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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.


idiolect

[id-ee-uh-lekt]

noun

a person's individual speech pattern

Explanation

An idiolect is the distinctive way an individual speaks, shaped by vocabulary, pronunciation, and favorite turns of phrase. Even people from the same family or community develop speech habits that are uniquely their own. Your idiolect is like a verbal fingerprint, recognizable to anyone who knows you well.

Example

The linguist noted how the politician's idiolect was shaped by years of living in different cities.

asseverate

[uh-sev-uh-reyt]

verb

to affirm or declare positively or earnestly

Explanation

To asseverate is to declare something in a way that leaves no doubt about where you stand. The word goes beyond simply stating an opinion because it carries a sense of deep conviction. When you asseverate something, you are making your position unmistakably clear.

Example

The witness was prepared to asseverate his account of the accident under oath in court.

olio

[oh-lee-oh]

noun

a dish of many ingredients

Explanation

An olio is a dish made by combining several ingredients in one pot. The word suggests abundance rather than precision, with each addition contributing its own flavor to the whole. An olio can turn a collection of odds and ends into a meal worth gathering around.

Example

The chef prepared a flavorful olio by tossing pasta with garlic, oil, and various herbs.

redivivus

[red-uh-vahy-vuhs]

adjective

living again; revived

Explanation

Redivivus describes a person or thing brought back to life or prominence after seeming to disappear. While the word can describe a literal return from the dead, it's especially useful for unexpected second acts. A forgotten fashion or abandoned tradition may suddenly show up redivivus, ready to take the world by storm again.

Example

After many years in storage, the forgotten statue stood redivivus in the town square.

impervious

[im-pur-vee-uhs]

adjective

incapable of being influenced, persuaded, or affected

Explanation

To be impervious to something is to remain completely unbothered by it. The word suggests a barrier that outside forces can't easily penetrate. Being impervious to criticism can keep you focused on your mission, though it may also make it harder to recognize when another viewpoint has merit.

Example

He seemed completely impervious to her concerns, refusing to change his mind.