Word of the Day

Glen

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Glen is a noun that refers to a valley. Coming from Late Middle English, our word of the day is a good when to recall when you’re on a hike and you ...

Wont

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wont can be a noun, adjective or verb, depending on context. As a noun it refers to someone's habitual way. Our word of the day is spelled like w...

Ergonomics

14 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ergonomics is a noun that refers to the science of design. The Greek word ergon (AIR gon) means ‘work.’ Our word of the day combines this word wit...

Millstone

13 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Millstone is a noun that refers to a heavy burden. Traditionally, a millstone is a heavy stone used to crush something. This is the origin of our word...

Bedraggled

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bedraggled is an adjective that means dirty and disheveled. The root word of bedraggled is drag, which has an origin from Middle English. When we say ...

Shibboleth

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shibboleth is a noun that refers to a use of language unique to a particular group. Our word of the day comes from Hebrew. It means ‘ear of cor...

Elephantine

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Elephantine is an adjective that means massive and not easily handled. You may have guessed that our word of the day comes from the word elephant, whi...

Heedful

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Heedful is an adjective that means paying attention to. The German word huten (HOOT n) means ‘hat,’ but it can also be used to mean ‘to shelter ...

Unbidden

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Unbidden is an adjective that means unsolicited or uninvited. The German word bitten (BIT en) means ‘to ask.’ This word has evolved into the word ...

Effectuate

07 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Effectuate is a verb that means to bring something about. The Latin word effectus (eff ECK toos) simply means ‘to effect.’ Our word of the day cou...

Enkindle

06 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Enkindle is a verb that means to set on fire. Coming from Middle English, our word of the day could be thought of as a more literary variation of the ...

Keelhaul

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is keelhaul, K-E-E-L-H-A-U-L. Keelhaul is a verb that means to rebuke harshly. The origin of our word of the day is from the...

Descamisado

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Descamisado is a noun that refers to a very poor person. It can also refer to a revolutionary. The literal Spanish translation of our word of the day ...

Sansculotte

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sansculotte is a noun that refers to an extreme revolutionary. Our word of the day comes from French, where its literal translation is ‘without knee...

Obeisance

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Obeisance is a noun that refers to deferential respect. Coming from Middle English, our word of the day is related to the word ‘obey,’ as in ‘co...

Inestimable

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Inestimable is an adjective that means too valuable to be measured or calculated. The root word of the our word of the day is estimate. It comes from ...

Snooker

28 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Snooker is a verb that means to entrap or hoodwink. The origin of our word of the day is unknown, but it is generally used as a synonym of ‘hoodwink...

Raze

27 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Raze is a verb that means to completely destroy. The latin word radere (RAH dare ay) means ‘shave’ or ‘scrape.’ When something is shaven or sc...

Accoutrement

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Accoutrement is a noun that refers to an additional item of dress. Our word of the day comes directly from French, where it means ‘clothing.’ But ...

Dither

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dither is a verb that means to behave indecisively. Coming from Middle English, our word of the day once meant to ‘tremble’ or ‘shake.’ Today,...

Retrofit

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Retrofit is a verb that means to adapt to a new purpose. The prefix retro, from the Latin word meaning ‘back,’ is used to indicate something that ...

Wheedle

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wheedle is a verb that means to coax through flattery. The German word wedeln (VEE den) means ‘wag the tail’ which is often a euphemism of ‘flat...

Jawbone

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jawbone is a verb that means to speak forcefully and persuasively to. Our word of the day comes from the part of the body used for talking — the jaw...

Tranche

21 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tranche is a noun that refers to a portion of money. Our word of the day comes from Old French where it is translated as ‘slice’ or ‘cut.’ Whe...

Athwart

20 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Athwart is an adverb that means in opposition to or across from. The word thwart, which is from Middle English descent, is a verb that means ‘to pre...

Tinhorn

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tinhorn is a noun that refers to someone who pretends to have money and influence. In the 19th century tin horns or cans were often used to shake dice...

Anneal

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anneal is a verb that means to harden or strengthen. Our word of the day has evolved from Old English and meant ‘to burn or bake.’ It usually desc...

Adhocracy

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Adhocracy is a noun that refers to a structure, usually a temporary one, designed to be flexible. The Latin term ad hoc, which translates into ‘to t...

Quagmire

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Quagmire is a noun that refers to an awkward or difficult situation. Our word of the day combines two words ‘quag’ and ‘mire’ that refer ...

Mesmerism

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mesmerism is a noun that refers to taking control of someone's personality. An 18th century Austrian physician named Franz Anton Mesmer developed a sy...

Satisfice

14 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Satisfice is a verb that means to accept  or settle for any available option. Our word of the day is an alteration of the word ‘satisfy,’ whi...

Apace

13 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Apace is an adverb that means quickly or swiftly. Our word of the day has evolved from Middle English. A good way to understand its use is to say that...

Aptonym

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aptonym is a noun that refers to a name that coincidentally describes a person’s profession. The suffix N-Y-M has evolved from the Greek word f...

