Word of the Day

Shamble

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Shamble is a verb that means to walk awkwardly or shuffle. It can also be used as a noun that refers to an awkward walk. The precise origin of our wor...

Goad

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Goad is a verb that means to incite or arouse. It’s also a noun that means something that urges or stimulates into action. The roots of the word of ...

Imbroglio

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Imbroglio is a noun that refers to a confused situation. Coming directly from Italian, our word of the day is often used to describe a messy or confus...

Delectation

17 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Delectation is a noun that refers to delight or enjoyment. Our word of the day has evolved from the Latin word delectare (del eck TAR ay) which m...

Forbearance

16 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Forbearance is a noun that refers to tolerance or patience. The word forbear, which is derived from Old English, means ‘to hold back’ or ‘refrai...

Incommode

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Incommode is a verb that means to disturb or inconvenience. The Latin word commodus (COMB moe doos) means convenient. By adding the prefix I-N, we get...

Malefactor

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Malefactor is a noun that refers to a person who does harm. Our word of the day combines male (MOLL ay) the Latin word for ‘bad’ or ‘evil,’ wi...

Aposematic

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Aposematic is an adjective that means serving as a warning or alarm. The Greek word sema (SEM uh) which refers to ‘a sign,’ provides the origin of...

Detente

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Detente is a noun that refers to an easing of tensions between rivals. Our word of the the day comes directly from French where it refers to ‘a rela...

Agrestic

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Agrestic is an adjective that means rustic or related to the country. The Latin word agrestis (A GRES stis) meaning ‘a field,’ is the basis of wor...

Educe

10 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Educe is a verb that means to elicit or draw out something. Our word of the day has it’s origin in the Latin word educere (ed doo CHAIR ay) which me...

Scrutator

09 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Scrutator is a noun that refers to one who investigates or examines. The Latin word scrutari (screw TAR ee) means ‘to search or examine.’ Our word...

Peccadillo

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Peccadillo is a noun that refers to a slight offense. The Spanish word Pecado (pe COD oh) means sin. The addition of the suffix I-L-L-O, which means ‘...

Symbiotic

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Symbiotic is an adjective that means characterized by a cooperative, interdependent relationship. The Greek word symbiosis (sim be OH sis) is a noun t...

Sequacious

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sequacious is an adjective that means servile or subservient. A sequacious person is more like to follow than lead, so it makes sense that our word of...

Mesmeric

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mesmeric is an adjective that means fascinating or irresistible. Our word of the day comes from an 18th century Austrian physician named Franz Anton M...

Omnifarious

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Omnifarious is an adjective that means of all kinds or forms. Our word of the day combines the Latin omni (OHM knee) meaning ‘all’ and fariam (FAR...

Cede

03 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cede is a verb that means to yield. The Latin word cedere (CHAY dare ay) meaning ‘to yield’ was often used in a legal sense. The word’s meaning ...

Ataraxia

02 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ataraxia is a noun that refers to a state of serene calmness. Our word of the day comes directly from Greek and has maintained the same definition for...

Winnow

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Winnow is a verb that means to sift or separate. It’s also a noun that refers to a device used to winnow. Our word of the day has its origin in...

Connote

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Connote is a verb that means to convey or imply. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word notare (no TAR ay) which means ‘to note’ or ‘to r...

Commensurate

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Commensurate is an adjective that means equal in amount or extent. The Latin word mensura (men SUE ruh) means ‘to measure.’ By adding the prefix C...

Spate

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Spate is a noun that refers to a large number or amount. Our word of the day is of Scottish and Northern English origin and dates back to the early 15...

Purlieu

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Purlieu is a noun that refers to a surrounding area or an environment. In Medieval England, a perambulation was a name for a ceremony where a person t...

Avocation

26 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Avocation is a noun that refers to ‘a hobby.’ You may recognize the word ‘vocation’ — a synonym of ‘career’ — in our word of the day. ...

Potable

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Potable is an adjective that means ‘suitable for drinking.’ As a noun it refers to ‘a liquid that is suitable for drinking.’ The Latin word po...

Oblique

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Oblique is an adjective that means ‘indirect or not straightforward.’ It’s also a noun that refers to ‘something that is oblique.’ Our ...

Pliable

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pliable is an adjective that means ‘yielding readily to others.’ Our word of the day has evolved from the Latin word plicare (plee CAR ay) which m...

Comestible

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Comestible is an adjective that means ‘edible.’ It is also a noun that refers to ‘food.’ The Latin word comedere (co may DARE ay) means ‘...

Pedagogical

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pedagogical is an adjective that means ‘related to a teacher or education.’ The Greek word paidagōgos (PIE duh go gose) referred to a slave who b...

Lackadaisical

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lackadaisical is an adjective that means ‘lacking spirit or zest.’ Our word of the day began life with the popular 17th century phrase ‘alack th...

Fraught

19 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fraught is an adjective that means ‘full of or accompanied by something.’ The origin of our word of the day is in Middle English where it beg...

Mot juste

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mot juste is a noun that refers to ‘the exactly right word or phrasing.’ Our word of the day is borrowed directly from French and it translat...

