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Why Dictionary.com chose tempestuous
More about tempestuous
- First recorded in 1500–10.
- From the Latin tempestuosus, meaning “stormy;” combines the Latin root tempestas, meaning “period of time; weather,” + -ous.
EXAMPLES OF TEMPESTUOUS
- The novel’s plot revolves around the tempestuous relationship between an artist and his muse.
- The university experienced a tempestuous season of faculty protests and disputes.
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Why Dictionary.com chose nitid
More about nitid
- First recorded in 1610–20.
- Combines the Latin verb nitēre, meaning “to shine, glisten,” + the suffix -id⁶.
EXAMPLES OF NITID
- The nitid wings of the dragonfly shimmered as it hovered over the pond.
- The car’s freshly waxed hood looked nitid under the streetlights.
kyogen
noun
a type of short comic Japanese play, often performed between classic dramas
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Why Dictionary.com chose kyogen
More about kyogen
- First recorded in 1870–80; sometimes written as kyōgen.
- From the Japanese kyōgen; combines kyō, meaning “crazed, mad;” + gen, meaning “speech, talking.”
EXAMPLES OF KYOGEN
- Between the tragic scenes, the troupe performed a kyogen to offer some comic relief.
- The humorous dialogue and puns in the kyogen entertained the audience.
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