Word of the Day
zetetic
adjective
proceeding by inquiry or investigation.
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Why Dictionary.com chose zetetic
More about zetetic
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes via the New Latin word zētēticus, from Greek zētētikós, “inclined to investigate or inquire.”
- The stem of zētētikós is zētein, “to seek, inquire.”
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EXAMPLES OF ZETETIC
- The detective’s zetetic mindset led her to question the suspect from every angle possible.
- Through their zetetic exploration of the problem, they were able to propose innovative solutions that others had not considered.
kinkeeping
noun
the labor involved in maintaining and enhancing family ties, including organizing social occasions, remembering birthdays, sending gifts, etc.
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Why Dictionary.com chose kinkeeping
More about kinkeeping
- First recorded in 1975–80.
- Formed from the words kin, “a person’s relatives,” and keeping, “maintenance.”
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EXAMPLES OF KINKEEPING
- Despite her busy schedule, she always found time for kinkeeping such as sending cards for special occasions and organizing family gatherings.
- Kinkeeping became more challenging as the family grew and spread out across different cities and countries.
subterfuge
noun
an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something, etc.
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Why Dictionary.com chose subterfuge
More about subterfuge
- First recorded in English around 1565–75.
- Comes from the Late Latin word subterfugium, which is similar to the Latin word subterfug(ere), meaning “to evade.”
- Subter means “below,” and fugere, “to flee.”
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EXAMPLES OF SUBTERFUGE
- His elaborate subterfuge involved creating a fake identity to gain access to the exclusive event.
- Their subterfuge of leaving a decoy package fooled the thieves and protected the valuable merchandise.
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