Heterodox

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Heterodox is an adjective that means ‘different from the traditional method.’ Our word of the day could be thought of as an antonym of orthodox, w...

Cacology

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cacology is a noun that refers to a poor choice of words. The Greek word kakos (kah KOSE) means ‘bad’ or ‘evil.’ Our word of the day has evolv...

Pleonexia

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pleonexia is a noun that refers to greed. The Greek word pleon (PLAY on) means ‘to have.’ Our word of the day evolved from this to become a synony...

Myopic

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Myopic is an adjective that means lacking foresight. Our word of the day has its origin in the word Greek my myopia (my OPE ee uh) which refers to sho...

Fugacious

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fugacious is an adjective that means lasting a short time. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word fugere (foo JAIR ay) which means ‘to flee.’...

Loquacious

12 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Loquacious is an adjective that means talkative or fluent. The Latin word loquāc (low KWATCH) means ‘verbose.’ A loquacious person talks a lot an...

Tenderfoot

11 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tenderfoot is a noun that refers to an inexperienced beginner. The English words ‘tender’ and ‘foot’ combine to form our word of the day. A pe...

Argus

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Argus is a noun that refers to a watchful guardian. In Greek mythology, Argos was a giant with many eyes. As time went by, it was often said that a wa...

Extirpate

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Extirpate is a verb that means to destroy completely. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word stirps (steer PEE ess) which means ‘trunk’ or ...

Incur

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Incur is a verb that means to become liable or subject to. The Latin word currere (COO ray ray) means ‘to run.’ By adding the prefix ‘IN,’ we ...

Mare's Nest

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mare’s nest is a noun that refers to a hoax or an illusion. Our word of the day combines two very familiar English words, ‘mare’ and ‘nest.’...

Austral

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Austral is an adjective that means related to the southern hemisphere. You may recognize our word of the day as being embedded in the name of the coun...

Misoneism

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Misoneism is a noun that refers to a fear of innovation or change. The Greek word for hatred is misos (ME sose) combined with another Greek word Neos ...

Costive

04 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Costive is an adjective that means slow in action or expression. The Latin word constipare (con stee PAR ay) referred to constipation, the medical con...

Spall

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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Homologate

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Homologate is a verb that means to sanction or approve of. Our word of the day combines the Greek Homos (HO mose) which means “alike” with the Gre...

Byronic

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Byronic is an adjective that means moody and melodramatic. 19th century poet Lord Byron provides the origin of our word of the day. He was a romantic ...

Gimcrack

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gimcrack is a noun that refers to something cheap and showy but of little use or an adjective that means showy but worthless. Our word of the day’s ...

Encomium

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Encomium is a noun that refers to glowing praise. The Greek word kōmos (COE mose) means ‘celebration.’ Enkōmion (en COMB ee um) referred specifi...

Prestidigitation

29 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Prestidigitation is a noun that means sleight of hand. Our word of the day gets its origin by combining presto (PRESS toe) the Italian word for ‘qui...

Bowdlerize

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bowdlerize is a verb that means to expurgate by omit parts considered vulgar. Our word of the day’s origin begins with a 19th century English physic...

Lucullan

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lucullan is an adjective that means luxurious. The Roman general Lucius Licinius (loo SIN ee us) Lucullus had a reputation for having a lush lifestyle...

Indurate

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Indurate is a verb that means to harden or an adjective that means physically or morally hardened. The Latin word durus (DOO roos) means hard. It has ...

Geoponic

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Geoponic is an adjective that means related to farming. Derived from the Greek word ponein (POE neen) meaning ‘toil,’ our word of the day’s spec...

Nocebo

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nocebo is a noun that refers to a harmless substance that causes harm because it is believed to be harmful. You may already be familiar with the word ...

Monepic

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Monepic is an adjective that means comprised of one word. Our word of the day is of Greek origin. The word epos (EP ose) means ‘word’ and combined...

Materfamilias

22 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Materfamilias is a noun that refers to the female head of the household. Our word is a combination of two Latin words. Mater (MAH ter) meaning ‘moth...

Periphrasis

21 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Periphrasis is a noun that means the use of more words than necessary. The Greek word phrazein (FRAH zeen) provides the origin of our word of the day....

Blench

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Blench is a verb that means to draw back from lack of courage. Derived from Old English, our word of the day, blench is similar to the word blanch, wh...

Capstone

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Capstone is a noun that refers to a crowning achievement. Our word of the day combines ‘cap’ with ‘stone’ to refer to the final stone in a con...

Dilapidated

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dilapidated is an adjective that means decayed or fallen into partial ruin. Lapis (LAP eese) is the Latin word for stone. By adding the prefix D-I, we...

Esprit de corps

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Esprit de corps is a noun that refers to a spirit of solidarity. Our word of the day comes directly from French. It is often used to describe sports t...

Peremptory

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Peremptory is an adjective that means dictatorial or not allowing contradictions. Our word of the day is derived from Latin. The word perimere (per ee...

