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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.


tenebrous

[ten-uh-bruhs]

adjective

dark; gloomy; obscure

Explanation

"Tenebrous" refers to something dark, shadowy, or obscure. From Latin "tenebrae" meaning "darkness," it paints a mysterious picture. Ready to illuminate the tenebrous corners of your vocabulary?

ambivalent

[am-biv-uh-luhnt]

adjective

having mixed feelings about someone or something

Explanation

"Ambivalent" describes conflicting feelings or uncertainty towards something. From Latin roots meaning "both" and "strength," it captures the complexity of human emotions. Hope you firmly decide to remember this word!

pandemonium

[pan-duh-moh-nee-uhm]

noun

wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos

Explanation

"Pandemonium" evokes wild and noisy chaos. Coined by John Milton in Paradise Lost, it refers to the capital of Hell, a place of uproar. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through the pandemonium of words!

foppish

[fop-ish]

adjective

excessively refined and fastidious in taste and manner

Explanation

"Foppish" describes someone overly concerned with their appearance and fashion. From the 17th-century word "fop," this term blends elegance and extravagance. Get ready to strut your linguistic stuff with foppish flair!

seismic

[sahyz-mik]

adjective

pertaining to or caused by an earthquake or vibration of the earth

Explanation

Originating from the Greek "seismos" meaning "a shaking, an earthquake," "seismic" packs a punch in your vocabulary. The word is often used to describe something so impactful that it sends out figurative shockwaves.