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 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?
present but not visible
If something is latent, it's there but not visible — like talent, energy, or a brilliant breakthrough. This word lurks in Latin roots meaning "to lie hidden." Just because something is latent doesn't mean it won't make a big entrance!
to come to an end
To surcease is to bring something to an end — an elegant word with Latin roots. Whether it's surceasing worry, chatter, or a relentless to-do list, sometimes all we need is a moment of quiet.
