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.
to repeatedly change one's attitude or opinions
To tergiversate is to shift positions, dodge questions, or dance around a firm opinion. You might see the word in political or rhetorical contexts, especially when someone keeps squirming instead of taking a clear side. At its core, tergiversate is about delay disguised as dialogue.
When faced with tough decisions, some politicians tergiversate to avoid committing to a definitive stance.
strongly emotional; intense or passionate
Vehement describes speech or expression delivered with force and conviction, especially when something truly matters. It often shows up in moments of protest, when emotions push language to its limits. A vehement response is never quiet or unsure.
She was a vehement opponent of the new policy, passionately arguing against it at every opportunity.
a collector of matchbooks and matchboxes
A phillumenist is someone who collects matchbooks or matchboxes, often drawn to their logos, designs, or obscure histories. The word combines Greek roots meaning "love" and "light," a fitting name for those who treasure these tiny spark-makers. Whether it's from a roadside motel or a long-gone cafe, every matchbook tells a story to a phillumenist.
My father, a devoted phillumenist, proudly displayed his extensive collection of vintage matchboxes.
interestingly provocative or lively
Piquant captures the kind of sharp charm or vivid appeal that instantly livens things up. Whether it's a clever remark or an unexpected detail, the word suits anything that stirs the senses and grabs your attention. If it makes you perk up and take notice, it might be piquant.
Her piquant wit made her the life of every party.
to divine hidden knowledge or future events, especially with a crystal ball
To scry is to foretell the future, especially by looking into reflective surfaces like crystal balls or mirrors. The word has been around since the 1500s as a way to describe fortune-telling. For mystics, writers, and dreamers, to scry invites the imagination to roam.
She learned to scry by gazing into the polished surface of a dark mirror.
