Word of the Day
sumptuous
adjective
luxuriously fine or large; lavish; splendid.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose sumptuous
More about sumptuous
- Entered English around 1475–85.
- Comes from the Latin word sūmptuōsus, meaning “expense.”
- Often confused with sumptuous, scrumptious, “very pleasing, especially to the senses; delectable,” is a possible alteration.
- Sign up for more Word of the Day!
EXAMPLES OF SUMPTUOUS
- The newlyweds indulged in a sumptuous honeymoon at a luxurious resort by the beach.
- She draped herself in a sumptuous velvet gown for the gala event.
propinquity
noun
nearness of relation; kinship.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose propinquity
More about propinquity
- First recorded in 1400–1450.
- Comes via Old French propinquite, from the Latin word propinquitās, meaning “nearness.”
- Sign up for more Word of the Day!
EXAMPLES OF PROPINQUITY
- The propinquity shared by the cousins led to a strong bond forged over many family gatherings.
- The propinquity between the two siblings was evident in the way they finished each other’s sentences.
assuage
verb
to make milder or less severe; alleviate; ease; mitigate.
learn about the english language
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.
- Sign up for more Word of the Day!
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.
Word of the Day Calendar