Voluble

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Voluble is an adjective that means speaking rapidly or readily. Volvere (vole VAR ay) is the Latin word for ‘roll’ or ‘revolve.’ The meaning o...

Pervicacious

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pervicacious is an adjective that means obstinate or extremely willful. The Latin word vincere (VEEN chair ay) means ‘win.’ Our word of the day co...

Quiddity

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Quiddity is a noun that refers to a distinctive feature. The Latin word Quidditas means ‘the essence of things.’ Our word of the day maintains thi...

Sine qua non

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sine qua non is a noun that refers to an essential element. The literal translation of our word of the day is ‘without which not.’ This is a helpf...

Provident

07 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Provident is an adjective that means making provisions for the future. Our word of the day began in Latin and has evolved into English with the same p...

Quisling

06 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Quisling is a noun that refers to one who collaborates with an enemy. Our word of the day comes from a Norwegian army officer who became known for col...

Penitent

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Penitent is an adjective that means feeling regret for past sins. Our word of the day takes its origin from Middle English where it meant ‘regretful...

Colloquy

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Colloquy is a noun that refers to a conversation. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word colloquium (coe LOW kwim) which means ‘conversation....

Superannuate

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Superannuate is a verb that means to make or declare obsolete. The Latin prefix S-U-P-E-R means ‘over,’ while annus (AH noose) — a word related ...

Apothegm

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Apothegm is a noun that refers to a brief saying or aphorism. The Greek word apophthegma (ah poe THEG ma) translates literally into ‘something clear...

Assiduous

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Assiduous is an adjective that means showing great care. The Latin word assiduus (ah see DUECE) means ‘constant’ or ‘persistent.’ This word la...

Boutade

31 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Boutade is a noun that refers to a sudden outburst. Our word of the day comes from a Middle French word that means ‘to thrust.’ When a person has ...

Pareidolia

30 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pareidolia is a noun that refers to the tendency to interrupt something vague as meaningful. The Greek word eidolon (Ay ee DOE lee on) means ‘image’...

Ultracrepidarian

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ultracrepidarian is an adjective that means expressing opinions outside of one's knowledge. It can also be used as a noun that refers to a person who ...

Acculturate

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Acculturate is a verb that means to assimilate to a different culture. The Latin word culture (cool TOUR ay) refers to growing or cultivating. It’s ...

Eclaircissement

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

issement is a noun that refers to an enlightening explanation. The French term eclaircir (ee CLAIR seer) means ‘to clear up’ or ‘enlighten.’ A...

Insensate

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Insensate is an adjective that means unfeeling. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word sensus (SEN soos) which means ‘sense,’ a term that c...

Redact

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Redact is a verb that means to edit for public consumption. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word redactus (ray DACT oos), which means ‘redu...

Promontory

24 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Promontory is a noun that refers to a cliff that extends into a large body of water. Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word prominēre (pr...

Unstinted

23 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Unstinted is an adjective that means given without restraint. Stint, the root word of our word of the day, is of Old English origin and means ‘to sh...

Outre

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Outre is an adjective that means unusual or unconventional. The French word outre (OOH tray) is a verb that means to go beyond. Our word of the day is...

Hebdomadal

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hebdomadal is an adjective that means occurring every week. The Greek word Hepta (HEPT ah) means seven. So when our word of the day drifted into ...

Interstitial

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Interstitial is an adjective that means occurring during an interval or between spaces. The Latin word interstitium (een tear STEET ee um) means ...

Neologism

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Neologism is a noun that refers to a newly coined word. Our word of the day combines the Greek prefix N-E-O for ‘new’ and the suffix L-O-G-O for ‘...

Verklempt

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Verklempt is an adjective that means overcome with emotion. Our word of the day comes from the Yiddish word for ‘depressed’ or ‘grieving,’ but...

Cutaneous

17 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cutaneous is an adjective that means related to the skin. The Latin word cutis (KOO tis) means ‘skin.’ Our word of the day is often used in a medi...

Abecedarian

16 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Abecedarian is a noun that refers to someone who is beginning to learn something. Our word of the day’s origin comes literally from the ABCs. It was...

Rictus

15 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rictus is a noun that refers to a gaping mouth. Our word of the day comes directly from Latin where it is translated into ‘open mouth.’ A person’...

Firebrand

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Firebrand is a noun that refers to one who agitates in support of a cause. Our word of the day began in the 13th century as a term for a type — or ‘...

Inure

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Inure is a verb that means to become accustomed to something unpleasant. Our word of the day’s origin is from the Latin word opera (OH per uh) which...

Exfiltrate

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Exfiltrate is a verb that means to withdraw people from a dangerous position. Our word of the day could be thought of as the opposite of ‘infiltrate...

Hubris

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hubris is a noun that refers to excessive pride or self-confidence. Our word of the day comes from the Ancient Greeks and began to appear is English a...

Dilettante

10 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dilettante is a noun that refers to an amateur or someone who dabbles in a particular field. The Italian word dilettare (dill ay TAR ay) means ‘to d...

