Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
marshy
If a place is fenny, it's marshy. This Old English word conjures up misty wetlands and croaking frogs — perfect for setting a mysterious scene that never gets stuck in the muck.
to extract the flavor or essence of something by boiling
To decoct is to extract flavors by boiling — think of rich broths and potent herbal teas. The word has Latin roots meaning "boiled down." So next time you're making soup, remember: you’re not just cooking, you're decocting!
elegant, trendy, or pretentious
If something is chichi, it's elegant and trendy — but sometimes a bit pretentious. This French-inspired term describes the kind of flair that turns heads (and may raise eyebrows). Whether it's a lavish outfit or a gilded mirror, chichi knows how to make an entrance!
a young pig
Ever heard of a grice? This charming word for a young pig comes from Old Norse and is mostly used in Scotland today. Talk about hogging history — one squeal at a time!
to placate or make peace with
To propitiate means "to make peace with or placate," often through kind gestures. Rooted in Latin, this word smooths over any disagreements with its diplomatic charm.
