack the evolution of 'pablum' from baby food to a metaphor for blandness, and understand the careful nature of being 'circumspect.' With clever mnemonics and engaging anecdotes, this exploration enhances your vocabulary while celebrating the beauty of language.

Mar 15, 2025 • 25min
Episode 57: Ameliorate, effete, dyspeptic, and more!
This discussion dives into fascinating vocabulary like 'ameliorate,' focusing on the idea of improvement, and 'celerity,' which represents speed. The hosts also tackle unique words like 'dyspeptic,' shedding light on their meanings with memorable mnemonics. Explore intriguing terms such as 'effete' and 'noir,' complete with relatable examples. With creative associations and humorous narratives, listeners are treated to a fun way to enhance their vocabulary while enjoying engaging anecdotes and cultural references.

Mar 8, 2025 • 23min
Episode 56: Nonpareil, drupe, sartorial, and more!
Discover the intriguing meanings of words like 'nonpareil' and 'imbroglio' through personal anecdotes. Dive into unique vocabulary such as 'gentacular' and 'manumission,' with clever mnemonics for lasting memories. Explore the stylish world of 'sartorial' and the essence of 'facile.' Learn about the clouds with 'obnubilate' and the fruity concept of 'drupe,' along with easy-to-remember mnemonics. Enrich your conversations with these remarkable words sprinkled throughout the discussion!

Mar 1, 2025 • 22min
Episode 55: Eclat, comestible, taciturn, and more!
Delve into the dazzling world of 'Eclat,' inspired by P.T. Barnum's circus. Discover the meaning of 'taciturn,' portraying a reserved character, and explore words like 'saccharine' and 'jejun' with creative mnemonics. Engage in deep contemplation around 'excogitates' and its thoughtful connections. Unravel the intricacies of monomania through literary lenses. Finally, celebrate unique vocabulary like 'comestible' and 'anthropomorphize,' enhancing your language skills with amusing anecdotes and memorable examples.

Feb 22, 2025 • 24min
Episode 54: Saturnalia, concatenate, opsimath, and more!
The hosts celebrate the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, linking it to modern festivities and NASA's mission to Saturn. They dive into the fascinating concept of polymaths and the challenges of interdisciplinary learning. The discussion on echolalia highlights how children learn through imitation, while mnemonic techniques enhance vocabulary retention. Terms like 'junket' and 'opsimath' are explored, emphasizing themes of extravagance and lifelong learning. The speakers embrace the joy of language, connecting playful anecdotes with cultural significance.

Feb 15, 2025 • 23min
Episode 53: Execrable, ocher, besotted, and more!
Discover the charm of language through playful explorations of unique words like 'besotted,' revealing its links to infatuation and even Shakespeare. Laugh and learn as intriguing vocabulary such as 'execrable' and 'sesquipedalian' is woven into humorous anecdotes. From the unenthusiastic 'perfunctory' to the reflective 'perpend,' the hosts emphasize the importance of attitude in communication. Journey through everyday concepts with terms like 'penultimate' and 'ochre,' all while enjoying memorable mnemonics for better retention.

Feb 8, 2025 • 28min
Episode 52: Aglet, accismus, ratiocination, and more!
Discover the quirky word 'aglet,' the fun term for shoelace tips, complete with memorable anecdotes. Dive into 'ratiocination' and see how logical reasoning connects to Sherlock Holmes' detective work. Enjoy the humorous pitfalls of malapropisms with funny examples, including a nod to Mike Tyson. Get a grip on 'insolent' and its rude implications, while exploring the nuances of 'simper' in insincerity. Finally, travel through vocabulary tied to historical contexts for an engaging, interactive experience.

Feb 1, 2025 • 22min


