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Word of the Day

Word of the day

plethora

[ pleth-er-uh ] [ ˈplɛθ ər ə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a large quantity or wide array; a lot.

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Why Dictionary.com chose plethora

More about plethora

  • First recorded in 1535–45.
  • Comes via New Latin from the Greek word plēthṓra, meaning “fullness,” which comes from plḗthein, “to fill, be full.”
  • Can also mean “overabundance.”
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EXAMPLES OF PLETHORA

  • After browsing through the bookstore, she was amazed by the plethora of books available on gardening.
  • The tech conference featured a plethora of expert speakers discussing the latest innovations in artificial intelligence.
20240103
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Word of the day

umbrage

[ uhm-brij ] [ ˈʌm brɪdʒ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

offense; annoyance; displeasure.

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Why Dictionary.com chose umbrage

More about umbrage

  • First recorded around 1400–50.
  • From late Middle English, ultimately from Old French.
  • Related to the word umbra, “shade; shadow,” which comes from the Latin word meaning, “shade; shadow.”
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EXAMPLES OF UMBRAGE

  • The professor’s umbrage at the student’s disrespectful behavior was palpable during class.
  • His sarcastic remark caused her to take umbrage and storm out of the room in anger.
20240103
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Word of the day

rangy

[ reyn-jee ] [ ˈreɪn dʒi ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

slender and long-limbed.

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Why Dictionary.com chose rangy

More about rangy

  • First recorded in 1865–70.
  • Comes from the noun range, which refers to an open region for grazing livestock.
  • Range comes from the Old French word renge, meaning “row,” which is a derivative of renc, “line,” related to rank, “a row or line of people.”
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EXAMPLES OF RANGY

  • The rangy horse galloped gracefully across the open field.
  • The team’s star player was known for his rangy build and his ability to cover a lot of ground on the basketball court.
20240103
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Word of the Day Calendar