Word of the Day
Word of the day
lagom
noun
the principle of living a balanced, moderate, and simple life
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Why Dictionary.com chose lagom
More about lagom
- First recorded in 1935–40.
- From Swedish lagom, meaning “just right, in moderation.”
- Related to the English word law.
EXAMPLES OF LAGOM
- The garden was the epitome of lagom, tidy but never overly manicured.
- They practiced lagom in their parenting; they kept it structured, but still flexible and kind.
intelligentsia
noun
intellectuals considered as an elite group or class
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Why Dictionary.com chose intelligentsia
More about intelligentsia
- First recorded in 1905–10.
- From Russian intelligéntsia; ultimately from the same Latin root as the word intelligence.
EXAMPLES OF INTELLIGENTSIA
- Judith rejected the idea that she was part of the intelligentsia, preferring to think of herself as a regular teacher and community member.
- During the war, many members of the intelligentsia were forced into exile.
piranha
noun
a small carnivorous freshwater fish native to South America
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Why Dictionary.com chose piranha
More about piranha
- First recorded in 1865–70.
- Ultimately from Tupi (a native Brazilian language) pirãîa, meaning “toothed fish.”
- English gets this word through Portuguese.
EXAMPLES OF PIRANHA
- The field trip group watched in fascination as the aquarium’s piranha darted between rocks.
- Piranha are native to the Amazon Basin and known for their carnivorous disposition.
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