Word of the Day
propinquity
noun
nearness of relation; kinship.
learn about the english language
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.”
- Sign up for more Word of the Day!
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.
assuage
verb
to make milder or less severe; alleviate; ease; mitigate.
learn about the english language
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.
- Sign up for more Word of the Day!
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.
resolute
adjective
firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion.
learn about the english language
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.”
- Sign up for more Word of the Day!
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.
Word of the Day Calendar