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Miscellany: meaning, definitions and examples

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miscellany

 

[ ˈmɪsəˌleɪni ]

Noun
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'miscellany' originates from the Latin word 'miscellaneus', which means 'mixed or various'. It entered the English lexicon during the late Middle Ages and was predominantly used to describe a collection of writings or items that varied in nature. The suffix '-y' indicates a collection or state, thus forming 'miscellany' as a noun referring to a mixed variety. Over time, it has expanded in usage to refer broadly to any varied assortment of items or concepts, emphasizing the characteristic of diversity within the collection. Its historical usage reflects the cultural penchant for compilations, ranging from literary anthologies to cataloging diverse artistic expressions. Today, it serves as a testament to the richness of diversity in collections across various fields.

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.