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Word of the Day

Word of the day

propinquity

[ proh-ping-kwi-tee ] [ proʊˈpɪŋ kwɪ ti ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

nearness of relation; kinship.

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Why Dictionary.com chose propinquity

More about propinquity

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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Word of the day

assuage

[ uh-sweyj ] [ əˈsweɪdʒ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to make milder or less severe; alleviate; ease; mitigate.

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Why Dictionary.com chose assuage

More about assuage

  • First recorded in 1250–1300.
  • Comes via Middle English from Old French and contains the Latin root suāvis, “agreeable to the taste, pleasant.”
  • Both suave, “smoothly agreeable or polite,” and sweet are related to assuage.
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EXAMPLES OF ASSUAGE

  • The kind words of a friend helped assuage her anxiety before the big presentation.
  • The apology did little to assuage his anger over the misunderstanding.
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Word of the day

resolute

[ rez-uh-loot ] [ ˈrɛz əˌlut ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion.

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Why Dictionary.com chose resolute

More about resolute

  • First recorded in 1375–1425 for its earlier meaning, “dissolved.”
  • Recorded in 1525–35 for its current meanings.
  • Comes via late Middle English from the past participle of the Latin verb resolvere, “to resolve.”
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EXAMPLES OF RESOLUTE

  • The team captain was resolute in her belief that they could still win the game, encouraging her teammates to keep pushing forward.
  • Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained resolute in her decision to pursue a career in music.
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