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.
Check out the Word of the Yearnoun
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.
adjective
lying on the back, face or front upward.
Explanation
- Supine is from the Latin word meaning "lying face up; inactive."
- Supine was first recorded in 1490-1500.
- The opposite of supine is prostrate, "lying face down."
- After finishing her workout, she lay supine on the floor to catch her breath.
- The stargazing enthusiasts lay supine on the grass, enjoying the night sky above them.
noun
a person who is fond of good eating.
Explanation
- Gourmand traces its roots to an Old French word meaning “glutton.”
- To gourmandize is to eat greedily or ravenously.
- Gourmand entered English around 1400-50.
- My friend is a true gourmand; he never misses an opportunity to try out new restaurants and cuisines.
- As a gourmand, my grandmother made sure every family gathering revolved around delicious food.
noun
drizzle; mist.
Explanation
- Mizzle can also mean "to rain in fine drops."
- Mizzle has Germanic roots.
- It was first recorded in English in 1475-85.
- I decided to walk in the mizzle since it would be cooler than the usual sun-drenched day.
- If you're planning a picnic, make sure to bring an umbrella in case of mizzle.
noun
a beginner in learning anything; novice.
Explanation
- Tyro comes from the Latin word meaning “recruit.”
- It was first recorded in English in 1605–15.
- Someone who is like a beginner can be described as tyronic.
- As a tyro in the field of photography, she was still learning the basics about lighting, composition, and exposure.
- Despite being a tyro in the kitchen, he managed to whip up an impressive meal for his dinner guests.
