Word of the Day
evergreen
adjective
retaining its relevance, popularity
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose evergreen
More about evergreen
- First recorded in 1545–55 to describe the foliage of plants.
- Combines ever + green¹.
- Replaced the Old English singrēne, meaning “eternal green.”
EXAMPLES OF EVERGREEN
- The band’s evergreen songs continue to resonate with fans across generations.
- Her evergreen tips on finance have made her the go-to expert on major news stations.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose gamut
More about gamut
- First recorded between 1425–75.
- Originally a contraction of the Latin gamma ut; from gamma, the Greek letter used to represent the lowest tone on the bass stave, G, and ut¹, an archaic name for the first note in a scale, do².
EXAMPLES OF GAMUT
- The artist runs the gamut of styles, from photorealistic portraits to abstract glass sculptures.
- From anger to vulnerability, the actor’s performance ran the gamut of emotions.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose abstergent
More about abstergent
- First recorded in 1605–15.
- Combines abs-³, meaning “away,” + the Latin root tergēre, meaning “to clean, wipe.”
EXAMPLES OF ABSTERGENT
- Few people would refuse the abstergent delight of a bath after a day of gardening.
- To the trombonist, music has an abstergent power, clearing his mind of intrusive thoughts.
Word of the Day Calendar
