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.
serving to help or assist
Adjuvant describes something or someone that helps — whether it's a supportive friend, a booster ingredient, or a scientific additive. From a Latin term meaning "to aid," this word celebrates the sidekicks and secret strengths that make success possible.
With the nurse's adjuvant care, the patient improved quickly.
absolute insight acquired through study
Jnana describes the kind of understanding that comes from careful study and reflection. Rooted in Sanskrit, it refers to wisdom that goes beyond facts. In short, jnana is enlightenment through intellect.
Through years of study, she achieved a state of jnana, allowing her to understand the universe with absolute insight.
to repeat; reiterate
To ingeminate is to repeat something for emphasis; think of it as the fancy cousin of "reiterate." Derived from a Latin term meaning "twin," this word adds dramatic flair to speeches, poems, and pep talks alike. Say it once, then ingeminate it!
He would often ingeminate his main points during the lecture to ensure the students understood.
a loan translation of a word or phrase from another language
A calque is a borrowed phrase translated word for word from another language, originating from a French word meaning "copy." Language loves a good remix, and calques show how words travel, evolve, and inspire across cultures.
"Flea market" is a calque from the French marché aux puces.
to sigh or breathe
To suspire is to sigh or breathe, often with emotion. Once common in sonnets and romances, this poetic word still fits perfectly when you need to let out a dreamy or dramatic exhale.
After a long day, she would often suspire with relief.
