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
lacking definite form; having no specific shape.
Explanation
- Amorphous was first recorded in 1725–35.
- Amorphous is from the Greek word meaning "shapeless."
- Amorphous has figurative uses but is also used more literally in mineralogy, chemistry, and biology.
- The amorphous cloud of happiness lingered above us, spreading a joyous mood throughout the room.
- The amorphous mass of clay was hard to mold into a recognizable shape, frustrating the artist's efforts.
noun
the medical term for fainting.
Explanation
- Syncope comes from the Greek word meaning "cutting short."
- Syncope entered English between 1350 and 1400.
- Healthcare professionals often use specialized terms like syncope to standardize medical care and communication.
- The paramedics were called after the fan experienced syncope during the concert.
- The patient's frequent episodes of syncope prompted the doctor to recommend further evaluation.
adjective
highly excited by eagerness, curiosity, anticipation, etc.
Explanation
- Agog comes from French, most likely from a phrase meaning "in a state of mirth."
- Agog is a variant of the phrase (set) on gog, meaning “to rouse, stir up.”
- Agog was first recorded in 1535–45.
- With an air of anticipation and eagerness, the crowd was agog as they waited for the live band to start playing.
- The children were agog with excitement as they eagerly anticipated the magician's next trick.
verb
to look or stare with sullen dislike, discontent, or anger.
Explanation
- Glower comes from a Scots word that is similar to a Middle Low German word meaning "to become overcast."
- A glower is a look of sullen dislike.
- Glower was first recorded in English between 1350 and 1400.
- The child couldn't help but glower at her sister when she got the bigger slice of cake.
- When he saw his ex-girlfriend with her new partner, he glowered at them from across the room.
noun
a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom.
Explanation
- English borrowed ennui from French in the 1660s.
- Ennui is from an Old French word meaning “displeasure.”
- Ennui is also related to the word annoy, but it really is just a wistful listlessness.
- The monotonous routines of daily life filled him with a sense of ennui that he just couldn't shake off.
- The meeting was so dull and tedious that even the most interesting topic couldn't prevent the onset of ennui among the attendees.
