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
any large, overpowering force or object, such as war, a giant battleship, or a powerful football team.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1630–40, but in the highlighted sense, around 1840–45.
- Comes from the Hindi word Jagannāth, from Sanskrit Jagannātha-, meaning “lord of the world.”
- Jagannath is equivalent to jagat, “the world moving” and nātha-, “lord, protector.”
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- The company's latest advertising campaign proved to be a marketing juggernaut, attracting customers from all over the world.
- The government's corruption scandal proved to be a real juggernaut that swept away any hopes for reconciliation.
noun
a large quantity or wide array; a lot.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1535–45.
- Comes via New Latin from the Greek word plēthṓra, meaning “fullness,” which comes from plḗthein, “to fill, be full.”
- Can also mean "overabundance."
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- After browsing through the bookstore, she was amazed by the plethora of books available on gardening.
- The tech conference featured a plethora of expert speakers discussing the latest innovations in artificial intelligence.
noun
offense; annoyance; displeasure.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1400–50.
- From late Middle English, ultimately from Old French.
- Related to the word umbra, "shade; shadow," which comes from the Latin word meaning, "shade; shadow."
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- The professor's umbrage at the student's disrespectful behavior was palpable during class.
- His sarcastic remark caused her to take umbrage and storm out of the room in anger.
adjective
slender and long-limbed.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1865–70.
- Comes from the noun range, which refers to an open region for grazing livestock.
- Range comes from the Old French word renge, meaning “row,” which is a derivative of renc, “line," related to rank, "a row or line of people."
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- The rangy horse galloped gracefully across the open field.
- The team's star player was known for his rangy build and his ability to cover a lot of ground on the basketball court.
noun
a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the French word chagrin, meaning "melancholy, anxiety, vexation."
- The French word chagrin is of unknown origin.
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- Much to his chagrin, it was evident that he had forgotten his lines in the school play.
- She tried to hide her chagrin when her presentation didn't go as planned.
