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Miscellany: meaning, definitions and examples

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miscellany

 

[ˈmɪsəˌleɪni ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

varied collection

Miscellany refers to a collection or assortment of various items, often of different kinds or types. It commonly describes a mixture of things that do not necessarily belong together, making it a term often used for a diverse compilation of writings or artworks.

Synonyms

assortment, collection, hodgepodge, mix, variety.

Examples of usage

  • The book was a miscellany of essays and poems.
  • Her room was a miscellany of clutter and treasures.
  • He created a miscellany of recipes that reflected his travels.
  • The festival showcased a miscellany of cultural performances.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'miscellany' comes from the Latin word 'miscellaneus,' meaning 'mixed' or 'varied.'
  • It was first used in English in the 15th century to describe a collection of various texts or items.
  • Over time, it evolved to describe not just written works, but any mixture of different categories.

Literature

  • Many anthologies, especially in poetry and essays, are often titled 'miscellany,' showcasing various authors.
  • The genre allows writers to explore different themes together, creating a rich tapestry of ideas.
  • Famous authors like Charles Lamb and Robert Louis Stevenson compiled their works into miscellanies to celebrate diversity in writing.

Culture

  • In the arts, a miscellany can refer to a mix of styles or genres in a single work, showcasing versatility.
  • Cultural events sometimes highlight various performances or displays, calling it a 'miscellany of talents.'
  • Food festivals can feature a miscellany of dishes from different cuisines, celebrating culinary diversity.

Education

  • Teachers may use a miscellany approach by integrating different subjects in a single lesson to make learning holistic.
  • Creating a miscellany of projects helps students explore different skills and interests in one cohesive experience.
  • This style encourages students to appreciate the interconnectedness of different ideas and disciplines.

Science

  • In biodiversity studies, scientists often refer to a miscellany of species found in various ecosystems.
  • The study of mixed methods in research highlights a miscellany of approaches to solve complex problems.
  • In genetics, a 'gene pool' could be seen as a miscellany of different genetic traits contributing to the diversity of a population.

Translations

Translations of the word "miscellany" in other languages:

🇵🇹 miscelânea

🇮🇳 विविधता

🇩🇪 Mischung

🇮🇩 bermacam-macam

🇺🇦 різноманіття

🇵🇱 mieszanina

🇯🇵 雑多

🇫🇷 mélange

🇪🇸 miscelánea

🇹🇷 karışım

🇰🇷 잡다한 것들

🇸🇦 خليط

🇨🇿 směs

🇸🇰 zmiešanina

🇨🇳 杂项

🇸🇮 mešanica

🇮🇸 blanda

🇰🇿 әртүрлілік

🇬🇪 მრავალფეროვნება

🇦🇿 müxtəliflik

🇲🇽 miscelánea

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,904, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.