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Word of the Day

Word of the day

globular

[ glob-yuh-ler ] [ ˈglɒb yə lər ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

globe-shaped; spherical.

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Why Dictionary.com chose globular

More about globular

  • Globular was first recorded in 1650-60.
  • Globular comes from the Latin word globul(us), meaning “small, spherical body.”
  • Globular is also related to globe, which can refer to any planet or celestial body or specifically to the planet Earth (as in, the globe or globe-trotter).

EXAMPLES OF GLOBULAR

  • With its circular design and gleaming glass surface, the modern pendant lamp cast a warm and globular glow throughout the room.
  • The artist carefully sculpted a globular vase, with its smooth curves resembling a perfect sphere.
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Word of the day

skookum

[ skoo-kuhm ] [ ˈsku kəm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

large; powerful; impressive.

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Why Dictionary.com chose skookum

More about skookum

  • Skookum was first recorded around 1825-35.
  • Skookum comes from a word in Chinook Jargon that means “fearsome, powerful,” from Lower Chehalis skwəkwə́m, “ghost, spirit, monster.”
  • Chinook Jargon and Lower Chehalis are Salishan languages spoken in the Pacific Northwest.
  • One might say, “Is that skookum with you?” when looking for affirmation.
  • Skookum on its own can also mean “really awesome!”

EXAMPLES OF SKOOKUM

  • The skookum grizzly bear roamed through the forest, its massive size and strength commanding respect.
  • The skookum oak tree stood tall and majestic in the middle of the clearing, casting a shadow over the entire meadow.
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Word of the day

schadenfreude

[ shahd-n-froi-duh ] [ ˈʃɑd nˌfrɔɪ də ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.

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Why Dictionary.com chose schadenfreude

More about schadenfreude

  • Schadenfreude entered English around 1890-95.
  • Schadenfreude comes from German. It’s formed from the words Schaden, “harm,” and Freude, “joy.”
  • Schaden is related to the English word scathe, meaning “to hurt, harm, or injure.”
  • Freude and the English word frolic, meaning “to have fun,” share the same root as well.

EXAMPLES OF SCHADENFREUDE

  • Whenever her annoying neighbor’s car got a flat tire, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of schadenfreude.
  • Watching his rival slip and fall on the ice brought him a sense of schadenfreude.
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