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.
noun
one of a number of portions or divisions likened to layers or levels.
Explanation
- First recorded 1590–1600.
- Comes from the Latin word strātum, which means literally "a cover."
- Strātum comes from the past participle of sternere, "to spread, strew."
- The novel delves into the protagonist's psyche, uncovering hidden strata of emotions and motivations.
- The artist's work often explores the complexities of human existence by depicting different strata of society in her paintings.
adjective
mediocre, unimpressive, or disappointing.
Explanation
- In its original sense, first recorded before 900.
- Shortening of the word middle.
- Comes from Middle English, Old English midd- (both an adjective and the initial element of a compound).
- Similar to Greek mésos, méssos, méttos, Latin medius, and Sanskrit madhya, “middle.”
- His attempt at a joke fell flat among his friends, who found it to be quite mid in terms of humor.
- The new smartphone model failed to impress users, who found its features to be rather mid.
adjective
tending to make oneself or one's actions inconspicuous, especially because of humility or timidity; modest.
Explanation
- Comes from the noun self-effacement, which was first recorded in 1865–70.
- Efface, meaning "to wipe out," comes from the Middle French word effacer, dating back to 1480–90.
- Self was first recorded before 900.
- The actor's self-effacing humor endeared him to fans who appreciated his lack of arrogance.
- Her self-effacing demeanor made it difficult for others to praise her talents and skills openly.
verb
to skip about, as in dancing or playing; frolic.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1495–1505.
- Earlier forms included gambold, gambald, and gamba(u)de.
- Comes from Middle French gambade, a variant of gambado, "large protective boots or gaiters," which originated in the Latin word for "leg."
- After a long day of work, the friends decided to gambol on the beach, letting loose and enjoying the moment.
- The puppies would gambol around the yard, chasing each other with glee.
noun
instruction; teaching; guidance.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1595–1605.
- Comes from the Latin word tūtēl(a), "guardianship," which derived from the Latin verb tuērī, "to watch."
- Related is tuition, "a charge or fee for instruction" or "teaching or instruction."
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- It was evident that the champion athlete's success was due to the expert tutelage of her dedicated coach.
- The aspiring chef honed his culinary skills through the careful tutelage of a renowned master chef.
