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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

chagrin

[ shuh-grin ] [ ʃəˈgrɪn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation.

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Why Dictionary.com chose chagrin

More about chagrin

  • First recorded in 1650–60.
  • Comes from the French word chagrin, meaning “melancholy, anxiety, vexation.”
  • The French word chagrin is of unknown origin.
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EXAMPLES OF CHAGRIN

  • Much to his chagrin, it was evident that he had forgotten his lines in the school play.
  • She tried to hide her chagrin when her presentation didn’t go as planned.
20240103
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Word of the day

naiveté

[ nah-eev-tey, -ee-vuh-tey ] [ nɑ ivˈteɪ, -ˌi vəˈteɪ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the quality or state of having or showing a lack of experience or judgment; natural or artless simplicity.

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Why Dictionary.com chose naiveté

More about naiveté

  • First recorded in 1665–75 from French.
  • As the adjective naive, comes via the Old French word naif, meaning “natural, instinctive,” from Latin nātīvus “natural.”
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EXAMPLES OF NAIVETÉ

  • Despite his age, there was a certain charm in his naiveté that reminded others of simpler times.
  • As she grew older, her naiveté gave way to a more cautious and skeptical outlook on life.
20240103
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Word of the Day Calendar