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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.


akimbo

[uh-kim-boh]

adjective

with hands on hips and elbows bent outward

Explanation

Akimbo describes a person's stance with hands on hips and elbows bent outward. It's a pose full of attitude and confidence, often signaling readiness, defiance, or playful swagger. From superheroes striking their power poses to someone making a bold statement in a conversation, standing with your arms akimbo instantly commands attention.

Example

She stood backstage with her arms akimbo before her solo.

acedia

[uh-see-dee-uh]

noun

sloth; laziness or indolence

Explanation

Acedia describes lethargy or indolence, tracing back to a Greek term that means "not caring." It originally referred to spiritual apathy, but over time it expanded to cover a general state of laziness. Acedia isn't just ordinary procrastination or burnout — it's existential and reflective.

Example

Acedia often leads to a lack of productivity and spiritual stagnation.

brindled

[brin-dld]

adjective

gray or tawny with darker streaks or spots

Explanation

Brindled refers to a base color — often gray, tawny, or brown — that's overlaid with darker streaks or spots. This pattern is common in dogs, cats, and horses, giving each coat a sense of natural texture. Every brindled animal looks a little different, with a mix of light and dark that creates depth and interest.

Example

The brindled cat blended in with the fallen leaves.

fantasticate

[fan-tas-ti-keyt]

verb

to make or render fantastic

Explanation

To fantasticate is to transform the familiar into something strange, whimsical, or wonderfully imaginative. Emerging from the word "fantastic" itself, it invites you to sprinkle a little wonder or imagination onto the everyday. A dull afternoon? Fantasticate it!

Example

The artist will fantasticate the landscape, making it look like a scene from a dream.

fortitude

[fawr-ti-tood]

noun

mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, or danger

Explanation

Fortitude describes courage and emotional strength in the face of hardship. From a Latin root meaning "strong," it's the quiet determination that carries people through storms, setbacks, and long Mondays alike. Fortitude celebrates heroes big and small!

Example

She showed great fortitude in continuing her studies despite significant personal challenges.