Lemma, Lexicon, Morphology, Dichotomy, and so many more related words that you didn't know were related! episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 22, 2026 · 29 MIN

Lemma, Lexicon, Morphology, Dichotomy, and so many more related words that you didn't know were related!

from Latin in Layman’s - A Rhetoric Revolution · host Liam Connerly

Latter half of the episode I get into the dilemmas in the world, what I see in my students in regards to these "dilemmas" and an existential discussion to wrap up the episode. This was fun... I also talk briefly about the "Crossing of the Rubicon" (Reminded from Lexicon), which both refers to a huge historical move made by Julius Caesar, as well as an idiom referring to "the point of no return."All words glossed in the show notes below!1. Lemma (noun): A heading that indicates the topic of a particular section, subsection, or paragraph of a text.Etymology: From the Greek word “lemma” meaning “proposition”. Dilemma: A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable. Etymology: Late 16th century: from Latin, literally ‘two premises’, from Greek di- ‘twice’ + lemma ‘premise’. Quandary: A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation. Etymology: Mid 16th century: from Old French quanter ‘calculate, consider’, from Latin quaerere ‘seek, ask’. Dichotomy: The division of something into two parts, especially when these are seen as opposites. Etymology: Late 16th century: from Greek dikhotomia, from di- ‘twice’ + khotomia ‘a cutting in two’. Paradox: A statement or proposition that, despite sound reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory. Etymology: Late Middle English: from Old 2. Lexicon (noun): A dictionary or encyclopedia of words or terms in a particular field of knowledge.Etymology: From the Greek word “lexikon”, from “lexis” meaning “word”. Lexical – Relating to the words or vocabulary of a language. Etymology: From the Latin lexicālis, from lexis “word,” from legere “to say, read.” Lexicographer – A person who compiles dictionaries; a student or collector of words. Etymology: From the Late Latin lexicographus, from lexis “word,” from legere “to say, read.” Lexicology – The study of the structure and history of words. Etymology: From the Greek lexikon “word,” from lexis “word,” from legere “to say, read.” Lexeme – A unit of language which has a distinct meaning. Etymology: From the Latin lexēma, from lexis “word,” from legere “to say, read.” 3. Morphology (noun): The study of the forms of words, including inflections, derivations, and the formation of compounds.Etymology: From the Greek word “morphē”, meaning “shape” or “form”. Morph: A form or shape, especially that of an organic being Etymology: From the Greek morphē “form” Metamorphosis: A transformation, as by magic or sorcery Etymology: From the Greek meta “change” and morphē “form” Morphine: A narcotic drug obtained from opium Etymology: From the Greek morphē “form”, probably in reference to the form of the opium poppy Morphogen: A substance that initiates and regulates the development of certain form-determining structures Etymology: From the Greek morphē “form” and -gen “producing”

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 22, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Lemma, Lexicon, Morphology, Dichotomy, and so many more related words that you didn't know were related!

0:00 29:55

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Latin in Layman’s - A Rhetoric Revolution?

This episode is 29 minutes long.

When was this Latin in Layman’s - A Rhetoric Revolution episode published?

This episode was published on January 22, 2026.

Can I download this Latin in Layman’s - A Rhetoric Revolution episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!