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
nearness of relation; kinship.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1400–1450.
- Comes via Old French propinquite, from the Latin word propinquitās, meaning “nearness.”
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- The propinquity shared by the cousins led to a strong bond forged over many family gatherings.
- The propinquity between the two siblings was evident in the way they finished each other's sentences.
verb
to make milder or less severe; alleviate; ease; mitigate.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1250–1300.
- Comes via Middle English from Old French and contains the Latin root suāvis, “agreeable to the taste, pleasant.”
- Both suave, "smoothly agreeable or polite," and sweet are related to assuage.
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- The kind words of a friend helped assuage her anxiety before the big presentation.
- The apology did little to assuage his anger over the misunderstanding.
adjective
firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1375–1425 for its earlier meaning, “dissolved.”
- Recorded in 1525–35 for its current meanings.
- Comes via late Middle English from the past participle of the Latin verb resolvere, "to resolve."
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- The team captain was resolute in her belief that they could still win the game, encouraging her teammates to keep pushing forward.
- Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained resolute in her decision to pursue a career in music.
verb
to be extraordinarily pleased; especially, to be bursting with pride, as over one's family.
Explanation
- An Americanism first recorded in 1965–70.
- Comes from Yiddish kveln, meaning “to be delighted.”
- Related to the Middle High German and German word quellen, “to well up, gush.”
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- She couldn't help but kvell over her daughter's acceptance into the prestigious ballet company.
- Seeing their artwork displayed in a gallery made them kvell with happiness.
adjective
given to tricks; mischievous; playful; prankish.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1545–55.
- Derives from the noun trick, which came from the Old North French word trique, “deceit."
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- The mischievous elf played tricksy pranks on anyone who dared to enter the enchanted forest.
- The tricksy cat knocked over the vase while chasing a butterfly.
