Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.


riffraff

[rif-raf]

noun

a group of people regarded as disreputable or worthless

Explanation

"Riffraff" refers to disreputable or undesirable people, often with a touch of mischief. Originating from Old French "rif et raf," meaning "one and all," it captures the diverse characters that add spice to life. You ready to rifle through the riffraff on the street?

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!