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.
basically; in reality; fundamentally
Au fond is a phrase for when you mean something at its core or in its deepest sense. It's the kind of expression used when peeling back surface impressions to reach what really matters. Borrowed from French, it literally translates to "at the bottom." Au fond, let's get down to the bottom of this and find out what you really mean.
She knew, au fond, that leaving the city was the right choice for her future.
a source or supply of anything
A wellspring is a deep source from which something flows, whether inspiration, creativity, or water. In fact, the word comes from the image of a literal spring that supplies endless water at its origin. Writers might describe imagination or curiosity as a wellspring that feeds their work. What's your wellspring?
Her classes were a wellspring of inspiration that kept the young artists painting for hours.
wary; cautious
If you're chary, you proceed with caution, especially when something feels uncertain or risky. The word has Old English roots tied to care and concern, emphasizing the importance of thinking things through before jumping right in. It pays to be chary!
She was chary about signing the contract before her lawyer reviewed the details.
a soccer strategy to maintain possession of the ball with quick, short passes
Tiki-taka is a style of soccer built on short, quick passes and tight control to maintain possession of the ball. The term reflects the sound of rapid ball movement across the field, making it as fun to say as it is to watch!
The coach instructed the team to use tiki-taka to frustrate the defenders with quick passes.
to frolic or amuse oneself
To disport oneself is to frolic around without structure or purpose. It carries a light, carefree energy, like kids running around in the backyard on a long summer day. So go ahead and disport yourself by dancing in the sunshine or splashing in the waves!
On a hot summer afternoon, the kids on my block began to disport themselves by running through the sprinklers and playing tag.
