Word of the Day
modus operandi
noun
one’s usual way of doing something.
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Why Dictionary.com chose modus operandi
More about modus operandi
- First recorded in 1645–55.
- Comes from New Latin and means literally, “mode of working.”
- Often abbreviated MO.
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EXAMPLES OF MODUS OPERANDI
- By studying the wildlife biologist’s modus operandi, conservationists hoped to replicate successful conservation efforts.
- Understanding the enemy’s modus operandi is crucial in developing effective counterstrategies.
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Why Dictionary.com chose pilcrow
More about pilcrow
- First recorded around 1400–50.
- An apparent alteration of the late Middle English word pylcraft(e), perhaps from Old French paragrafe, pelagraphe.
- Paragraph has origins in Greek paragraphḗ, meaning “marked passage.”
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EXAMPLES OF PILCROW
- The editor asked the writer to insert pilcrows to indicate new paragraphs in the manuscript.
- Students learning about typography are usually introduced to the concept of the pilcrow as a visual marker for paragraphs.
cachet
noun
a distinguishing mark or feature; stamp.
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Why Dictionary.com chose cachet
More about cachet
- First recorded in 1630–40.
- Can also mean “superior status; prestige.”
- From French cachet, derived from the verb cacher, “to hide.”
- Related to cache, “a hiding place.”
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EXAMPLES OF CACHET
- The luxurious car had a cachet of elegance that set it apart from the rest of the vehicles on the road.
- His eloquent speeches carried a cachet of authority and wisdom, earning him respect from his audience.
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