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.
a word or phrase that is a seemingly logical alteration of another word or phrase that sounds similar and has been misheard or misinterpreted.
Explanation
- While eggcorn is attested as early as the early 19th century, its present sense dates from 2003.
- Eggcorn is a coinage by linguistics professor Geoffrey K. Pullum based on the word acorn, which could be mistaken to be a compound of egg and corn because of acorns’ size and shape.
- Eggcorns tend to reflect common mistakes at the individual level—no matter how widespread these mistakes may be—that do not change the spelling of the mistaken word or phrase.
- Eggcorns are based on logical misunderstandings, so not every misspelling qualifies as an eggcorn.
- After watching the movie, she couldn't help but laugh at the eggcorns he made when trying to quote famous lines.
- As a linguistics enthusiast, he found joy in discovering eggcorns that had permeated everyday language, such as "old wise tale" instead of "old wives' tale."
adjective
distinct in kind; essentially different; dissimilar.
Explanation
- Disparate entered English around 1580-90.
- Disparate comes from the Latin word disparātus, meaning "separated."
- The dis- element means "not," while par- comes from the Latin verb parāre, "to prepare, to get ready," which in this case may be influenced in meaning by the Latin word par, "equal."
- The team members had disparate opinions on how to approach the problem, resulting in a lengthy and impassioned debate.
- The artist's latest exhibition showcased a collection of disparate works of art, each representing a unique perspective on the human experience.
noun
light, playful banter or raillery.
Explanation
- Badinage was first recorded in English around 1650-60.
- Badinage comes from French, from the verb badin(er), meaning “to joke, trifle.”
- Badinage is also a verb in English, meaning "to banter with or tease someone playfully."
- During the dinner party, the guests engaged in delightful badinage, exchanging witty remarks and playful banter throughout the evening.
- The comedy show was filled with clever badinage between the stand-up comedian and the audience, making for a laughter-filled experience.
verb
to show clearly; make evident.
Explanation
- Evince was first recorded around 1600-10.
- Evince comes from the Latin word ēvincere, meaning "to conquer, overcome, carry one's point."
- Evince is related to evict, victory, convince, and vanquish, all possibly through the same Latin word, vincere, "to conquer."
- The artist's masterpiece evinces her incredible talent and attention to detail.
- The data from the study evinced a clear correlation between exercise and improved mental health.
adjective
globe-shaped; spherical.
Explanation
- Globular was first recorded in 1650-60.
- Globular comes from the Latin word globul(us), meaning "small, spherical body."
- Globular is also related to globe, which can refer to any planet or celestial body or specifically to the planet Earth (as in, the globe or globe-trotter).
- With its circular design and gleaming glass surface, the modern pendant lamp cast a warm and globular glow throughout the room.
- The artist carefully sculpted a globular vase, with its smooth curves resembling a perfect sphere.
