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
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.
noun
one’s usual way of doing something.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1645–55.
- Comes from New Latin and means literally, “mode of working.”
- Often abbreviated MO.
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- By studying the wildlife biologist's modus operandi, conservationists hoped to replicate successful conservation efforts.
- Understanding the enemy's modus operandi is crucial in developing effective counterstrategies.
noun
a paragraph mark.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1400–50.
- An apparent alteration of the late Middle English word pylcraft(e), perhaps from Old French paragrafe, pelagraphe.
- Paragraph has origins in Greek paragraphḗ, meaning "marked passage."
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- The editor asked the writer to insert pilcrows to indicate new paragraphs in the manuscript.
- Students learning about typography are usually introduced to the concept of the pilcrow as a visual marker for paragraphs.
noun
a distinguishing mark or feature; stamp.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1630–40.
- Can also mean "superior status; prestige."
- From French cachet, derived from the verb cacher, "to hide."
- Related to cache, "a hiding place."
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- The luxurious car had a cachet of elegance that set it apart from the rest of the vehicles on the road.
- His eloquent speeches carried a cachet of authority and wisdom, earning him respect from his audience.
noun
a person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend; index.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1400–50.
- A bellwether originally meant "a male sheep that leads the flock, usually bearing a bell."
- Formed from the words bell and wether, "a castrated male sheep," both with Old English origins.
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- The sudden surge in tech stocks is often seen as a bellwether for the overall market sentiment.
- Her fashion choices are considered a bellwether of upcoming trends in the industry.
