Word Of The Day

Insinuate

To insinuate something (especially something bad or insulting) is to say it in a subtle or indirect way. Insinuate can also mean "to gradually make (oneself) a part of a group, a person's life, etc., often by behaving in a dishonest way."

// When the teacher questioned the students about their identical test answers, they knew she was insinuating that they had cheated.

// They have managed to insinuate themselves into the city's most influential social circles.



Behest

Behest can refer either to an authoritative order or an urgent prompting.

// The committee met again at the senator’s behest.

// At the behest of her friends, Marcie read the poem aloud.



Mollifyplay

To mollify someone is to make them less angry. Mollify can also mean "to reduce in intensity."

// The celebrity's statement was intended to mollify critics.

// Time mollified her anger.



Trivial

Something described as trivial is of little worth or importance.

// Although her parents initially dismissed her love of pop music as a trivial matter, it became clear as she applied to colleges with strong popular music programs that much of her life was going to be dedicated to it.



Trivial

Something described as trivial is of little worth or importance.

// Although her parents initially dismissed her love of pop music as a trivial matter, it became clear as she applied to colleges with strong popular music programs that much of her life was going to be dedicated to it.



Epitome

Epitome means "a perfect example." It is usually used in the phrase "the epitome of," as in "the epitome of elegance."

// In his tailored suit and fashionable haircut, he was the very epitome of style.



Incisive

Incisive means "impressively direct and decisive." It is generally applied to either something communicated in a way that is very clear and direct, or to a person who is able to explain difficult ideas clearly and confidently.

// The columnist is known for her incisive commentary on local politics.



Diminution

Diminution is a formal word that refers to the act or process of becoming less.

// The company is committed to seeing that efforts to scale up production do not result in a diminution of quality.



Nebulous

Nebulous is a formal word used to describe something that is difficult to see, understand, or describe—in other words, something indistinct or vague.

// A lot of philosophical concepts can seem nebulous at first, but a good instructor can cut through the jargon and help students see how they apply to day-to-day life.



Undulant

Undulant describes things that rise and fall in waves, or things that have a wavy form, outline, or surface.

// The exhibit featured a painting with beautiful green strokes that resembled undulant hills.