Word of the Day

Tactility

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tactility is a noun that refers to the capability of being felt or touched. The Latin word Tactilis (tack TEEL ees) means ‘touch.’ From this word ...

Propitious

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Propitious is an adjective that means indicating a good chance of success. The Latin word propitus (por PEE tea oose) means ‘favorable’ or ‘...

Quondam

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Quondam is an adjective that means former. Our word of the day comes directly from the Latin word for ‘formerly.’ It is used as a synonym of words...

Homeric

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Homeric is an adjective that means epic or large scale. According to historians, Homer was a storyteller of Ancient Greece. His poems featured la...

Wheel horse

20 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wheel horse is a noun that refers to a hardworking or diligent person. Our word of the day combines the English words ‘wheel’ and ‘horse.’...

Diaspora

19 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Diaspora is a noun that refers to ‘people settled far from their ancestral homeland.’ The Greek prefix D-I-A means ‘across.’ When combined wit...

Clavate

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Clavate is an adjective that means ‘club-shaped.’ The Latin word clava (KLAH vah) means ‘club.’ Often used to describe plants and animals...

Emporium

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Emporium is a noun that refers to ‘a major trading center.’ Our word of the day comes directly from a Greek word that refers to ‘a merchant.’ ...

Sargasso

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sargasso is a noun that refers to ‘a messy situation.’ Our word of the day is a word of Portuguese descent whose precise origin isn’t clear to u...

Modicum

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Modicum is a noun that refers to ‘a small quantity of something.’ Our word of the day comes from the Latin word modus (MOE doos) which refers ‘a...

Hodiernal

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hodiernal is an adjective that means ‘related to the present day. ‘ The Latin word hodie (AW dee ay) means ‘today.’ When something is hod...

Muggle

13 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Muggle is a noun that refers to ‘a person with no particular skills.’ Our word of the day comes from the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. I wa...

Aphotic

12 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aphotic is an adjective that means ‘having no light.’ Our word of the day combines the Greek prefix ‘A,’ meaning ‘without’ with ‘photic’...

Enfeoff

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Enfeoff is a verb that means ‘to surrender property.’ Coming from Middle English, our word of the day has traditionally been used in legal proceed...

Abuzz

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Abuzz is an adverb that means ‘characterized by lots of talk or gossip.’ Our word of the day began life as a variation of the word ‘buzz,’...

Doyen

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Doyen is a noun that refers to ‘the most respected member of a particular field.’ The Latin word decanus (day CON oos) refers to ‘the chief of a...

Inanition

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Inanition is a noun that refers to ‘exhaustion or a lack of enthusiasm.’ Our word of the day comes from the Latin word Inanis (ee NON ees) which m...

Doddle

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Doddle is a noun that refers to ‘a very easy task.’ The origin or our word of the day is unknown, but we can say with some certainty that it crept...

Venerate

06 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Venerate is a verb that means ‘to revere or hold in high regard.’ The Latin word venerari (ven air ARE ay) means ’to adore or revere.’ When ve...

Picaresque

05 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Picaresque is an adjective that means ‘related to the adventures of a rogue.’ The word can also be used as a noun to refer to ‘a book or movie t...

Vinous

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Vinous is an adjective that means ‘related to or fond of wine.’ The Latin word vinum (VEE noom) refers to ‘wine.’ If something is vinous, it r...

Sensei

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sensei is a noun that refers to ‘a teacher.’ Our word of the day comes directly from Japanese. It began as a combination of the Japanese words for...

Evert

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Evert is a verb that means ‘to turn inside out.’ The Latin word evertere (EV er tear ay) provides the origin of our word of the day. It means to ‘...

Pyrrhic

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pyrrhic is an adjective that means ‘achieved at an excessive cost.’ The origin of the word pyrrhic comes Pyrrhus (PIER hoos) from an Ancient ...

Aphasia

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aphasia is a noun that refers to ‘a loss of the ability to speak.’ Our word of the day comes from the Greek word ahpatos (AH fah tose) which means...

Desideratum

30 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Desideratum is a noun that refers to ‘something that is desired or wanted.’ The origin or desideratum is directly from Latin. It translates i...

Faustian

29 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Faustian is an adjective that means ‘done without regard for future cost.’ Our word of the day has its basis in the mythical tale of an astronomer...

En masse

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

En masse is an adverb that means ‘in a group’ or ‘all together.’ Our word of the day comes directly from French. It translates to ‘in a mass...

Sere

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sere is an adjective that means ‘dry’ or ‘without moisture.’ Our word of the day comes directly from Old English as a verb that meant ‘to bu...

Abeyance

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Abeyance is a noun that refers to ‘a state of disuse or suspension.’ Our word of the day began in Latin as the word Baer (BUY er) which meant ‘h...

Torsion

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Torsion is a noun that refers to ‘the act of twisting.’ The Latin word torquere (tork WHERE ay) means ‘to twist.’ Torsion is a versatile word ...

Lour

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lour is a verb that means ‘to be dark and gloomy.’ It can also be a noun that refers to ‘a scowl.’ The origin of our word of the day is unknow...

