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Word of the day

froward

[ froh-werd ] [ ˈfroʊ wərd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

willfully contrary; not easily managed

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Why Dictionary.com chose froward

More about froward

  • First recorded between 1150–1200 as a preposition meaning “away from.”
  • Combines fro-¹, meaning “from, back,” + -ward³.

EXAMPLES OF FROWARD

  • My brother’s froward nature often leads to arguments — he refuses to compromise!
  • Her froward attitude makes teamwork nearly impossible because she resists every suggestion.
20240103
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Word of the day

rime

[ rahym ] [ raɪm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an opaque coating of ice caused by rapid freezing

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Why Dictionary.com chose rime

More about rime

  • First recorded before 900.
  • From Old English hrīm, meaning “rime, hoar frost.”

EXAMPLES OF RIME

  • A layer of rime had formed on the street signs, making them difficult to read.
  • The morning sun melted the rime from the windows.
20240103
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Word of the day

brusque

[ bruhsk ] [ brʌsk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

abrupt in manner; blunt

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Why Dictionary.com chose brusque

More about brusque

  • First recorded in 1595–1605.
  • Through Middle French, from the Italian brusco, meaning “rough; tart.”

EXAMPLES OF BRUSQUE

  • He apologized later for being brusque, blaming his bad mood on a stressful day.
  • The waiter’s brusque manner made their anniversary dinner feel rushed.
20240103
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