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.
overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited
"Ebullient" describes someone who is full of energy and enthusiasm. It comes from Latin meaning "to boil over or bubble." Whether it's a big gurgling pot or a friend filled with laughter, the word overflows with excitement!
to the point; relevant; pertinent
"Cogent" packs a punch in the world of argumentation. Derived from the Latin word "cogere," meaning "to compel; to drive together," it denotes something clear, logical, and convincing. Perfect for making your point heard!
something of little value or importance; a trifle.
"Bagatelle" refers to a trifle or something of little importance. This whimsical word comes from the French term for a light piece of music as well as a game, adding a playful touch to your vocabulary.
to elevate in degree, excellence, or respect; dignify.
Today's word, "ennoble," means "to elevate in dignity or honor." Originating from the Latin word "nobilis," it implies making something or someone worthy of admiration and respect.
an existing word turned into an acronym by creating an apt phrase whose initial letters match the word, as to help remember it or offer a theory of its origin.
- First recorded in 1980–85.
- Formed from the word back "toward the rear" and (ac)ronym, "a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase and pronounced as a separate word."
- Some people believe the word news stands for "notable events, weather, and sports," but that's not accurate; it's a backronym.
- My neighbor insists that SOS means "Save Our Ship" and wouldn't believe that people made up that backronym years after SOS was first used.
