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
of or relating to clothing or style or manner of dress.
Explanation
- Sartorial was first recorded in 1815-25.
- Sartorial comes from the Late Latin word sartor, meaning “tailor,” from the verb sarcire, "to patch or mend."
- Sartorial also can refer to the sartorius, which comes from the New Latin term sartorius musculus, literally "tailor's muscle," because it is the muscle that allows one to sit in the cross-legged position in which tailors traditionally sat while sewing.
- Her sartorial choices were always impeccable, as she effortlessly combined different fabrics and colors to create stunning outfits.
- As a stylist, he was known for his ability to transform clients' wardrobes, enhancing their sartorial confidence and helping them express their personal style.
adjective
speaking or expressed in a lofty style, often to the point of being pompous.
Explanation
- Grandiloquent was formed from the noun grandiloquence, which came from the Latin word grandiloqu(us), "speaking loftily."
- The first part, grandi(s), means "great; large."
- The second part, loqui, means "to speak," which you might recognize in loquacious, "talkative," and in monologue, "prolonged talk by a single speaker."
- Grandiloquent was first recorded in English around 1585-95.
- His grandiloquent speeches may impress some, but they simply bore me.
- The politician's grandiloquent promises were unconvincing to the skeptical audience.
noun
an Icelandic tradition in which books are given as Christmas presents and opened on December 24, after which the evening is spent reading the books.
Explanation
- Jolabokaflod was first recorded in English between 2015-20.
- Jolabokaflod comes from Icelandic Jólabókaflóðið, literally “(the) Christmas book flood," with Icelandic Jól “Christmas,” a cognate of English Yule, "Christmas."
- Jolabokaflod has been a tradition in Iceland since 1944, when the country gained its independence from Denmark during World War II and paper was not being rationed like other goods.
- December 24 is always a special night in Iceland, marked by the enchanting tradition of jolabokaflod and the shared love for reading.
- As midnight approached, the quiet hum of pages turning filled the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere during jolabokaflod.
verb
to praise highly.
Explanation
- Extol was first recorded in 1350-1400.
- Extol comes from the Middle English word extollen, which comes from the Latin word extollere, “to lift up, raise.”
- Extol can also be spelled extoll.
- exalt
- elevate
- eulogize
- The teacher extols the virtues of hard work and dedication to his students.
- The motivational speaker passionately extolled the importance of perseverance and self-belief in achieving success.
adjective
given to or characterized by gross excess in drinking or eating.
Explanation
- Crapulous was first recorded in 1530-40.
- Crapulous comes from the Late Latin word crāpulōsus, “inclined to drunkenness.”
- Crapulous can also mean "suffering from such excess."
- There is no relation between crapulous and crap, "excrement," which came from the Middle English word crap, meaning "chaff; siftings of grain."
- After a night of crapulous indulgence at the party, he woke up with a queasy stomach.
- The hotel offered a warning to guests about the nearby restaurant, known for serving crapulous portions that left patrons feeling uncomfortably stuffed.
