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
fate; destiny.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1840–50.
- Comes from Turkish ultimately from Arabic qisma, qismat-, meaning “division, portion, lot, fate.”
- Although a term from Islam, kismet is popularly used to refer to something that one believes was meant to be or the reason why such a thing happened.
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- The unexpected encounter with an old friend at the airport felt like kismet.
- As he stood on the stage, delivering his award-winning speech, he couldn't help but feel that kismet had guided him to this moment.
noun
loose knee-length pants in general.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1570–80.
- Earlier forms include gallogascaine(s) and galigascon(s).
- Perhaps an alteration of obsolete French garguesque that was influenced by galley, "a kitchen or an area with kitchen facilities in a ship, plane, or camper," and Gascon, "a native of Gascony, France."
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- As I rummaged through the old trunk, I stumbled upon a pair of vintage galligaskins, bringing back memories of fashion trends from the past.
- She chose to wear comfortable galligaskins for her outdoor adventure, ensuring she could freely move and explore without any restrictions.
noun
an object or person whose name is not known or cannot be recalled.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1920–25.
- An alteration of the phrase who's this.
- Similar to whatsis, a reduced form of what's this.
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- "Can you pass me the whoosis on the shelf?" she asked. "I need it for this project."
- "When I went to the store, I realized I forgot my wallet, so I had to leave the whoosis at the checkout counter," he lamented.
noun
a self-seeking, servile flatterer.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1530–40.
- Comes ultimately from Greek sȳkophántēs, “informer.”
- Sȳkophántēs comes from sŷko, meaning “fig,” and the stem of phaínein, meaning “to show.”
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- She saw through the sycophant's deceptive flattery and remained wary of his ulterior motives.
- The playwright created a character who was an exaggerated representation of a sycophant, using satire to mock those who seek favor through insincere flattery.
noun
a figure of speech that produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the Late Latin word oxymorum.
- Oxymorum is from the presumed but unrecorded Greek neuter of oxýmōros, meaning “sharp-dull.”
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- The song's title, "Bittersweet Symphony," perfectly captures the essence of an oxymoron by evoking both positive and negative emotions.
- The comedian's act was filled with witty oxymorons that left the audience laughing and scratching their heads at the same time.
