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Word of the Day

Word of the day

carrack

[ kar-uhk ] [ ˈkær ək ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a merchant vessel having various rigs

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Why Dictionary.com chose carrack

More about carrack

  • First recorded between 1350–1400.
  • Perhaps from Arabic qarāqīr, meaning “ships of burden.”

EXAMPLES OF CARRACK

  • Cartographers sketched a carrack alongside the old trade routes.
  • The captain inspected the carrack‘s multiple masts before setting sail.
20240103
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Word of the day

stymie

[ stahy-mee ] [ ˈstaɪ mi ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to hinder, block, or thwart

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Why Dictionary.com chose stymie

More about stymie

  • First recorded in 1855–60.
  • Of obscure origin; likely from Scottish. 

EXAMPLES OF STYMIE

  • Heavy traffic could easily stymie your early morning commute.
  • She refused to let criticism stymie her creativity.
20240103
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Word of the day

betimes

[ bih-tahymz ] [ bɪˈtaɪmz ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

early; in good time

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Why Dictionary.com chose betimes

More about betimes

  • First recorded between 1275–1325.
  • Combines be-⁵, meaning “by” or “at,” + times, meaning “occasions” or “points in time.”

EXAMPLES OF BETIMES

  • They rose betimes, hoping to glimpse the comet before first light.
  • I mend broken ties betimes, so old grudges don’t weigh me down.
20240103
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