Word of the Day
Word of the day
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Why Dictionary.com chose ethereal
More about ethereal
- First recorded in 1505–15.
- Ultimately from the Greek root aithḗr, meaning “the theoretical substance that exists above air;” related to the word ether.
- In English, this word originally meant “of heaven or the air.”
EXAMPLES OF ETHEREAL
- An ethereal melody drifted through the empty cathedral.
- The film’s lighting and slow pacing created an ethereal atmosphere.
gung-ho
adjective
wholeheartedly enthusiastic and loyal
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Why Dictionary.com chose gung-ho
More about gung-ho
- First recorded in 1940–1945.
- From Chinese gōng hé, meaning “work together,” an abbreviation of the Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society.
- First popularized in English by U.S. Marine Evans Carlson, who used the term as a motto.
EXAMPLES OF GUNG-HO
- The new recruit was gung-ho, eager to prove himself in every drill.
- The teacher’s gung-ho attitude inspired even the sleepiest students.
furlough
verb
to lay an employee off from work, usually temporarily
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Why Dictionary.com chose furlough
More about furlough
- First recorded in 1615–25.
- From Dutch verlof, meaning “dismissal, permission to leave;” related to the English components for-² + leave².
EXAMPLES OF FURLOUGH
- The factory planned to furlough workers in rotating groups to stay operational.
- The company furloughed the team with a vague promise to rehire them when business improved.
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