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Word of the day

nebulize

[ neb-yuh-lahyz ] [ ˈnɛb yəˌlaɪz ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to become vague, indistinct, or nebulous

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Why Dictionary.com chose nebulize

More about nebulize

  • First recorded in 1870–75.
  • From Latin nebul(a) (“mist, cloud”) + -ize, verb-forming suffix.

EXAMPLES OF NEBULIZE

  • The details of the contract slowly nebulized in my mind, making it difficult to remember specific terms.
  • The once-clear skyline began to nebulize, obscured by layers of smog and mist.
20240103
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Word of the day

joie de vivre

[ zhwa duh vee-vruh ] [ ʒwa də ˈvi vr ə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a delight in being alive; keen, carefree enjoyment of living

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Why Dictionary.com chose joie de vivre

More about joie de vivre

  • Apparently in English use since the late 1880s.
  • Directly from French, literally “joy of living.”
  • Compare other words stemming from the Latin verb vivere, “to live:” vivid, vivisection, convivial.

EXAMPLES OF JOIE DE VIVRE

  • Traveling to new and exciting places always filled him with a sense of joie de vivre.
  • The artist’s work captured the essence of joie de vivre, celebrating the simple pleasures of life.
20240103
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Word of the day

estival

[ es-tuh-vuhl ] [ ˈɛs tə vəl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

pertaining or appropriate to summer

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Why Dictionary.com chose estival

More about estival

  • First recorded in Middle English between 1350–1400.
  • From Late Latin aestīvālis, equivalent to Latin aestīv(us), “of or relating to summer” + -ālis, -al1.
  • Also spelled as aestival.

EXAMPLES OF ESTIVAL

  • They enjoyed the estival breeze while having a picnic by the lake.
  • The estival heat radiated off the asphalt, making the city feel like an oven.
20240103
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