Category: Today’s Word

Today’s Word

omphaloskepsis

noun: 1. Contemplation of one’s navel. 2. Complacent self-indulgent introspection.

machination

Definition: (noun) A crafty scheme or cunning design for the accomplishment of a sinister end. Synonyms: intrigue. Usage: During his early youth he had to …

petrichor

noun: The pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a dry spell.

downplay

Definition: (verb) Represent as less significant or important. Synonyms: understate, minimize. Usage: As the police interrogated him, Henry tried desperately to downplay his role in …

spoonerism

noun: The transposition of (usually) the initial sounds of words producing a humorous result.

resistentialism

noun: The theory that inanimate objects demonstrate hostile behavior against us.

steadfast

Definition: (adjective) Marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable. Synonyms: unbendable, unfaltering, unshakable, unwavering, firm, steady, stiff. Usage: He remained steadfast in his belief …

mondegreen

noun: A word or phrase resulting from mishearing a word or phrase, especially in song lyrics.

moonstruck

Definition: (adjective) Insane and believed to be affected by the phases of the moon. Synonyms: lunatic. Usage: You are the first Avonlea girl who has …

flounder

Definition: (verb) Walk with great difficulty. Synonyms: stagger. Usage: Dave refused to run quietly on the trail behind the sled…but continued to flounder alongside in …

gravid

Definition: (adjective) Carrying developing young or eggs. Synonyms: pregnant. Usage: The program targets gravid mosquitos to prevent their proliferation. Discuss

do-all

noun: A person who does all kinds of work in a job.

delude

Definition: (verb) To deceive the mind or judgment of. Synonyms: cozen, deceive, lead on. Usage: You cannot delude me into believing that you ate your …

rakehell

noun: A licentious or immoral person.

acquirement

Definition: (noun) An ability that has been acquired by training. Synonyms: skill, accomplishment, attainment, acquisition. Usage: They were consequently much dissatisfied, and ready for any …

purlieu

Definition: (noun) An outer adjacent area of any place. Synonyms: environs. Usage: These skulking visitors would keep about the purlieus of the camp until daylight; …

pinchpenny

adjective: Unwilling to spend or give money. noun: A miserly person.

gleeful

Definition: (adjective) Full of high-spirited delight. Synonyms: elated, joyful, jubilant. Usage: As he spoke his boyish face was wreathed in a gleeful smile, and his …

comminate

comminate : To threaten with divine punishment; to curse.

hagiolatry

hagiolatry : 1. The worship of saints. 2. Treating someone with undue reverence.

gamboge

gamboge : 1. A strong yellow color. 2. A gum resin obtained from the sap of trees of the genus Garcinia, used as a yellow …

today’s wwftd is… parachronism

today’s parachronism : worthless word for the day is: parachronism /pa RAK ruh niz uhm/ an error in chronology; esp. the placing of an event