pastoral
Definition: (adjective) Idyllically rustic. Synonyms: arcadian, bucolic. Usage: Last I heard he bought a cottage on farmland and now leads a perfectly pastoral existence. Discuss
Category: Today’s Word
Today’s Word
pyrrhonism
noun: Extreme or absolute skepticism.
detritus
Definition: (noun) The remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up. Synonyms: debris, rubble. Usage: The streets of the new town were built …
cardinal
Definition: (adjective) Of foremost importance; paramount. Synonyms: fundamental, central, primal. Usage: The cardinal rule of membership in the secret society was never to reveal its …
jilt
Definition: (verb) To deceive or drop (a lover) suddenly or callously. Synonyms: forsake. Usage: Since being jilted by his fiancée, he had grown to distrust …
boiling point
noun: 1. The point at which a situation turns into a crisis. 2. The point at which one loses one’s temper. 3. The temperature at …
atrophy
Definition: (verb) To waste away; wither or deteriorate. Synonyms: shrivel, weaken. Usage: She had not painted in many years, and she was worried that her …
borax
adjective: Cheap and showy. noun: A white crystalline compound, also known as sodium borate, used in manufacturing, cleaning, etc.
detriment
Definition: (noun) A damage or loss. Synonyms: hurt. Usage: Her employers were understanding, and she was able to take a long leave of absence without …
chain reaction
noun: 1. A series of events, each triggered or influenced by the previous. 2. A chemical or nuclear reaction that results in products that cause …
mercantile
Definition: (adjective) Of or relating to merchants or trade. Synonyms: commercial. Usage: With so many vendors, the mercantile aspect of the historical site has nearly …
flashpoint
noun: 1. A point at which a situation turns critical, for example, resulting in violence. 2. A location or situation where conflict, violence, etc., flare …
thither
Definition: (adverb) To or toward that place; in that direction. Synonyms: there. Usage: Let us stroll thither, and examine the matter nearer. Discuss
litmus test
noun: 1. A test in which a single indicator prompts the decision. 2. A test to determine if a solution is acidic or alkaline.
caper
Definition: (noun) A playful leap or hop. Synonyms: capriole. Usage: The child's playfulness was amusing at first, but they soon grew tired of his capers. …
contretemps
Definition: (noun) An unforeseen event that disrupts the normal course of things; an inopportune occurrence. Synonyms: mishap, predicament, calamity. Usage: His cross-country tour had its …
gelid
Definition: (adjective) Very cold; icy. Synonyms: arctic, frigid, glacial, polar. Usage: After only a few minutes in the gelid wind, they were shivering too hard …
investiture
noun: A formal ceremony in which someone is given an official title, rank, honors, etc.
potentate
Definition: (noun) One who has the power and position to rule over others. Synonyms: dictator. Usage: She was a potentate in her home, all her …
revet
verb tr.: 1. To cover a wall, embankment, etc., with masonry or other supporting material. 2. To recheck or reexamine.
ersatz
Definition: (adjective) Being an imitation or a substitute, usually an inferior one; artificial. Synonyms: imitation. Usage: He was fairly sure that no coffee beans had …
travesty
noun: 1. Injustice (a shortened usage of “travesty of justice”). 2. Mockery; a debased or grotesque imitation. verb tr.: 1. To represent in a false …
panorama
Definition: (noun) An unbroken view of an entire surrounding area. Synonyms: vista. Usage: The panorama from the summit, with glistening lakes and green forests in …
divest
verb tr.: 1. To remove, give up, or sell off. 2. To take away or deprive. 3. To strip of clothing, ornament, etc.
sensibility
Definition: (noun) Mental responsiveness; discernment; awareness. Synonyms: aesthesia. Usage: After nine months in a coma, the patient began to exhibit sensibility. Discuss
defrock
verb tr.: To remove from a position of authority, privilege, etc.
plectrum
Definition: (noun) A small thin piece of metal, plastic, bone, or similar material, used to pluck the strings of certain instruments, such as the guitar …
lugubrious
Definition: (adjective) Mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially to an exaggerated or ludicrous degree. Synonyms: dreary, woeful, morose, funereal, doleful. Usage: He was so lugubrious that …
paradigm
Definition: (noun) One that serves as a pattern or model. Synonyms: epitome, prototype. Usage: Their company is a paradigm of the small high-tech firms that …
fleer
verb intr.: To laugh in a derisive manner. noun: A mocking look.
obstreperous
Definition: (adjective) Noisily and stubbornly defiant. Synonyms: unruly. Usage: Although the teacher ordered them to sit down, the obstreperous boys continued their antics. Discuss
quillet
verb intr.: To quibble. noun: A subtlety or quibble.
tergiversate
Definition: (verb) To use evasions or ambiguities; to change sides. Synonyms: equivocate, prevaricate, palter. Usage: She refused to tergiversate on the subject, stating her opinion …
hegemony
Definition: (noun) The predominant influence, as of a state, region, or group, over another or others. Synonyms: domination. Usage: Many great works of art were …
lanceolate
Definition: (adjective) Tapering from a rounded base toward an apex. Synonyms: lancelike. Usage: The bush had lanceolate leaves with sharp tips that could sting unwary …
rusticate
verb intr.: 1. To go to or live in the country. 2. To live or spend time in seclusion. verb tr.: 1. To send to …
mountebank
Definition: (noun) A hawker of quack medicines who attracts customers with stories, jokes, or tricks. Synonyms: charlatan. Usage: Walking down the street, they saw a …
tatterdemalion
Definition: (noun) A person wearing ragged or tattered clothing. Synonyms: ragamuffin. Usage: It was a crew of tatterdemalions that limped and straggled and wandered back …
portmanteau
Definition: (noun) A large leather suitcase that opens into two hinged compartments. Synonyms: Gladstone. Usage: With both sides stuffed to capacity, he needed to sit …
paean
noun: An expression of praise, joy, or triumph, typically in the form of a song. verb tr.: To make such an expression.