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
a self-seeking, servile flatterer.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1530–40.
- Comes ultimately from Greek sȳkophántēs, “informer.”
- Sȳkophántēs comes from sŷko, meaning “fig,” and the stem of phaínein, meaning “to show.”
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- She saw through the sycophant's deceptive flattery and remained wary of his ulterior motives.
- The playwright created a character who was an exaggerated representation of a sycophant, using satire to mock those who seek favor through insincere flattery.
noun
a figure of speech that produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the Late Latin word oxymorum.
- Oxymorum is from the presumed but unrecorded Greek neuter of oxýmōros, meaning “sharp-dull.”
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- The song's title, "Bittersweet Symphony," perfectly captures the essence of an oxymoron by evoking both positive and negative emotions.
- The comedian's act was filled with witty oxymorons that left the audience laughing and scratching their heads at the same time.
adjective
(of a word) containing many syllables.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the Latin word sesquipedālis, meaning “measuring a foot and a half.”
- The first part, sesqui-, means "one and a half," and pedal, means "of the feet," which also forms pedestrian, pedicure, and pedal, as in "a foot-operated lever."
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- The poet's use of sesquipedalian words in their verses added an air of sophistication to their work.
- A love of language and her sesquipedalian speech made her a captivating public speaker.
noun
a short nap, usually 15–30 minutes, taken immediately after drinking a cup of coffee, the claimed benefit being that the energizing effect of caffeine may be bolstered by a sleeping body’s drop in adenosine levels.
Explanation
- First recorded in 2010–15.
- Added to Dictionary.com on September 5, 2023.
- Read about other new words added this month!
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- As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee engulfed the room, she eagerly anticipated a rejuvenating coffee nap to combat her afternoon slump.
- Feeling drowsy, he gulped down a strong espresso shot, hoping it would kick in before his scheduled coffee nap.
noun
a person who likes cats.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1925–30.
- Comes from Greek aílouro(s), which means "cat" and -phile, meaning "enthusiast for."
- The suffix -phile comes from Greek -philos, meaning "dear, beloved."
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- The cafe down the street attracts ailurophiles from all over the city with its cozy atmosphere and resident cats that roam freely among the patrons.
- As an ailurophile, he has a house filled with feline companions, each with their own unique personalities and quirks.
