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WORD OF THE DAY DETAILS

# Title Description Date
1 Retronym

Retronym refers to a term (such as analog watch, film camera, or acoustic guitar) that is created and adopted to distinguish the original or older version, form, or example of something from others that are more recent.

// While ordering a regular coffee Sam started to tell the barista about how “regular coffee” is a retronym until the next person in line sighed with impatience.

08-Jan-2024
2 Ad hockery

reliance on temporary solutions rather than on consistent, long-term plans.

06-Jan-2024
3 Nigh

near in space, time, or relation.

05-Jan-2024
4 Diligent

Someone or something described as diligent is characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort.

// After many hours of diligent research, the students were ready to compile their results.

04-Jan-2024
5 Avatar

an image or other graphic representation that acts as a proxy for a person or is associated with a specific digital account or identity.

03-Jan-2024
6 Incipient

Incipient is used to describe things which are beginning to come into being or which are to become apparent.

// The study clearly needs to be extended because the most recent data suggest incipient changes in the trends identified.

02-Jan-2024
7 Arduous

Arduous is an adjective used to describe something that is very difficult or strenuous.

// The gorgeous waterfall at the top of the mountain was worth the arduous hike.

30-Dec-2023
8 Glower

To glower is to look or stare with sullen annoyance or anger. // Kelly glowered at me after I sided with Brenda in their dispute about the chores.

29-Dec-2023
9 Ubiquitous

Ubiquitous is a synonym of widespread and describes things that are actually, or seemingly, seen or encountered everywhere.

// Though they were once a status symbol reserved only for those with considerable means, smartphones are now a ubiquitous technology.

28-Dec-2023
10 Wanderlust

a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.

27-Dec-2023
11 Chapfallen

Chapfallen (less commonly spelled chopfallen) is a synonym of depressed that means "cast down in spirit." It can also mean "having the lower jaw hanging loosely."

26-Dec-2023
12 Serendipity

accidental discovery.

25-Dec-2023
13 Mountweazel

a decoy entry in a dictionary or encyclopedia, secretly planted among the genuine entries to catch other publishers in the act of copying content.

23-Dec-2023
14 Cromulent

acceptable or legitimate.

22-Dec-2023
15 Overweening

To describe someone as overweening is to say that they are arrogant and unduly proud. Overweening also disapprovingly describes qualities or desires, such as greed or ambition, that are seen as excessive.

20-Dec-2023
16 Perspicuity

clearness or lucidity, as of a statement.

19-Dec-2023
17 Raconteur

A raconteur is someone who excels in telling anecdotes. // A bona fide raconteur, Paola can turn even mundane experiences into hilariously entertaining stories.

18-Dec-2023
18 Delve

To delve is to carefully search for information about something, or to examine a subject in detail, as in “The class eagerly delved into the writings of Zora Neale Hurston.” Delve can also mean “to dig or labor with or as if with a spade,” as in “delving into their pockets for loose change.” As the examples show, delve is typically followed by into.

16-Dec-2023
19 Genial

Someone described as genial is cheerful and pleasant; a thing described as genial suggests or expresses friendliness and cheer.

// Omar was a most genial host, making sure to spend time with each and every one of the guests at the reception.

// Though I knew no one at the conference, the genial atmosphere immediately put me at ease.

15-Dec-2023
20 Exhort

To exhort someone is to try to strongly urge them to do something.

// The volunteers exhorted the young adults to register to vote before the upcoming election.

14-Dec-2023
21 Yawp

noun: a loud, raucous noise

verb: make a raucous noise

verb: complain whiningly

13-Dec-2023
22 POV

the position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator's outlook from which the events are depicted and by the attitude toward the characters.

11-Dec-2023
23 Tincture

Tincture refers to a solution made by mixing a medicinal substance in an alcoholic solvent. It can also refer to a slight trace of something, as in “a tincture of doubt.”

08-Dec-2023
24 Tincture

Tincture refers to a solution made by mixing a medicinal substance in an alcoholic solvent. It can also refer to a slight trace of something, as in “a tincture of doubt.”

07-Dec-2023
25 Permeable

Permeable is a synonym of penetrable that is used especially to describe things that have pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through.

06-Dec-2023
26 Avoirdupois

Avoirdupois is synonymous with weight and heaviness, especially as related to the body. It also refers to the series of units of weight based on the pound of 16 ounces and the ounce of 16 drams.

05-Dec-2023
27 Dexterous

Dexterous is a formal adjective used to describe someone or something that has or shows great skill or cleverness.

04-Dec-2023
28 Felicitous

Felicitous is an adjective most often used in formal speech and writing to describe something that is very well expressed or suited for some purpose or situation. It can also be used as a synonym for pleasant or delightful.

01-Dec-2023
29 Theodore Roosevelt

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

30-Nov-2023
30 Gâteau

a cake, especially a very light sponge cake with a rich icing or filling.

30-Nov-2023
31 Detritus

Detritus refers to debris—that is, the pieces that remain when something breaks, falls apart, or is destroyed.

29-Nov-2023
32 Enervate

to deprive of force or strength; destroy the vigor of; weaken.

28-Nov-2023
33 Vertiginous

liable or threatening to cause the dizzying sensation of vertigo.

27-Nov-2023
34 Auberge

an inn; hostel.

25-Nov-2023
35 Cavort

to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner.

24-Nov-2023
36 Reticent

1. unwilling or reluctant to draw attention to oneself

2. restrained and formal in manner

3. not inclined to talk or provide information: reserved

23-Nov-2023
37 Toothsome

pleasing to the taste; palatable.

22-Nov-2023
38 Globalization

 growth to a worldwide scale

21-Nov-2023
39 Bombastic

(of speech, writing, etc.) high-sounding; high-flown; pretentious.

20-Nov-2023
40 Hallmarkplay

A hallmark is a distinguishing characteristic, trait, or feature. Hallmark also refers to a mark or design placed or stamped on something to indicate its origin, purity, or genuineness, as in "sterling silver hallmarks."

// The entertainer's new book features the same kind of wry humor that is the hallmark of his radio show.

18-Nov-2023
41 Obfuscation

1. darkening or obscuring the sight of something

2. the activity of obscuring people’s understanding, leaving them baffled or bewildered

3. confusion resulting from failure to understand

17-Nov-2023
42 Woebegone

Woebegone describes someone or something that feels or shows great woe, sorrow, or misery.

// The team never looked more woebegone than it did heading back to the locker room after losing the championship to their rivals by a single run.

// Despite its woebegone appearance, the old mill town has a strong community and a vibrant arts scene.

16-Nov-2023
43 Largess

1. generosity in bestowing gifts; a willingness to give liberally

2. a gift or money given as for service or out of benevolence; usually given in a showy way

15-Nov-2023
44 Monadnock

a residual hill or mountain standing well above the surface of a surrounding area.

14-Nov-2023
45 Reverence

a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.

11-Nov-2023
46 Audacious

Audacious is an adjective used to describe people, or things that people make or do, that are confident and daring, or bold and surprising.

// She made the audacious decision to quit her job.

// The band has been making original and creative music for well over ten years, but their latest album is their most audacious to date.

10-Nov-2023
47 Mawkish

characterized by sickly sentimentality; weakly emotional; maudlin.

09-Nov-2023
48 Seriatim

in a series; one after another.

08-Nov-2023
49 Semaphore

a system of signaling, especially a system by which a special flag is held in each hand and various positions of the arms indicate specific letters, numbers, etc.

07-Nov-2023
50 Copacetic

fine; completely satisfactory; OK.

06-Nov-2023