One of our favourite verbs at home is 'to eff'. Since 'ineffable' means 'indescribable', it stands to reason that there must be a verb 'to eff' out there in archaic land. It also sounds rude, which is another attraction.
Origin: 1630-40; < F < L effābilis, equiv. to eff(ārī) to speak out (ef- ef- + fārī to speak) + -ābilis -able
no eff, but ef- is a prefix:
ef- var. of ex- 1 (by assimilation) before f: efficient.
ex-1 a prefix meaning “out of,” “from,” and hence “utterly,” “thoroughly,” and sometimes imparting a privative or negative force or indicating a former title, status, etc.; freely used as an English formative: exstipulate; exterritorial; ex-president (former president); ex-member; ex-wife. Also, e-, ef-.
Origin: < L, comb. form of ex, ē (prep.) out (of), from, beyond
( ... )
I have never heard the word "kempt" before but I like it! Although sadly I guess I have more use for unkempt. I loved this entry, I am such a word dork as well :D
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ef⋅fa⋅ble
-adjective
utterable; expressible.
Origin:
1630-40; < F < L effābilis, equiv. to eff(ārī) to speak out (ef- ef- + fārī to speak) + -ābilis -able
no eff, but ef- is a prefix:
ef-
var. of ex- 1 (by assimilation) before f: efficient.
ex-1
a prefix meaning “out of,” “from,” and hence “utterly,” “thoroughly,” and sometimes imparting a privative or negative force or indicating a former title, status, etc.; freely used as an English formative: exstipulate; exterritorial; ex-president (former president); ex-member; ex-wife.
Also, e-, ef-.
Origin:
< L, comb. form of ex, ē (prep.) out (of), from, beyond ( ... )
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