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.
adjective
causing or tending to cause happiness.
Explanation
- Felicific was first recorded in 1860–65.
- Felicific comes from the Latin stem of fēlīx, which means “happy.”
- Other related words include felicitous, "apt or appropriate," felicitate, "to congratulate," and felicity, "the state of being happy."
- The felicific news of their well-deserved promotion brought a smile to their face.
- Taking a walk in nature can have a felicific impact on one's mood.
adjective
made to individual order; custom-made.
Explanation
- Bespoke was first recorded in the sense highlighted here in 1745–55.
- Bespoke comes from the past tense for bespeak, "to ask for in advance."
- The verb bespeak was first recorded much earlier, before 900. It comes from the Old English word besprecan.
- As a luxury brand, they offer bespoke travel experiences that are designed according to each client's unique preferences and desires.
- The interior of the mansion was adorned with exquisite bespoke furniture, handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail.
noun
a fuss; commotion.
Explanation
- Kerfuffle was first recorded in 1945–50.
- Kerfuffle is an informal word that most likely comes from the Scots word curfuffle.
- Curfuffle comes from the Scottish Gaelic words car “a turn,” and fuffle “to disorder, confuse,” which is of imitative origin.
- The new policy announcement created a kerfuffle among the employees, who were concerned about its implications.
- The unexpected arrival of a wild boar caused a kerfuffle at the campsite, with campers scrambling to safety.
noun
a person who prefers pleasures and activities that center around the home.
Explanation
- Homebody is an Americanism dating back to 1815–25.
- Homebody is a combination of the words home and body.
- Both home and body entered English before 900.
- Even though he lived in a vibrant city, Marcus was a true homebody who enjoyed spending his evenings reading and watching movies at home.
- Being a homebody doesn't mean you miss out on adventure–the thrill of discovering new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen is enough to satisfy any culinary enthusiast.
noun
a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.
Explanation
- Wanderlust was first recorded in English in 1850–55.
- Wanderlust comes from German, from the words wander(n), which means “to wander,” and Lust, which means “desire.”
- Wander, "to ramble without a definite purpose or objective," and lust, "a passionate or overmastering desire or craving," both entered English before 900.
- Every time he flipped through his feed, his wanderlust grew stronger as he saw breathtaking photos of exotic destinations.
- Despite having a comfortable life with a stable job, she couldn't ignore the persistent call of wanderlust that urged her to sell everything and hit the road.
