Word of the Day
tricksy
adjective
given to tricks; mischievous; playful; prankish.
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Why Dictionary.com chose tricksy
More about tricksy
- First recorded in 1545–55.
- Derives from the noun trick, which came from the Old North French word trique, “deceit.”
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EXAMPLES OF TRICKSY
- The mischievous elf played tricksy pranks on anyone who dared to enter the enchanted forest.
- The tricksy cat knocked over the vase while chasing a butterfly.
modus operandi
noun
one’s usual way of doing something.
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Why Dictionary.com chose modus operandi
More about modus operandi
- First recorded in 1645–55.
- Comes from New Latin and means literally, “mode of working.”
- Often abbreviated MO.
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EXAMPLES OF MODUS OPERANDI
- By studying the wildlife biologist’s modus operandi, conservationists hoped to replicate successful conservation efforts.
- Understanding the enemy’s modus operandi is crucial in developing effective counterstrategies.
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Why Dictionary.com chose pilcrow
More about pilcrow
- First recorded around 1400–50.
- An apparent alteration of the late Middle English word pylcraft(e), perhaps from Old French paragrafe, pelagraphe.
- Paragraph has origins in Greek paragraphḗ, meaning “marked passage.”
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EXAMPLES OF PILCROW
- The editor asked the writer to insert pilcrows to indicate new paragraphs in the manuscript.
- Students learning about typography are usually introduced to the concept of the pilcrow as a visual marker for paragraphs.
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