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 soft, white cheese similar to cream cheese, made from whole or partly skimmed milk in Neufchâtel, a town in N France.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1860–65.
- Comes from French, from the name of a town in Northern France where this type of cheese is made.
- She spread Neufchâtel on a baguette for a simple and delicious snack.
- Neufchâtel is a popular choice for cheese boards due to its mild flavor.
adjective
incapable of being limited; limitless; boundless.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1590–1600.
- Comes from the adjective limitable, which comes from limit.
- Limit comes from the Latin stem of līmes, “boundary, path between fields.”
- The ocean stretched out before us, its illimitable waves crashing against the shore.
- The illimitable beauty of the night sky left me in awe of the universe's vastness.
adjective
improvised; having the character of an improvisation.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1660–70.
- A bit ironically, impromptu comes via French from the Latin phrase in promptū, “in readiness.”
- Prompt, "done at once," also derives from the Latin word promptus “manifest, at hand, ready.”
- They decided to have an impromptu picnic in the park when the weather suddenly cleared up.
- There was no clear plan so the next steps felt a bit impromptu.
adverb
in or with the family; at home.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1720–30.
- Comes from the French phrase, translated literally as "in family."
- The tradition of Sunday brunch en famille is cherished in many households.
- When you appreciate your co-workers, working doesn't feel like work; it feels like you are spending time en famille.
adjective
designative; descriptive.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1375–1425.
- Comes via late Middle English from the Late Latin word appellātīvus.
- Related to the Latin word appellātus, meaning "called upon, named, appealed to."
- The appellative term "Big Apple" is often used to describe the city of New York.
- In this context, the word "whale" is appellative for large marine mammals.
