Word of the Day

Sunday, June 30, 2024

dovetail

[ duhv-teyl ] Show IPA

verb

to join or fit together compactly or harmoniously.

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First recorded in 1555–65.
So named from its shape.

EXAMPLES OF DOVETAIL

The new software is designed to dovetail seamlessly with existing systems.
Her plans dovetail nicely with his, making collaboration easy and efficient.

20240103

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Saturday, June 29, 2024

doppelgänger

[ dop-uhl-gang-er ] Show IPA

noun

a ghostly double or counterpart of a living person.

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Why Dictionary.com chose doppelgänger

More about doppelgänger

First recorded in English between 1850–55.
Directly from German: doppel, double + Gänger, “walker” (from Gang, “motion, way” + -er¹; cf. gang¹ ).

EXAMPLES OF DOPPELGÄNGER

The actress was surprised when her fans mistook a lookalike for her doppelgänger.
Historical records revealed that a doppelgänger of the king was used as a decoy during times of war.

20240103

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Friday, June 28, 2024

metonymy

[ mi-ton-uh-mee ] Show IPA

noun

referring to something by one of its attributes or a by a related word.

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Why Dictionary.com chose metonymy

More about metonymy

First recorded between 1540–50.
From Latin metōnymia, from Greek metōnymía, “change of name” (see origin at met-, -onym, -y³).

EXAMPLES OF METONYMY

Hollywood for the film industry.
The Crown for the British monarchy.
Suits for businesspeople.
Pink slip for a layoff notice.

20240103

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