Word Of The Day

Susurrus

a soft murmuring or rustling sound; whisper.



Axiomatic

Axiomatic is a formal adjective that describes something—usually a statement—that is understood as obviously true, such that it is or should be taken for granted.

// It is axiomatic that successful athletes are not just talented, but have put in years of dedicated training.



Aberration

the act of departing from the right, normal, or usual course.



De rigueur

strictly required, as by etiquette, usage, or fashion.



Gargoyle

A gargoyle is a strange or grotesque human or animal figure that sticks out from the roof of a building (such as a church) and is used to cause rainwater to flow away from the building's sides.

// Some of the exchange students were creeped out by all the gargoyles they passed during their walking tour of the old European town.



Enigma

a person of puzzling or contradictory character.



Mangle

To mangle something is to ruin it due to carelessness or a lack of skill. Mangle can also mean “to injure or damage something or someone severely by cutting, tearing, or crushing.”

// Half-remembering a joke from her favorite sitcom, Ally mangled the punch line, but honestly, this made it even funnier.



Muster

to gather, summon, rouse (often followed by up).



Aplomb

imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.



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.