Word of the Day
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose rufous
More about rufous
- First recorded in 1775–85.
- From Latin rūfus, meaning “red.”
EXAMPLES OF RUFOUS
- I spotted the identifying rufous streak on the hawk’s wing as it soared overhead.
- The ancient pottery shards still showed traces of rufous paint along their collars.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose lief
More about lief
- From Old English (450–1150) lēof, meaning “beloved, dear, desirable.”
- Related to the word love and German lieb, meaning “lovable, dear.”
EXAMPLES OF LIEF
- They would as lief face the storm to get their message out.
- The chef would as lief be an unknown cook rather than a celebrity endorsing frozen dinners.
soporific
adjective
causing or tending to cause sleep
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose soporific
More about soporific
- First recorded in 1655–65.
- From French soporifique; combines sopor, meaning “deep sleep or lethargy,” + -fic, meaning “making, causing.”
EXAMPLES OF SOPORIFIC
- Some herbal teas are prized for their soporific qualities.
- The novel’s endless descriptions turned out to be more soporific than entertaining.
Word of the Day Calendar
