Word of the Day
assuage
verb
to make milder or less severe; alleviate; ease; mitigate.
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Why Dictionary.com chose assuage
More about assuage
- First recorded in 1250–1300.
- Comes via Middle English from Old French and contains the Latin root suāvis, “agreeable to the taste, pleasant.”
- Both suave, “smoothly agreeable or polite,” and sweet are related to assuage.
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EXAMPLES OF ASSUAGE
- The kind words of a friend helped assuage her anxiety before the big presentation.
- The apology did little to assuage his anger over the misunderstanding.
resolute
adjective
firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion.
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Why Dictionary.com chose resolute
More about resolute
- First recorded in 1375–1425 for its earlier meaning, “dissolved.”
- Recorded in 1525–35 for its current meanings.
- Comes via late Middle English from the past participle of the Latin verb resolvere, “to resolve.”
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EXAMPLES OF RESOLUTE
- The team captain was resolute in her belief that they could still win the game, encouraging her teammates to keep pushing forward.
- Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained resolute in her decision to pursue a career in music.
kvell
verb
to be extraordinarily pleased; especially, to be bursting with pride, as over one's family.
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Why Dictionary.com chose kvell
More about kvell
- An Americanism first recorded in 1965–70.
- Comes from Yiddish kveln, meaning “to be delighted.”
- Related to the Middle High German and German word quellen, “to well up, gush.”
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EXAMPLES OF KVELL
- She couldn’t help but kvell over her daughter’s acceptance into the prestigious ballet company.
- Seeing their artwork displayed in a gallery made them kvell with happiness.
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