WORD OF THE WEEK: Plenary

Summary: As usual, I've got my ears open throughout my busy work week, looking for new words to learn and to share. This week's word, plenary, is defined in context below ...

Last week, I went to a luncheon provided by the Illinois chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA). And I heard the President of the Philadelphia chapter, David Newman, give some wonderful pointers to people like me—people who strive to be hired as professional speakers in a tough economy. During a break, I heard something else that perked up my ears in almost as much intrigue: I heard David use a word I didn't know!

"It isn't plenary, because ..." I overheard him explain to someone who was asking about a particular aspect of NSA. And, of course, I mentally bookmarked the word and its context (what I'd heard of it, anyway) for both me and YOU.

Plenary (PLEH - neh - REE) also (PLEE - neh - REE) - (adj.) complete in every respect; absolute; qualified; also, something that's fully attended or constituted by all who are entitled to be present. From the original Latin plenus for full, this word entered English in the early 16th century. Example of usage: "The council isn't plenary, because some chapters don't participate."

I should note that Merriam-Webster.com lists the long E pronunciation—the one I've listed secondly above—as the most common pronunciation. I chose to put it second, because I heard David pronounce it the other way. I'll forever recognize this as the word I heard and learned at NSA!

(Psst! Do you love words like I do? Well, join me next week: I have a doozy of a resource for you that I hope to post on Monday.)

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