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.
verb
to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate.
Explanation
- First recorded before 900.
- Comes via the Middle English word delven from Old English delfan.
- Has an archaic sense of "to dig."
- The author's new book will delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
- The detective decided to delve deeper into the mysterious disappearance of the valuable painting.
adjective
tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1860–65.
- Comes from the Greek word eirēnikós, equivalent to eirḗn(ē), “peace.”
- Related to the name "Irene."
- As tensions rose between the feuding families, they longed for an irenic resolution to their dispute.
- Her irenic approach to conflict resolution often diffused tense situations in the office.
noun
one of a number of portions or divisions likened to layers or levels.
Explanation
- First recorded 1590–1600.
- Comes from the Latin word strātum, which means literally "a cover."
- Strātum comes from the past participle of sternere, "to spread, strew."
- The novel delves into the protagonist's psyche, uncovering hidden strata of emotions and motivations.
- The artist's work often explores the complexities of human existence by depicting different strata of society in her paintings.
adjective
mediocre, unimpressive, or disappointing.
Explanation
- In its original sense, first recorded before 900.
- Shortening of the word middle.
- Comes from Middle English, Old English midd- (both an adjective and the initial element of a compound).
- Similar to Greek mésos, méssos, méttos, Latin medius, and Sanskrit madhya, “middle.”
- His attempt at a joke fell flat among his friends, who found it to be quite mid in terms of humor.
- The new smartphone model failed to impress users, who found its features to be rather mid.
adjective
tending to make oneself or one's actions inconspicuous, especially because of humility or timidity; modest.
Explanation
- Comes from the noun self-effacement, which was first recorded in 1865–70.
- Efface, meaning "to wipe out," comes from the Middle French word effacer, dating back to 1480–90.
- Self was first recorded before 900.
- The actor's self-effacing humor endeared him to fans who appreciated his lack of arrogance.
- Her self-effacing demeanor made it difficult for others to praise her talents and skills openly.
