Quiz: Guess the meaning of these winning words from spelling bees

Are you a wizard with words?

You might want to rethink that after you’ve seen some of the tough words thrown at spelling bee participants, including those from the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition, in the US.

Spelling bees are known for their challenging and, at times, hard-to-pronounce words, and seem to be getting tougher over the years (if that’s even possible!).

However, if you’re a logophile and wouldn’t miss an opportunity to put your knowledge to test, here are some winning words from the Scripps dating back to 1925 to get your juices flowing.

All definitions are according to Merriam Webster.

1. Koinonia

Source: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/North America/AFP

An intimate spiritual communion and participative sharing in a common religious commitment and spiritual community

A type of freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia

Correct! Wrong!

2. Insouciant

Source: Shutterstock

The art of cutting paper into decorative designs

Lighthearted unconcern

Correct! Wrong!

3. Cymotrichous

Source: Shutterstock

Any of a genus (Gladiolus) of chiefly African perennial plants of the iris family with erect sword-shaped leaves and spikes of brilliantly colored irregular flowers arising from corms

Having the hair wavy

Correct! Wrong!

4. Abrogate

Source: Shutterstock

To abolish by authoritative action

A dictator

Correct! Wrong!

5. Intelligible

Source: Shutterstock

Capable of being understood or comprehended

Lacking intelligence

Correct! Wrong!

6. Soubrette

Source: Shutterstock

A coquettish maid or frivolous young woman in comedies

A small forceps for clamping a blood vessel

Correct! Wrong!

7. Eudaemonic

Source: Shutterstock

Producing happiness

Indigenous, native

Correct! Wrong!

8. Lyceum

Source: Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP

A hall for public lectures or discussions

A type of pot bellied cat (Profelis Aurata) with a bushy tail

Correct! Wrong!

9. Xanthosis

Source: Shutterstock

Yellow discoloration of the skin from abnormal causes

A type of bacteria

Correct! Wrong!

10. Logorrhea

Source: Shutterstock

Inability to control bowel movements and flatulence

Excessive and often incoherent talkativeness or wordiness

Correct! Wrong!

Quiz: Can you guess the meaning behind the winning words from spelling bees?

Holy moly.

Perhaps words aren’t your greatest strength?

Not too shabby.

That’s not a bad score at all!

Excellent!

What a superstar! It looks like you have a way with words.

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