Terrene

15 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Terrene is an adjective that means earthly or mundane and also a noun that means earth or terrain. Terra (TEAR uh) is the Latin word for earth. When u...

Augean

14 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Augean is an adjective that means extremely difficult. Our word of the day is a reference to Augean stable, the cleansing of which was one of the labo...

Histrionics

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Histrionics is a noun that refers to melodramatic or hysterical behavior. The Latin word histrio (HISS tree oh) means ‘actor.’ While actors aren’...

Pollyanna

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pollyanna is a noun that refers to a naively optimistic person. Our word of the day comes from a 1913 novel by Elinor Porter. Pollyanna is both the ...

Bacchanal

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bacchanal is a noun that means a wild drunken celebration. It can also be an adjective that means related to the god of wine. Bacchus is the Greek god...

Abet

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Abet is a verb that means to aid or assist in doing something wrong. Our word of the day began life in Middle English where it meant, ‘to urge to do...

Morphean

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Morphean is an adjective that means related to or producing sleep. Morpheus was the Greek god of dreams. Our word of the day can, in come cases simply...

Dearth

08 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dearth is a noun that refers to a scarcity. Derived from a Middle English word that had the same meaning and nearly the same spelling — D-E-R-T-H-E....

Karuna

07 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Karuna is a noun that refers to loving compassion. Our word of the day is of Sanskrit origin and is commonly used among Buddhists to describe a means ...

Lucent

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lucent is an adjective that means clear or glowing with light. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word lucēre (LOO chair ray) which means ...

Prudential

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Prudential is an adjective that means exercising good judgement. Behavior that be labelled prudential is usually wise and containing foresight. So it ...

Redbrick

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Redbrick is an adjective that means working class or lacking prestige. Our word of the day combines the two common English words, ‘red’ and ‘bri...

Sycophant

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sycophant is a noun that refers to a flatterer or someone who is servile. The Greek word sykophantēs (seek oh FANT ace) meant slanderer. Over time th...

Pickwickian

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pickwickian is an adjective that means innocent or naive. In the 19th century Charles Dickens novel, the Pickwick Papers, the character named Samuel P...

Contumacious

01 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Contumacious is an adjective that means stubbornly disobedient. The origin of contumacious is contumax (con TOO mocks) the Latin word for rebellious. ...

Interdict

29 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Interdict is a verb that means to prohibit or stop. It can also be used as a noun that refers to a prohibition. Our word of the day is of Latin origin...

Propinquity

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Propinquity is a noun that means nearness or proximity. The Latin word prope (PRO pay) which means ‘near’ has given birth to our word of the day a...

Imprecation

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Imprecation is a noun that refers to a curse. The Latin word precari (pray CAR ee) means ‘to pray, ask or request.’ The addition of the prefix I-N...

Panoply

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Panoply is a noun that refers to a magnificent or impressive array. The Greek word panoplia (pan oh PLEE uh) referred the full set of armor worn by Gr...

Dexterous

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dexterous is an adjective that means skillful or adroit. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word dexter (DECKS ter) meaning ‘on the right...

Phlegmatic

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Phlegmatic is an adjective that means having a calm, composed temperament. You may recognize the word phlegm, as in the bodily fluid, in our word of t...

Cadge

23 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cadge is a verb that means to beg. The linguistic origin of cadge is not known for certain, but we do know that in the 1400s, peddlers who were called...

Gainly

22 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gainly can be an adjective that means graceful. It can also be used as an adverb that means very or completely. Originating in Middle English, th...

Tweedy

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tweedy is an adjective that means academic or scholarly. Tweed is a fabric whose name is of Scots origin. Because tweed is commonly worn by acade...

Wieldy

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wieldy is an adjective that means easily handled or managed. To wield something means to ‘hold’ or ‘use’ it. It is related to the German word ...

Overslaugh

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Overslaugh is a verb that means to pass over in favor of another. Less commonly, it can also be used as a noun that refers to an exemption from duty f...

Acarpous

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Acarpous is an adjective that means sterile  or not producing fruit. Karpos (CAR pose) is the Greek word for fruit. The addition of the pref...

Hermetic

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hermetic is an adjective that means airtight or not affected by outside influence. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the god of science and art. So it ma...

Crestfallen

16 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Crestfallen is an adjective that means dispirited or humiliated. Our word of the day began life in the late 16th century, originating with a reference...

Sanguine

15 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sanguine is an adjective that means cheerfully optimistic. It can also be an adjective that means consisting of or related to blood or a noun tha...

Conduce

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Conduce is a verb that means to lead to a particular result. The origin of our word of the day is from the Latin word conducere (cone do CHAIR ay) whi...

Sui generis

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sui generis is an adjective that means of its own kind or unique. Our word of the day is a phrase taken directly from Latin. Its literal translation i...

Syncretic

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Syncretic is an adjective that means combining different forms of belief or practice. The Greek word synkrētismos (sink ray TISS mos) refers to a fed...

Vitiate

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Vitiate is a verb that means to corrupt or make ineffective. Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word vitium (VEE tyoom) which means ‘faul...