Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

Word of the Day

Word of the day

largess

[ lahr-jes ] [ lɑrˈdʒɛs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

generosity of spirit or attitude.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose largess

More about largess

  • Largess was first recorded in 1175–1225.
  • Largess is also spelled largesse and comes from the Middle English word largesse, from Old French.
  • Largess is related to large, which comes from the Latin word meaning “ample, generous.”

EXAMPLES OF LARGESS

  • Despite her humble beginnings, the politician displayed an incredible largess by sponsoring scholarships for underprivileged students.
  • The artist’s largess was displayed in his willingness to share her creative process with others, inspiring a new generation of painters.
quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
arrows pointing up and down
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
SEE TODAY'S SYNONYM
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

dernier cri

[ dern-yey kree ] [ ˈdɛrn yeɪ ˈkri ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the latest fashion; last word.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose dernier cri

More about dernier cri

  • Dernier cri entered English around 1895–1900.
  • Dernier cri comes from French and means literally, “last cry.”
  • You may recognize cri from cri de coeur, another borrowing from French that means “outcry” or literally, “cry of the heart.”

EXAMPLES OF DERNIER CRI

  • Her outfit at the party was the dernier cri, catching everyone’s attention with its cutting-edge design.
  • The restaurant’s menu boasted a selection of dishes that were not only delicious but also were the dernier cri in culinary innovation.
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

ad hockery

[ ad hok-uh-ree ] [ æd ˈhɒk ə ri ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

reliance on temporary solutions rather than on consistent, long-term plans.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose ad hockery

More about ad hockery

  • Ad hockery was first recorded between 1890–1900.
  • Ad hockery comes from the adjective and adverb ad hoc, “for the special purpose or end presently under consideration.”
  • Ad hoc entered English from the Latin phrase meaning “for this” around 1550–60 when the expression was quickly being adopted into legal and judicial writings.

EXAMPLES OF AD HOCKERY

  • The computer programmer’s inclination toward ad hockery often resulted in quick fixes that failed to address the underlying issues at hand.
  • The company’s ad hockery in managing its budget ultimately led to financial instability and a lack of sustainable growth.
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar