Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
Check out the Word of the Yeartelevision programs, movies, books, etc., that are both educational and entertaining
A science show that teaches viewers about the natural world while keeping them entertained is a great example of edutainment. This noun blends "education" and "entertainment" to describe media, such as television programs, movies, and games, that provide both of these things. From an engaging documentary to a video game that hones math skills, edutainment makes learning feel less like homework.
Interactive video games can be effective edutainment for students learning complex subjects.
tending to readily change, in appearance, beliefs, or behavior
Chameleonic describes someone or something that readily changes to suit new circumstances. Like its reptilian namesake, the word suggests an ability to make quick changes. Someone with a chameleonic personality can adjust to any kind of social situation.
Her chameleonic style allowed her to blend in seamlessly with every crowd she met.
to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value
Having a busy week? A funny movie can attenuate some of the stress by making your worries feel less intense. Attenuate comes from a Latin term meaning "to make thin." Whether it's literal or figurative, something attenuated is weakened or reduced.
A heartfelt apology helped attenuate her anger after their disagreement.
steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state
Working toward a long-term goal takes perseverance, especially when obstacles get in your way. This word, which comes from a Latin term meaning "steadfast," refers to the persistence it takes to achieve something. Whatever you're working toward, perseverance can help you keep at it.
Through years of hard practice, her perseverance finally paid off with a gold medal.
to steal or abduct a cat, especially in order to keep it as one's own
As a noun, a catnap refers to catching some Z's, but the verb can have a very different meaning. To catnap is to steal a cat, especially with the intention of keeping it as your own. So while a catnap might sound like a harmless bit of shut-eye, make sure you know which meaning you're dealing with!
Someone tried to catnap the neighbor's Persian kitten right off their front porch.
