Word of the Day

Cohere

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cohere is a verb that means to be united. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word cohaerēre (koe hay RARE ay) which means ‘to stick together....

Etesian

09 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Etesian is an adjective that means occurring every year. The Greek word etos (ETT ose) means year. From this we get our word of the day which first en...

Pharisaical

08 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pharisaical is an adjective that means hypocritical. Our word of the day is derived from the Pharisees, an ancient sect that was known among readers o...

Luddite

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Luddite is a noun that refers to a person who avoids the use of new technology. It’s not certain which language our word of the day comes from but w...

Extenuate

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Extenuate is a verb that means to lessen the severity of. The Latin word tenuare (TEN ooh are ay) means ‘to make thin.’ Combined with the prefix E...

Deify

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Deify is a verb that means to glorify or worship. The Latin word deus (DAY oos) means ‘god’ and the literal translation of our word of the day is ...

Sidereal

04 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sidereal is an adjective that means related to the stars. The Latin word sidus (SEE doos) means star. This is the origin of our word of the day. If yo...

Puerile

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Puerile is an adjective that means childish or silly. Our word of the day traces its origin to the Latin word puer (POO air) meaning ‘boy’  o...

Nebbish

02 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nebbish is a noun that refers to a timid or submissive person. Our word of the day is one of many words that originated in Yiddish, a language that be...

Mephitic

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mephitic is an adjective that means foul-smelling. Our word of the day has its origin in Latin, where the word mephitis (MEH fit iss) means ‘noxious...

Paean

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Paean is a noun that means a tribute or thing that expresses enthusiastic praise. According to Greek mythology, Paean was the physician to the gods. T...

Hegemony

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hegemony is a noun that refers to a dominance or authority over others. The Greek word hēgeisthai (hee GAYE sty) is a verb that means ‘to lead.’ ...

Phalanx

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Phalanx is a noun that refers to an organized body of persons. Our word of the day comes directly from Greek where it refers to an infantry of soldier...

Aeolian

28 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Aeolian is an adjective that means related to or caused by the wind. The Greek god Aeolus is the god of the winds. From this we get our word of the da...

Cerebrate

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cerebrate is a verb that means to use the mind or reason. You may recognize the Latin derived ‘cerebrum — a synonym of ‘brain’ — as cerebrat...

Achates

26 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Achates is a noun that refers to a faithful friend. Our word of the day comes from an epic poem called Aeneid. In the story, Achates accompanies a Tro...

Prandial

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Prandial is an adjective that means related to a meal. The Latin word prandium (PRAHN dee oom) means breakfast. In time it came to refer to any meal. ...

Affranchise

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Affranchise is a verb that means to set free. You may recognize ‘franchise’ as the root of our word of the day. It comes from the Latin word franc...

Disport

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Disport is mainly used as a verb that means to divert or amuse, but less commonly, it can be a noun that refers to a sport. Our word of the day is der...

Lineament

22 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lineament is a noun that refers to a distinctive feature -- especially on the face. Linea (LIN ee ah) comes from Latin and means ‘line.’ Keep in m...

Sedulous

21 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sedulous is an adjective that means involving great effort and perseverance. Our word of the day is evolved from the Latin words se dolus (say DOE loo...

Asperity

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Asperity is a noun that refers to roughness. The Latin word asper (AHH spur) means rough. This word took a lengthy journey through Anglo-French and Mi...

Precatory

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Precatory is an adjective that means expressing a wish. Precari (pray CAR ee) is the Latin word that means ‘to pray.’ Over time, it has evolved in...

Oenophile

18 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Oenophile is a noun that refers to a lover of wine. The Greek word for wine oinos (EE nosse) provides roughly half of our word of the day’s origin. ...

Clarion

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a noun, clarion refers to a medieval musical instrument or the clear, shrill noise it makes. As an adjective it means loud and clear. A clarion is ...

