Do you like to learn new words? You’re in the right place! For Wondrous Words Wednesday, readers share words they’ve learned from books. Join the fun with Kathy at her Bermuda Onion blog.
I’m hoping to finish The Forgotten Garden for book club this week. Kate Morton fills her novel with rich prose, as well as a few words that require visits to Webster’s. Here’s a quote:
It was one of those desperate antipodean spells where the days seem strung together with no gaps between.
Antipodean \aen tip ǝ ‘di ǝn\ adjective from the Greek antipodes, literally meaning with the feet opposite
- Situated at opposite sides of the earth
- Diametrically opposed
- Of or related to Australia or New Zealand
I’m guessing Morton meant the last meaning in this sentence, as her story starts in Australia.
Word Nerd Workout
Can you think of a synonym for antipodean? I’m suggesting contrary. Your turn, and don’t forget to visit Kathy’s site to learn more interesting words.
Thanks for getting nerdy with me today!
Julia
OK so what does Ms Morton mean when she writes of the antipodean garden at Blackhurst???
Well, I’m not sure. I found this article about antipodean gardens that says that these gardens are characterized by antithesis. It’s kind of a heavy article; later in the piece it talks about Australian people, so it could be related to the Australian definition. https://actinotushelianthi.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/an-antipodean-garden/
thanks for input..
I am re-reading this book for the third time (love it more than any others that she has done). Blackhurst as an estate does not have any Australian connections so my feeling is that this garden (referred to as antipodean) matches the definition of antitheses. Perhaps this was a distinct form of design utilizing contrasting plant forms, colors, etc
Good point re: the contrasting plant forms, colors, etc. Thanks for the discussion – I love exploring word meanings like this!
You’re a word detective! I’d use contradictory as a synonym.
Hi Julia,
If you mentioned the word Antipodean to most folk here in the UK, you would probably get Australia or New Zealand, somewhere in their response.
I love Kate Morton’s writing style and narrative quality and your particular version of the cover art for ‘The Forgotten Garden’ is very eye-catching!
I would probably use the phrase “diametrically opposed” as a synonym for antipodean 🙂
Thanks for sharing a great post.
Yvonne
I would say opposing or polar, though these don’t fit with Australian reference of the word.
I think those sound great! Welcome and thanks for working out today, Carol!
I can’t think of a good synonym~ was going to say disorienting, but that’s not quite right. Oh, well. Good word!