I often enjoy a word that, at one point in time, took a step from one meaning and became another. It speaks to the nature of language and how we as humans often change how things are perceived in as short a time as a single generation. It speaks to our adaptability, acceptance, and enjoyment of the art of human existence.
Honestly, I find that to be worth something special. And I believe that today's word portrays that special quality quite well, especially after seeing it used in a way I've never seen before.
Effervesce | e-fər-ˈves: verb: to bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes; to show liveliness and exhilaration
I even went as far as checking on the origins of this word as well as its more well-known counterpart, effervescent. It turns out that the original definition for effervesce was simply the first one - used in science to explain the reaction to certain chemical processes in 1784.
Meanwhile, effervescent didn't show up until the mid-nineteenth century, where it was used to describe someone's outward behavior. I suppose it was then that the word stuck, and now we see it used in both ways.
Effervescent | ef.ɚˈves.ənt: adjective: an effervescent liquid produces bubbles of gas; active, positive, full of energy
What I am most delighted about in terms of today's word, though, is how I found it used in one of my current favorites, Dragon Thief. I had heard of the use of effervescent before in creative writing, to show certain feelings or behaviors. However, I had never seen effervesce used to describe such an expression. That is, until today!
Kal's voice rose as his imagination swept him along; those indigo eyes effervesced with amusement, only encouraging his efforts.
I simply imagine Tazi's eyes sparkling as she attempts to control her expression while Kal continues to rave on and on in his theories and thoughts. It creates such a vivid image in my own head that I can't help but smile at such beautiful use of this word.
I am delighted more and more each time I find a new use for a word I already found amazing, and I am excited to see what tomorrow holds. Until then, though, happy reading!
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