Word of the Day
cavort
verb
to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner.
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Why Dictionary.com chose cavort
More about cavort
- Cavort is an Americanism dating back to 1785–95.
- Cavort comes from the earlier word cavault.
- Cavault is perhaps a combination of the words cur(vet), “a leap of a horse from a rearing position, in which it springs up with the hind legs outstretched as the forelegs descend,” and vault, “to leap or spring.”
EXAMPLES OF CAVORT
- After weeks of intense studying, the students decided to let loose and cavort around town at the end of the semester.
- The dancers cavorted with contagious enthusiasm, lifting the spirits of all who were watching.
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Why Dictionary.com chose convivium
More about convivium
- Convivium was first recorded in 1720–30.
- Convivium has roots in the Latin word for feast, convīviālis, which comes from the Latin verb meaning “to live together or dine together.”
- The adjective form, convivial, “friendly” or “fond of feasting, drinking, and merry company,” came from the same root, but was recorded in English earlier, around 1660-70.
EXAMPLES OF CONVIVIUM
- With its vibrant decorations and lively atmosphere, the convivium transformed the park into a festive space for people to come together and enjoy good company.
- The convivium was filled with laughter, music, and delicious food as friends and family gathered to honor the newlyweds.
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Why Dictionary.com chose toothsome
More about toothsome
- Toothsome was first recorded in 1545–55.
- The tooth in toothsome comes from the meaning “taste, relish, or liking.”
- The –some suffix was formerly used to form English adjectives like quarrelsome and burdensome.
EXAMPLES OF TOOTHSOME
- The bakery displayed an array of toothsome pastries that tempted passersby to indulge in something sweet.
- The aroma from the kitchen enticed them with the promise of a toothsome meal.
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