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Word of the Day

Word of the day

arenaceous

[ ar-uh-ney-shuhs ] [ ˌær əˈneɪ ʃəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

sandlike; sandy

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Why Dictionary.com chose arenaceous

More about arenaceous

  • First recorded in 1640–50.
  • From Latin arena, meaning “sand;” related to arena.

EXAMPLES OF ARENACEOUS

  • Some plants thrive in arenaceous soil, while others will struggle to take root.
  • The color palette for the mural was inspired by arenaceous tones.
20240103
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Word of the day

soliloquy

[ suh-lil-uh-kwee ] [ səˈlɪl ə kwi ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the act of talking while or as if alone

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Why Dictionary.com chose soliloquy

More about soliloquy

  • First recorded in 1595–1605.
  • Combines soli-, meaning “alone, solitary;” + Latin loquī, meaning “to speak.”

EXAMPLES OF SOLILOQUY

  • The actor stepped forward and began a haunting soliloquy that stilled the room.
  • Half the essay read like a private soliloquy, raw and unfiltered.
20240103
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Word of the day

haply

[ hap-lee ] [ ˈhæp li ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

perhaps; by chance

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Why Dictionary.com chose haply

More about haply

  • First recorded in 1325–75.
  • Combines hap¹, meaning “luck or occurrence;” + -ly.

EXAMPLES OF HAPLY

  • The path was overgrown, but haply they stumbled upon a hidden shortcut.
  • They agreed to wait another week so that haply the weather might improve. 
20240103
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Word of the Day Calendar