Word of the Day

Estimable describes a person or thing worthy of genuine respect or admiration. It belongs to the same word family as esteem and estimate, a connection that reflects the idea of assessing something and recognizing its value. An estimable reputation is earned through actions that give others good reason to think highly of you.

Ipseity names the state of being yourself as a distinct individual. The word comes in handy when talking about the sense that there is a continuous "you" beneath changing moods and circumstances. Your tastes may shift and your life may change, but you'll always have your ipseity.

Lily-livered describes someone who is cowardly or easily intimidated. The phrase comes from an old belief that the liver was the seat of courage, with a pale or "lily-white" liver suggesting it was lacking. A lily-livered person might talk a big game, but they tend to shrink away when the pressure is on.

A sippet is a small piece of food used for dipping into soup, broth, or another liquid dish. It's more likely than not to be made of bread, like a toast point or a chunk of crusty sourdough. With a sippet in hand, you know exactly what to do with that last bit of flavor left in the bowl.

A windshield survey offers a fast way to get a feel for a community by observing it from the road. Used in public health and community assessments, the term describes gathering visual information about an area by driving or walking through it. A windshield survey may be happening on your street right now without you even realizing!