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Why Dictionary.com chose gainsay
More about gainsay
- First recorded between 1250–1300.
- From the Middle English word gainsaien, literally “say against.” See again, say1.
EXAMPLES OF GAINSAY
- No one could gainsay the evidence presented at the trial.
- It’s hard to gainsay the fact that technology has drastically changed our lives.
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Why Dictionary.com chose gainsay
More about gainsay
- First recorded between 1250–1300.
- Combines gain-, an archaic prefix meaning “against,” + say¹.
EXAMPLES OF GAINSAY
- The judge saw no reason to gainsay the witness’s statement.
- You can try to gainsay my claim that this is the best playlist ever, but it’s staying on repeat.
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Why Dictionary.com chose burnish
More about burnish
- First recorded between 1275–1325.
- From the Old French word brunir, meaning “to polish.”
- Likely from the Germanic root *brūnaz, which is also the root of brown¹.
EXAMPLES OF BURNISH
- A quick swipe of wax was used to burnish the wooden tabletop.
- Sir Cadwalader rose at dawn to burnish every piece of his armor before the tournament.
whitherward
adverb
toward what place; in what direction
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Why Dictionary.com chose whitherward
More about whitherward
- First recorded between 1150–1200.
- Combines whither, meaning “to what place,” + the directional suffix -ward³, meaning “toward.”
EXAMPLES OF WHITHERWARD
- They paused at the crossroads, uncertain whitherward the old map pointed.
- The balloon drifted higher and the child wondered whitherward the winds would take it.
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