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.
a lament; lamentation
"Plaint" is an old-fashioned word for a lament or a mournful cry of sorrow. If you're feeling down and need to express your sadness, a plaint might just capture your feelings in poetic form.
willfully contrary; not easily managed
"Froward" describes someone who is willfully contrary or difficult to manage, especially when they're deliberately stubborn. The word comes from Middle English and was first recorded around 1200. When you're dealing with a froward person, patience is key — they like to do things their own way!
an opaque coating of ice caused by rapid freezing
"Rime" refers to a thin coating of ice that forms when water vapor freezes rapidly, often giving the world a magical, frosty appearance. The word tends to pop up today in meteorology or literature. Next time you step outside to find everything sparkling, you can say it's covered in rime!
abrupt in manner; blunt
"Brusque" describes a manner that is abrupt or curt, often perceived as blunt or to the point. It comes from an Italian word meaning "sour or sharp-tasting." If you want to get right to the facts, your brusque nature might just do the trick!
to no place; nowhere
"Nowhither" is a poetic and old-fashioned way of saying “to no place” or "nowhere." It's often used to express a sense of directionlessness or lack of destination. So if you're feeling lost, just tell someone you're heading nowhither — it adds a touch of mystery to your journey!
