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.
to subject (something) to fire or intense heat
To torrefy is to subject something to fire or intense heat — think coffee beans, spices, or ancient alchemists at work. If you love a good char on your steak, congratulations, you're a master at torrefying foods!
affected or pretentious
La-di-da is the perfect way to describe someone being affected or pretentious, whether it's an exaggerated accent or a showy attitude. This delightfully snooty phrase captures just the right touch of mockery — no tiara required!
the unique essence or inner nature of a thing
Inscape describes the unique essence or inner nature of something, a term poet Gerard Manley Hopkins coined to capture individuality. Every landscape has a view, and every soul has an inscape — what's yours?
insignificant or petty
Pettifogging means "insignificant or petty." The word is related to pettifoggers, or lawyers who took on unimportant cases back in the day. If you're getting lost in pointless quibbles, maybe it's time to let go of the pettifogging concerns!
to spin something (like a floating log) by treading upon it
To birl is to spin something by treading upon it — especially when it comes to logrolling! This lively word captures motion, excitement, and a little bit of daring. Ready to take a spin?
