Word of the Day
eustress
noun
physical, mental, or emotional tension that is caused by something positive or is psychologically or physically beneficial.
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Why Dictionary.com chose eustress
More about eustress
- First recorded in 1965–70.
- Comes from the Greek prefix eu-, which means “good” or “well,” and the word stress.
- Stress comes from distress, “great pain, anxiety, or sorrow,” which is of Middle English origins.
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EXAMPLES OF EUSTRESS
- Exercising regularly can lead to the experience of eustress, as it challenges your body in a positive way.
- Embarking on a solo travel adventure can generate eustress, fueling excitement and personal development.
unputdownable
adjective
(especially of a book or periodical) so interesting or suspenseful as to compel reading.
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Why Dictionary.com chose unputdownable
More about unputdownable
- First recorded in the late 1830s in the sense of “cannot be suppressed.”
- In the highlighted sense of “page-turning,” first recorded in the late 1930s.
- Comes from the phrase put down.
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EXAMPLES OF UNPUTDOWNABLE
- The novel was so unputdownable that I stayed up all night to finish it.
- His latest short story collection is truly unputdownable and sure to captivate readers.
zetetic
adjective
proceeding by inquiry or investigation.
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Why Dictionary.com chose zetetic
More about zetetic
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes via the New Latin word zētēticus, from Greek zētētikós, “inclined to investigate or inquire.”
- The stem of zētētikós is zētein, “to seek, inquire.”
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EXAMPLES OF ZETETIC
- The detective’s zetetic mindset led her to question the suspect from every angle possible.
- Through their zetetic exploration of the problem, they were able to propose innovative solutions that others had not considered.
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