Calliopean

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Calliopean is an adjective that means loud and piercing. In Greek mythology, the muses were nine sisters who presided over various arts and sciences, ...

Gordian

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gordian is an adjective that means intricate or difficult to solve. It can also be used as a noun that refers to the Gordian knot of legend. According...

Ersatz

14 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ersatz is an adjective that means a substitute or imitation. Our word of the day comes directly from German, where it means ‘replacement.’ Ersatz ...

Spartan

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Spartan may be used as an adjective that means marked by strict self-discipline. It may also be used as a noun that refers to a person of strict disci...

Inosculate

12 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Inosculate is a verb that means to join or unite. The Latin osculare (oh skoo LAHR ay) means ‘to provide with a mouth or outlet.’ Along with the p...

Gest

11 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gest is a noun that refers to a tale or adventure. Our word of the day is not to be confused with jest, JEST, but both words share a common ancestor. ...

Ligneous

10 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ligneous is an adjective that means of or resembling wood. Our word of the day began with the Latin word lignum (LEAN yoom) which simply means ‘wood...

Misprision

09 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Misprision is a noun that means the neglect or wrong performance of official duty. The Latin word prehendere (PREN dare ay) means ‘to seize’ or ‘...

Machinate

08 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Machinate is a verb that means to plot or scheme. Our word of the day is from the Latin Machina (MOCK ee nah) where it roughly translates to ‘machin...

Nestor

07 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nestor is a noun that refers to one who is the leader in a field. Nestor was a figure from Greek mythology who served as a wise leader in the Tro...

Foible

06 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Foible is a noun that means a minor shortcoming is someone's character. In fencing, the word forte refers to the strongest point of the blade. So unde...

Doldrums

05 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Doldrums is a noun that refers to a slump or a state of stagnation. The exact etymology of our word of the day is unknown, but we know it was first us...

Begrudge

04 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Begrudge is a verb that means to envy or resent someone's good fortune. You may have noticed the word ‘grudge’ nested in our word of the day. Deri...

Shambolic

03 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Shambolic is an adjective that means disorganized or confused. A fairly recent addition to English our word of the day came about in the mid-twentieth...

Promethean

02 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Promethean is an adjective that means boldly defiant or creative. Getting its origin from the Greek God Prometheus known for his daring inventiveness ...

Connubial

01 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Connubial is an adjective that means related to the state of marriage. Connubial combines the Latin word nubere (new BEAR ay) with the prefix COM, mea...

Sagacity

31 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sagacity is a noun that refers to wisdom or keen judgement. The Latin word sagax (SA gacks) means ‘of quick perception’ or ‘keen.’ This word g...

Embosom

30 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Embosom is a verb that means to shelter closely. Our word of the day is related to the word bosom, a word of Old English origin that means a person’...

Chimera

29 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chimera is a noun that refers to a fanciful fabrication or illusion. In Greek mythology, a chimera is a fire-breathing monster that has a lion’s hea...

Factotum

28 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Factotum is a noun that refers to someone tasked with many diverse responsibilities. Factotum combines the Latin words facere (FAH chair ay) which mea...

Standpat

27 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Standpat is an adjective that means stubbornly resisting change. It can also be a verb that refers to an act of resisting change. Standpat is a term f...

Chameleonic

26 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chameleonic is an adjective that means given to quick or frequent change. A chameleon is a lizard known for its ability to change colors. It gets its ...

Canorous

25 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Canorous is an adjective that means pleasant sounding or melodious. Our word of the day’s origin is in the Latin word canere (Can AIR ay) which mean...

Suborn

24 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Suborn is a verb that means to secretly induce (someone) to perform an illegal act. Our word of the day combines the Latin prefix SUB, meaning ‘unde...

Percipient

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Percipient is an adjective that means having deep insight or understanding. It can also be used as a noun that means ‘one who perceives.’ The Lati...

