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.
sloth; laziness or indolence
Acedia describes lethargy or indolence, tracing back to a Greek term that means "not caring." It originally referred to spiritual apathy, but over time it expanded to cover a general state of laziness. Acedia isn't just ordinary procrastination or burnout — it's existential and reflective.
Acedia often leads to a lack of productivity and spiritual stagnation.
gray or tawny with darker streaks or spots
Brindled refers to a base color — often gray, tawny, or brown — that's overlaid with darker streaks or spots. This pattern is common in dogs, cats, and horses, giving each coat a sense of natural texture. Every brindled animal looks a little different, with a mix of light and dark that creates depth and interest.
The brindled cat blended in with the fallen leaves.
to make or render fantastic
To fantasticate is to transform the familiar into something strange, whimsical, or wonderfully imaginative. Emerging from the word "fantastic" itself, it invites you to sprinkle a little wonder or imagination onto the everyday. A dull afternoon? Fantasticate it!
The artist will fantasticate the landscape, making it look like a scene from a dream.
mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, or danger
Fortitude describes courage and emotional strength in the face of hardship. From a Latin root meaning "strong," it's the quiet determination that carries people through storms, setbacks, and long Mondays alike. Fortitude celebrates heroes big and small!
She showed great fortitude in continuing her studies despite significant personal challenges.
without digressing; in a straightforward manner
Ad rem describes doing or saying something in a way that gets straight to the point. From a Latin term that means "to the matter," it's the opposite of going off on tangents. In short: no fluff, no filler, just facts.
The speaker addressed the issue ad rem, staying focused and avoiding tangents.