Allusive

09 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Allusive is an adjective that means made by hinting or suggesting. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word ludere (LOO dair ay) which means ‘p...

Clemency

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Clemency is a noun that refers to leniency or mercy. The Latin word clementia (klay MEN see uh) means ‘calm’ or ‘mild.’ When someone remains c...

Turbid

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Turbid is an adjective that means murky or unclear. The Latin word turba (TOUR buh) means ‘a crowd.’ When something is turbid, it is thick and mud...

Ocular

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ocular is an adjective that means visual or related to the eye. The Latin word oculus (OH coo loose) means ‘eye.’ The word may refer to vision as ...

Approbation

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Approbation is a noun that refers to approval or praise. The Latin word probus (PRO boose) means ‘good.’ You could think of something that has got...

Redound

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Redound is a verb that means to contribute greatly to. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word redundare (ree done DAR ay) which means, ‘...

Disquietude

03 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Disquietude is a noun that refers to a state of anxiety. The root word of disquietude is ‘quiet,’ a word of Latin origin that means ‘silent’ o...

Synergy

02 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Synergy is a noun that refers to the interaction of more than one agent. Our word of the day’s origin is from the Greek word sunergos (SUN er gose) ...

Furtive

01 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Furtive is an adjective that means attempting to avoid notice or attention. The Latin word furtum (FOOR tomb) means theft. Our word of the day began w...

Beleaguer

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Beleaguer is a verb that means to beset with difficulties. Our word of the day derives from the Dutch word for ‘lay down’ or ‘camp.’ Over time...

Gangly

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gangly is an adjective that means tall and awkward. Our word of the day comes from the word gang, which originated in Scottish and referred to motion,...

Crux

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Crux is a noun that refers to the central or most important part. Our word of the day comes directly from the Latin word for ‘the cross.’ It’s n...

Cavil

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cavil is a verb that means to make petty or unnecessary objections. Our word of the day’s origin is from the Latin word cavilla (Ka VEEL ah) wh...

Purport

27 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Purport is a verb that means to claim. Our word of the day comes from Middle English and means ‘to carry.’ The word’s meaning has shifted over t...

Cadre

26 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cadre is a noun that refers to a small group of people in a particular field. The latin word quadrus (KWAD roos) refers to a ‘square.’ The meaning...

Panjandrum

25 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Panjandrum is a noun that refers to a person who claims to have great influence. The strange origin or our word of the day begins with an 18th century...

Indefatigable

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Indefatigable is an adjective that means incapable of being fatigued. The root word of indefatigable is ‘fatigue’ a word that means ‘to feel tir...

Myriad

23 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Myriad is a noun that refers to an extremely great number. Our word of the day is derived from the Greek word myrios (MEER ee ose) which refers to the...

Weal

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Weal is a noun that refers to well-being. Our word of the day’s similarity to the word ‘wealth’ is no coincidence. Both have the same Old Englis...

Draconian

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Draconian is an adjective that means excessively harsh. Our word of the day comes from a 7th Century Athenian legislator known for his harsh laws. The...

Augur

20 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Augur is a verb that means to predict a good or bad outcome. Our word of the day comes from the Middle English word for ‘a diviner.’ More recently...

Resile

19 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Resile is a verb that means to abandon a position or course of action. The Latin word salire (sa LEER ay) means ’to jump.’ When combined with the ...

Conterminous

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Conterminous is an adjective that means sharing a common boundary. The Latin word terminus (TEAR me noos) means ‘border.’ When combined with the L...

Lope

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lope is a verb that means to travel at an easy pace with long strides. Our word of the day gets its origin from the Middle English word for ‘leap.’...

Sobriquet

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sobriquet is a noun that refers to a nickname. Our word of the day comes directly from the French word for nickname. Its origin borrows a little from ...

Philistine

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Philistine is a noun that refers to a person who lacks appreciation of culture. The original Philistines of the Bible were a tribe of people who were ...

Diurnal

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Diurnal is an adjective that means happening durning the daylight hours. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word dies (DYE ess) which simply mea...

Insufflate

13 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Insufflate is a verb that means to blow to breathe something in. The Latin word insufflare (in sue FLAR ay) means ‘to breath.’ Our word of the day...

Natter

12 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Natter is a verb that means to talk about unimportant matters. It can also be used as a noun to describe casual and leisurely conversation. The origin...

Parkour

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Parkour is a noun that refers to the sport of moving through an environment while negotiating objects. Coming directly from the French word for ‘...

Melange

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Melange is a noun that refers to a mixture of different elements. Our word of the day comes directly from the French word that means ‘a mixture’ o...

Dogsbody

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dogsbody is a noun that refers to a person tasked with menial work. Our word of the day began as a term used in the British navy for pudding. It has c...

Sempiternal

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sempiternal is an adjective that means seeming to last forever. The Latin word semper (SEM per) means forever. Our word of the day has the same basic ...

Iota

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Iota is a noun that refers to a very small quantity. Our word of the day gets its name from the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet. And because iota i...