Malapropism

22 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The word is sometimes shortened to malaprop, which is spelled MALAPROP. Malapropism is a noun that refers to a humorously misused word or phrase. Our ...

Aurorean

21 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Aurorean is an adjective that means of or belonging to the dawn. Fans of Roman mythology may know that Aurora was the Roman Goddess of the dawn. The w...

Expiate

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Expiate is a verb that means to make amends for. Our word of the day began life with the Latin word expiare, which means ‘to atone for.’ Before ar...

Scandent

19 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Scandent is an adjective that means climbing or ascending. Coming from the Latin word scandere (SCON dare ay) meaning ‘to climb,’ our word of the ...

Cordate

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Cordate is an adjective that means heart-shaped. The Latin word cordi (CORE dee) means heart. Keep in mind that a cordate object is not shaped like an...

Bon vivant

17 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bon vivant is a noun that refers to a person who enjoys the good things in life. Our word of the day comes to us directly from the French, where its l...

Reprehend

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Reprehend is a verb that means to voice disapproval of. The Latin word hendere (HEN dare ay) means ‘to seize’ or ‘to grasp.’ Our word of the d...

Basilic

15 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Basilic is an adjective that means royal or of great importance. The Greek word basilikḗ (BAH seal eek) means ‘royal building.’ As the word evol...

Euchre

14 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Euchre is a verb that means to cheat or trick. The precise etymology of our word of the day is not known, but we do know it was, and is, the name of a...

Distend

13 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Distend is a verb that means to extend or stretch. The Latin word tendere (TEN dare ay) means ‘to stretch.’ By combining it with the prefix ‘DIS...

Repletion

12 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Repletion is a noun that refers to the condition of being filled to excess. Repletion comes from the Latin repletionem (rep play TONE aim) meaning ‘...

Officious

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Officious is an adjective that means meddlesome or overly eager to offer unwanted advice. Our word of the day comes almost directly from the Latin wor...

Desuetude

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Desuetude is a noun that means discontinuance from use or exercise. Our word of the day is a distant relative of the Latin verb suescere (sue ay SHARE...

Celerity

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Celerity is a noun that refers to swiftness or speed. The Latin word celer (SAY lare) means ‘swift’ or ‘speedy.’ Its distant relative, celerit...

Probative

08 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Probative is an adjective that means done for the purpose of testing or trying. Probative is derived from the Latin word probare (pro BAR ay) meaning ...

Rebus

07 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rebus is a noun that refers to a representation of a word using pictures or symbols. In Latin, rebus is the plural of res (RACE) meaning ‘thing’ o...

Derogate

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Derogate is a verb that means to belittle or disparage. Derogate’s roots are similar to that of the word derogatory, which means ‘showing a critic...

Brio

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Brio is a noun that means enthusiasm or vigor. Our word of the day is what is known as a loan word, meaning ‘a word adopted from a foreign language ...

Herculean

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Herculean is an adjective that means requiring great strength. Those familiar with Greek mythology may have heard of the son of Zeus named Hercules kn...

Endogenous

03 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Endogenous is an adjective that means originating from within. The Greek prefix E-N-D-O means ‘from within.’ And Genous (JEN ose) means ‘produci...

Atrophy

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Atrophy is a noun that refers to a wasting away. It can also serve as a verb that means ‘to waste away.’ The literal translation of our word ...

Excursus

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Excursus is a noun that refers to a digression on a particular point. From Latin, we get the word excurrere (EKS coo air ay) which refers to a digress...

Inveterate

30 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Inveterate is an adjective that means stubbornly established by habit. The Latin word vetus (VAY toos) means ‘old.’ In the past, our word of the d...

De rigueur

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

De rigueur is an adjective that means required by custom or etiquette. Coming directly from French, de rigueur’s literal translation is ‘of strict...

Devolve

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Devolve is a verb that means to transfer or be passed on to another. Our word of the day is often thought of as the opposite of the word evolve, and i...

