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 require as an essential condition in making an agreement.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1615–25.
- From the past participle of the Latin word stipulārī, “to demand a formal agreement.”
- Stipulārī appears to be related to the Latin word for "stalk," containing the stem stipul-, "firm."
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- The scholarship application stipulates that applicants must have taken 3 years of a second language.
- The terms and conditions stipulate that customers must notify the company within 48 hours of a product defect.
noun
an old, decrepit, or unpretentious automobile.
Explanation
- An Americanism dating back to 1925–30.
- Of uncertain origin.
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- Passing by, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of a man in a dapper suit climbing out of an old jalopy.
- Driving down the dusty road, I spotted a jalopy rusting away in the abandoned field.
noun
sorrow that one feels and accepts as one's necessary portion in life; sentimental pessimism.
Explanation
- First recorded in English in 1860–65.
- From German, Welt means "world" and Schmerz means “pain.”
- The English verb smart, in the sense “to cause a sharp pain,” is related to Schmerz.
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- The poetry of the Romantic era often captures the essence of Weltschmerz, evoking a poignant longing for an unattainable ideal.
- The protagonist in the novel was consumed by Weltschmerz, finding solace only in the depths of tragic literature.
adjective
causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous.
Explanation
- Entered English around 1550–60.
- From Late Latin rīsibilis, "that can laugh."
- Risible can also mean "having the ability, disposition, or readiness to laugh."
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- The cartoonist masterfully depicted the world's leaders in a risible manner, providing a satirical critique of their actions.
- The absurd plot of the movie made it thoroughly risible, leaving the viewers in stitches.
verb
to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1540–50.
- From Latin cavillārī “to jeer, scoff, quibble.”
- Cavillārī is a derivative of cavilla “jesting, banter.”
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- Instead of appreciating the effort put into the event, he chose to cavil about the choice of music, claiming it ruined the entire experience.
- She tends to cavil about grammar mistakes in online forums, often derailing discussions with her pedantic comments.