Rubicon

23 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rubicon is a noun that means ‘an action that once done cannot be reversed.’ Our word of the day was named after a river in Ancient Rome that was u...

Caliginous

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Caliginous is an adjective that means ‘obscure’ or ‘murky.’ Coming to English in the mid-16th century, our word of the day originated in Latin...

Brumous

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Brumous is an adjective that means ‘foggy and wintry.’ The Latin word bruma (BROOM uh) refers to ‘winter.’ Our word of the day was imported in...

Synesthesia

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Synesthesia is a noun that refers to a condition where one sense is replaced by another. The Latin prefix S-Y-N means ‘with.’ While the rest of th...

Facticity

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Facticity is a noun that refers to the quality or being a fact. Our word of the day simply comes from the word ‘fact’ and adds the sufix ‘I-C-I-...

Consilience

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Consilience is a noun that refers to the overlap between different fields of study. Our word of the day combines the Latin prefix C-O-N, meaning ‘to...

Megapolis

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Megapolis is a noun that refers to a very large, heavy populated area. Our word of the day comes from Greek words for ‘very large’ and ‘city.’...

Implacable

16 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Implacable is an adjective that means unstoppable or relentless. The origin of our word of the day is the Latin word placare (pla CAR ay) which means ...

Muliebrity

15 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Muliebrity is a noun that refers to womanly qualities. The Latin word MOOL lee air) means ‘woman.’ It’s the origin of our word of the day which ...

Equipollent

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Equipollent is an adjective that means equal in power and effect. The Latin word pollere (poe LARE ay) means ‘to be strong.’ Our word of the day c...

Ordonnance

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ordonnance is a noun that refers to the systematic arrangement of parts. Our word of the day came from French, where it was basically a synonym of wor...

Salvo

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Salvo is a noun that refers to a sudden, aggressive act or series of acts. The Latin word salve (SOLVE ay) translates into ‘good health,’ but it w...

Balkanize

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Balkanize is a verb that means to break into smaller regions. The origin of our word of the day comes from the Turkish word ‘Balkan,’ which means ...

Moil

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Moil is a verb that means to work hard. Moil can also be used as a noun that refers to ‘hard work.’ Our word of the day comes from the Latin ...

Hypethral

09 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hypethral is an adjective that means ‘having no roof or open to the sky.’ The Greek prefix H-Y-P-O means ‘under.’ When combined with the ...

Moue

08 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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Taproot

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Taproot is a noun that refers to ‘the place of future development or growth.’ When used literally, a taproot simply refers to a root from a t...

Limn

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Limn is a verb that means ‘to describe in words.’ The Latin word illuminare (ee loom in ARE ay) means ’to shine.’ It’s related to English wo...

Hortatory

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hortatory is an adjective that means ‘tending to exhort.’ Coming from the Latin word hortari (hor TAR ay) which means ‘to exhort’ or ‘strong...

Esurient

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Esurient is an adjective that means ‘hungry’ or ‘greedy.’ The Latin word esurire (ess oo EAR ay) means ‘to hunger.’ After evolving into ou...

Telos

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Telos is a noun that refers to an ultimate goal or aim. Our word of the day comes directly from a Greek word that translates to ‘the ultimate end.’...

Generative

02 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Generative is an adjective that means ‘able to produce.’ Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word generare (jen air ARE ay) which means ...

Prefigure

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Prefigure is a verb that means ‘to be an early indication of something.’ The Latin word figurare (fee goo ARE ay) means ‘to typify.’ By adding...

Proxemics

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Proxemics is a noun that refers to the study of the space people need to put between each other in order to function. The Latin word Proximus (PROX ee...

Stewardship

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stewardship is a noun that refers to the responsible overseeing of something. Steward — a word of Old English origin — refers to someone...

Inflorescence

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Inflorescence is a noun that refers to a flowering or blooming. Our word of the day comes directly from Latin where it means ‘to begin to bloom.’ ...

Jury-rig

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jury-rig is a verb that means to construct in a makeshift manner. Our word of the day has its orin in Middle English where it means ‘to improvi...

Typification

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Typification is a noun that refers to a representative of. The Latin word typus (TEA poos) means ‘type.’ When we say something typifies something,...

Recension

25 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recension is a noun that refers to a revised edition of a text. Our word of the day has evolved from the Latin word censere (CHEN sair ay) which ...

Quidnunc

24 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Quidnunc is a noun that refers to a person who gossips or a busybody. Our word of the day comes directly from the Latin phrase ‘quid nunc’ (KWEED ...

Scilicet

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Scilicet is an adverb that means namely or ‘specifically.’ Our word of the day combines two Latin words. There’s scire (SHEER ay) which mea...

Votive

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Votive is an adjective that means done to fulfill a vow or promise. It can also be used as a noun that refers to a short candle used in a religio...

Plaudit

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Plaudit is a noun that refers to praise or approval. Our word of the day comes directly from a Latin word meaning ‘applause’ or ‘claps.’ In re...

Singularity

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Singularity is a noun that refers to a hypothesized era when machines merge with humanity. Coming from the Latin singulus (SEEN goo loose) our word of...