Intractable

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

ntractable is an adjective that means not easily managed or controlled. The Latin word tractabilis (tract uh BEEL us) roughly translates to ‘managea...

Mercurial

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mercurial is an adjective that means characterized by rapid, unpredictable change. Our word of the day shares its roots with a planet and a Roman god....

Vacuous

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Vacuous is an adjective that means empty or lacking content. Coming from the Latin word vacuus (vah KOOS) meaning ‘empty’ our word of the day shar...

Bugbear

24 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bugbear is a noun that means an object of fear or dread. Our word of the day entered English in the 16th century where it was used by writers of scary...

Solecism

23 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Solecism is a noun that means a blunder in speech. The city of soloi was known for the bad grammar of its inhabitants known as solikos (SO loy kos). T...

Yeasayer

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Yeasayer is a noun that means someone with a positive attitude. You may have heard of the word naysayer, a noun referring to a person constantly denyi...

Niveous

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Niveous is an adjective that means related to or resembling snow. The Latin word ‘nix’ (NEEKS uh) means snow. Niveous, a word that entered English...

Aver

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Aver is a verb that means to declare. Our word of the day is a combination of the Latin words ‘ad,’ meaning ‘to’ and verus (VARE oos) meaning ...

Inexorable

19 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Inexorable is an adjective that means not to be persuaded, moved or stopped. The Latin word exorabilis (ex or uh BEE lees) means flexible or lenient. ...

Velutinous

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Velutinous is an adjective that means soft and smooth like velvet. The Latin word for velvet is velutum (vel LOOT oom), which also provides the origin...

Fussbudget

17 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fussbudget is a noun that refers to a person who worries about unimportant things. Our word of the day is a combination of the words ‘fuss,’ meani...

Newspeak

16 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Newspeak is a noun that means deliberately ambiguous language designed to deceive. Author George Orwell first coined the word newspeak for his dystopi...

Inscape

15 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Inscape is a noun that refers to a person's inner character. Our word of the day combines the prefix I-N, for ‘inner’ and the suffix ‘scape’ w...

Impend

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Impend is a verb that means to be about to happen. It may surprise you to learn that our word of the day is a close relative of the word pendant. Both...

Obvert

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Obvert is a verb that means to turn so as to present a different view. Our word of the day combines the prefix O-B meaning ‘toward’ with the Latin...

Mooncalf

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mooncalf is a noun that means a foolish or absent-minded person. The exact origin of our word of the day is something of a mystery, but some believe i...

Quiescent

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Quiescent is an adjective that means at rest. The Latin quiēscere (kwee ACE sare ay) means ‘to be quiet’ or ‘to rest.’ A person or thing that...

Stolid

10 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Stolid is an adjective that means not easily moved. Don’t be misled by out word of the day’s origin. It comes from the Latin stolidus (STOW lee do...

Bogart

09 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bogart is a verb that means to bully or take more that ones fair share. Hollywood legend Humphrey Bogart was known for playing rough, highly intimidat...

Highbinder

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Highbinder is a noun that means a swindler or gangster. Not much is known about the exact origin of our word of the day, but, highbinder seems to have...

Copper-Bottomed

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Copper-bottomed is an adjective that means reliable. Our word of the day combines two common English words ‘copper’ and ‘bottomed.’ In a liter...

Senectitude

06 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Senectitude is a noun that refers to old age. Our word of the day is an appropriately old word. The Latin word senectus (SEN eck toos) means old age. ...

Satisfice

05 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Satisfice is a verb that means to accept an available option as satisfactory. Our word of the day is a blend of satisfy and suffice, two English words...

Superlunary

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Superlunary is an adjective that means beyond the moon. From the Latin Luna (LOO nah) we get moon. And from the Latin super (SOO pair) we get ‘above...

Argot

03 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Argot is a noun that refers to the jargon or slang of a particular group. Borrowed from the French in the mid 19th century, our word of the day refers...