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.
the act of talking while or as if alone
A soliloquy refers to the act of speaking as if alone, sharing private thoughts aloud for all to hear. The word blends Latin roots meaning "alone" and "to speak." Whether you're delivering dramatic lines onstage or just talking yourself through the day, a little soliloquy can be surprisingly clarifying!
perhaps; by chance
Haply means "by chance or perhaps," often carrying the nuance of something happening by good fortune or accident. Think of it as a poetic way to talk about fate. The word shares its roots with "happen," echoing the idea that events and luck often travel together. Slip it into conversation to sound charmingly poetic!
lava that has a smooth or billowy surface
Pahoehoe, a word borrowed directly from Hawaiian, is a type of fast-flowing lava that eventually cools into smooth, ropy formations. This earthbound lava is different from the stuff you might see flying through the air when an explosive volcano blows its top. If you're ever in Hawaii, you might get a chance to check out some powerful pahoehoe!
a friendly talk; chat
A coze is a warm, friendly chat — the kind of easy conversation you share over cocoa or by a crackling hearth. English borrowed it in the 1800s from a French word for "chatting," trading stuffy parlors for comfy armchairs. Get ready to grab your bestie and settle in for a nice coze!
reddish or brownish red
Rufous is a warm reddish-brown shade you'll notice on fox fur, hummingbird feathers, and crisp autumn leaves. Derived from one of Latin's many words for "red," the term shows up constantly in bird guides when a patch of plumage looks more burgundy than brown. Keep your binoculars ready on your next nature walk and see if you can spot any rufous-feathered friends!
