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Why Dictionary.com chose persnickety
More about persnickety
- First recorded around 1885–90.
- Originally from Scots, persnickety is a variant of pernickety, which is of uncertain origin.
- The prefix per– occurs in a number of other expressive words in Scots, such as pergaddus, “thump, clatter,” perskeet, “fastidious,” and perjink, “trim, neat.”
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EXAMPLES OF PERSNICKETY
- Despite his persnickety nature, she found his attention to detail endearing.
- The designer’s persnickety attitude ensured that every aspect of the project was perfect.
sumptuous
adjective
luxuriously fine or large; lavish; splendid.
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Why Dictionary.com chose sumptuous
More about sumptuous
- Entered English around 1475–85.
- Comes from the Latin word sūmptuōsus, meaning “expense.”
- Often confused with sumptuous, scrumptious, “very pleasing, especially to the senses; delectable,” is a possible alteration.
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EXAMPLES OF SUMPTUOUS
- The newlyweds indulged in a sumptuous honeymoon at a luxurious resort by the beach.
- She draped herself in a sumptuous velvet gown for the gala event.
propinquity
noun
nearness of relation; kinship.
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Why Dictionary.com chose propinquity
More about propinquity
- First recorded in 1400–1450.
- Comes via Old French propinquite, from the Latin word propinquitās, meaning “nearness.”
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EXAMPLES OF PROPINQUITY
- The propinquity shared by the cousins led to a strong bond forged over many family gatherings.
- The propinquity between the two siblings was evident in the way they finished each other’s sentences.
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