JANUARY 3 Proverbial pruh-VER-bee-ul of relating to or resembling a proverb adjective A proverb is a saying that offers advice or a common truth The proverb curiosity killed the cat suggests that too much curiosity could get a person into trouble Even without whiskers and a tail a curious person could be called the proverbial cat 8
JANUARY 4 Ovation oh-VAY-shun an expression of approval or enthusiasm made by clapping or cheering noun Born in a small town in the American South opera singer Leontyne Price was one of the most accomplished sopranos of her time In 1961 she performed the lead role in the opera Il Trovatore and received a 42-minute standing ovation one of the longest in history 9
JANUARY 5 Guffaw guh-FAH a loud and hearty laugh noun When people laugh their bodies are producing a strong physical reaction For a small giggle the vocal cords vibrate For a good laugh like a guffaw air is pushed out of the lungs so fast that the rib and belly muscles spasm This is often called a belly laugh 10
JANUARY 6 Epiphany ih-PIF-uh-nee a sudden understanding or realization of something in a new or very clear way noun When asked to define an epiphany poet Maya Angelou said It’s the occurrence when the mind the body the heart and the soul focus together and see an old thing in a new way 11
