Word of the Day

To jubilate means "to show or feel great joy." Think of cheering, singing, or otherwise letting happiness burst forth. Although the noun jubilation is more common than its verb counterpart in modern times, jubilate joyously rang through hymns and victory songs for centuries. When good news lands today, don't hesitate to unleash your joy!

Exculpatory is a way to describe evidence that clears a person of blame or guilt. American lawyers carefully comb through all relevant document collections before a trial, because under U.S. law, prosecutors must hand over any potentially exculpatory evidence to the defense. The next time facts swing in your favor just like you knew they would, marvel at how a single exculpatory discovery can close a case.

To dislimn means "to become dim or indistinct," fading away like it was never there. Built from the prefix "dis-" plus the old verb "limn," meaning "to paint or sketch," it has long described pictures, outlines, and even memories slowly disappearing. Now you have a fitting word for when the latest chalk masterpiece on the driveway fades away in a summer storm.

Khaki is a yellowish-brown shade that evokes both sun-baked earth and well-worn chinos. The color's name entered English during the nineteenth century in India, where some British troops dyed their uniforms khaki (literally "dusty" in Urdu) to blend in with the landscape. Today, khaki is a versatile color worn anywhere from office meetings to outdoor adventures.

Favonian describes something mild and favorable, especially when it comes to the wind. The word is derived from Favonius, the Roman god of a warm west wind that heralded the coming of spring. Picture yourself lounging at the beach as a calm breeze blows in from the ocean. That's favonian!