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
the state of being no longer used or practiced.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1425–75.
- Comes via late Middle English from the Latin word dēsuētūdo, equivalent to the base of dēsuēscere, “to become disaccustomed to, unlearn.”
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- Over time, the once bustling marketplace fell into desuetude as modern shopping centers took over.
- As technology advanced, many manual skills and crafts fell into desuetude, replaced by automation and machinery.
noun
a small wooden vessel or tub for butter, lard, etc.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1400–50.
- Comes from the late Middle English word ferdkyn or firdekyn.
- This is formed from a variant of ferthe, meaning "fourth," and the diminutive suffix -kin.
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- The antique store had a collection of quaint firkins on display, each with its own unique design.
- After the harvest festival, the townspeople gathered around to share stories over slices of bread from a firkin of butter.
noun
a hodgepodge; confused medley; jumble.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1545–55.
- Comes from the Middle French word galimafree, “kind of sauce or stew.”
- Galimafree is probably a conflation of galer, “to amuse oneself.”
- Related to gallant, "brave, spirited, noble-minded, or chivalrous."
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- The artist's studio was a gallimaufry of colorful paints, brushes, and unfinished canvases.
- Walking through the crowded market, he couldn't help but notice the gallimaufry of sights, sounds, and smells that surrounded him.
adjective
settled or confirmed in a habit, practice, feeling, or the like.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1375–1425.
- Comes from Latin, from the past participle of inveterāre, “to grow old, allow to grow old, preserve."
- Inveterāre contains veter-, the stem of vetus, meaning “old," which is also the stem of the word veteran.
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- The inveterate procrastinator always left things until the last minute.
- As an inveterate optimist, she always saw the bright side of every situation.
adjective
firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment.
Explanation
- First recorded before 1000.
- Comes from the Middle English word stedefast, from Old English stedefæst.
- A combination of stead, "the place of a person," and fast, "firmly fixed in place."
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- Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained steadfast in her commitment to finishing the marathon.
- The community was grateful for the steadfast support of volunteers during the crisis.
