Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
the quality of being open and sincere in one's speech
Candor is openness and honesty in speech. When someone speaks with candor, there's sincerity in every word. Even when it's not the feedback you want to hear, candor can guide growth and improvement.
Her refreshing candor about earlier missteps made the negotiation process much smoother for both parties.
radiant or shining
Something effulgent shines brilliantly, whether it's a sunset or a glowing lamp. The word can also be used figuratively to describe things like bright ideas. From a Latin term meaning "to shine," effulgent practically radiates light and cheer.
The effulgent sun peeked over the horizon, casting a brilliant glow across the morning sky.
to confuse (someone)
To muzz someone is to confuse or bewilder them, leaving them flustered. Quirky and playful, this slangy word from the 18th century describes mental muddling. Stay sharp, or risk someone muzzing you!
The professor's complex explanation of quantum physics started to muzz the students.
having understanding and discernment
Someone who's perspicacious has keen insight, noticing details that others might overlook. This sharp mental clarity isn't just about intuition; it's also about careful observation. In fact, perspicacious is related to "perception," both coming from a Latin root meaning "to look closely." So if you see what others miss, you're perspicacious!
The perspicacious analyst immediately understood the complex data and its implications.
a small, single-serving pizza
A pizzetta is a small, single-serving pizza that's perfect for sampling flavors without committing to a full pie. Its Italian root, with the diminutive "-etta," signals its scaled-down size. Pizzetta: one small pizza with outsized flavor.
For dinner, she ordered a delicious pizzetta with pepperoni and fresh mozzarella cheese.
