semiquincentennial
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What is the definition and pronunciation of “semiquincentennial”?
It's Mariam Webster's word of the day for July fourth. Today's word is semiquincentennial, spelled S E M I. Q U I N C-E-N-T-E-N-N-I-A-L. Semiquinnial is a noun.
How is “semiquincentennial” used as a noun and adjective in sentences?
It refers to a two hundred fiftieth anniversary or its celebration. The word can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to or associated with such an anniversary or its celebration, as in semiquinnial festivities. Here's the word used in a sentence from USA Today. July fourth, twenty twenty six marks the nation's semiquin centennial, its two hundred fiftieth birthday since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Everyone knows that if you stick a feather in your hat for, say, a Fourth of July celebration, it's called macaroni.
What is the etymology of the prefix “semi‑” and “quincentennial”?
But what does a Yankee Doodle Dandy call the celebration itself, specifically when it marks the two hundred fiftieth year since the nation's founding? Such a special day calls for a special word, and semiquinentennial fits the bill, as it does for any anniversary of the same esteemed and venerable vintage. If the words mouthful of seven syllables overwhelms, it's simple to break down. The prefix semi here means half in quantity or value, while quincentennial refers to a whopping five hundredth anniversary or its celebration. Quin comes from the Latin word quinque, meaning five, and centennial comes in part from the Latin quentum, meaning hundred.
Why does the semi‑quincentennial celebration matter for the 250th Independence anniversary?
Hence a semi quincentennial is celebrated precisely halfway en route to a quincentennial. May knowing this etymology be a feather in your cap at the semi quincentennial barbecue. With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sakolowski. Visit MarionWebster dot com today for definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.
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Chapters
4 chapters
1
What is the definition and pronunciation of “semiquincentennial”?
0:06–0:27
2
How is “semiquincentennial” used as a noun and adjective in sentences?
0:27–1:08
3
What is the etymology of the prefix “semi‑” and “quincentennial”?
1:08–1:57
4
Why does the semi‑quincentennial celebration matter for the 250th Independence anniversary?
1:57–2:22