Ennoble

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ennoble is a verb that means to elevate. The Latin word nobilis (NO bee lease) means ‘high born.’ This gave birth to the English word ‘noble.’...

Vox populi

18 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Vox populi is a noun that refers to the popular opinion. Our word of the day comes from Latin and its literal translation is ‘the people’s voice.’...

Discomfiture

17 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Discomfiture is a noun that refers to awkwardness or unease. Coming from Old French, our word of the day is often used as a synonym of words like ‘d...

Slugabed

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Slugabed is a noun that refers to a lazy person who stays in bed late. The word slug is often used to describe lazy or unmotivated people. Our word of...

Ductile

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ductile is an adjective that means flexible. The Latin word ducere (DOO chair ay) means ‘lead’ — as in the metal. Our word of the day is often u...

Sojourn

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sojourn is a noun that refers to a temporary stay. It is also a verb that means to temporarily stay somewhere. Our word of the day once referred to be...

Whinge

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Whinge is a verb that means to whine or complain. It can also be used as a noun that refers to the act of complaining. Coming from Old English, o...

Denude

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Denude is a verb that means to strip of possessions. The Latin word nudus (NEW doos) means ‘naked’ or ‘nude.’ To denude something or someone i...

Curative

11 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Curative is an adjective that means able to remedy a condition and a noun that refers to something that remedies a condition. The Latin word curare (c...

Efface

10 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Efface is a verb that means erase from a surface. Our word of the day comes from Latin and took a slight detour through French with the word effacer (...

Abase

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Abase is a verb that means humiliate or lower in condition. The Latin word bassus (BOSS oos) means ‘short of stature.’ When we abase someone, we m...

Luminary

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Luminary is a noun that refers to a person who inspires others. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word lumen (LOO men) which means ‘light.’...

Behoove

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Behoove is a verb that means to make necessary or proper because of a duty. Coming from Old English our word of the day is often used in a formal cont...

Mythos

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mythos is a group of beliefs prevalent to a group or culture. Our word of the day comes directly from Greek and refers to the unique cultural ide...

Liminal

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Liminal is an adjective that means related to the initial stage of a process. The Latin word limen (LEE men) means ‘threshold.’ Our word of the da...

Isomorphic

04 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isomorphic is an adjective that means having a similar form. The Greek prefix I-S-O means ‘equal’ or ‘identical,’ while morphe (MORE fey) is G...

Epistolary

03 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Epistolary is an adjective that means related to a letter. The Latin word epistola (ay pee STOLE uh) means a letter. This word gave birth to its Engli...

Monomania

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Monomania is a noun that refers to an obsession with one particular thing. We have the Greeks to thank for our word of the day. The prefix M-O-N-O mea...

Metastasize

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Metastasize is a verb that means to dramatically spread. The Greek word methistanai (methy STAHN ay) means ‘to change.’ This word later evolved in...

Repine

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Repine is a verb that means to complain or express regret. The exact origin of our word of the day is unclear, but we can say with certainty that its ...

Wrest

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wrest is a verb that means to pull something away. It can also be used as a noun that refers to the act of pulling something away. Originating in...

Trilemma

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Trilemma is a noun that refers to a difficult choice between three options. Our word of the day is a variation of the word dilemma, which refers to a ...

Careworn

28 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Careworn is an adjective that means exhausted from stress. Our word of the day combines the common English words ‘care’ and ‘worn’ to describe...

Demulcent

27 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Demulcent is an adjective that means soothing or relieving irritation. It can also be used as a noun that refers to something that soothes. The L...

Disquisition

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Disquisition is a noun that refers to an elaborate discussion of a particular subject. Our word of the day originates from the Latin word quaerere (kw...

Stridor

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stridor is a noun that refers to a harsh, grating sound. The Latin word stridere (STREE dare ay) means ‘to creak.’ Around the mid 17th century, th...

Attestation

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Attestation is a noun that refers to evidence or confirmation. The Latin word testis (TESS dis) means ‘witness.’ It’s related to words like ‘t...

Opine

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Opine is a verb that means to hold and or state as an opinion. The Latin word opinari (oh pee NAR ee) means ‘think or believe.’ This word gave bir...

Epochal

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Epochal is an adjective that means highly momentous or important. Our word of the day has its origin in the Greek word epoche (EP oke) which means ‘...

Middling

21 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Middling is an adjective that means of medium or average quality or size. Appropriately enough, our word of the day comes from Middle English. It...

Bon mot

20 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bon mot is a noun that refers to a clever word or phrase. Coming from French, the literal translation of our word of the day is ‘good word.’ But i...

Sociolect

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sociolect is a noun that refers to a dialect of a particular class. Our word of the day is a fairly recent addition to English, originating in the 197...

Dollop

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dollop is a noun that refers to a massive blob of something. Our word of the day’s origin is uncertain, but we know it can mean a wide range of thin...

Demiurge

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Demiurge is a noun that refers to an autonomous creative force. Our word of the day combines Greek word demos (DAY mos) which means ‘people,’ and ...