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.
morally tainted
"Scrofulous" describes someone who is morally corrupt. Originally referring to a form of tuberculosis, it's a word that paints a vivid picture of decay. Let’s scrub away the scrofulous stains and revel in the clarity of clean language!
to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate
"Exculpate" means to clear from blame or guilt. Derived from Latin "ex" (out) and "culpa" (blame), this word shines a light on the path to absolution. Ready to exculpate yourself from any linguistic mysteries?
a group of people regarded as disreputable or worthless
"Riffraff" refers to disreputable or undesirable people, often with a touch of mischief. Originating from Old French "rif et raf," meaning "one and all," it captures the diverse characters that add spice to life. You ready to rifle through the riffraff on the street?
dark; gloomy; obscure
"Tenebrous" refers to something dark, shadowy, or obscure. From Latin "tenebrae" meaning "darkness," it paints a mysterious picture. Ready to illuminate the tenebrous corners of your vocabulary?
having mixed feelings about someone or something
"Ambivalent" describes conflicting feelings or uncertainty towards something. From Latin roots meaning "both" and "strength," it captures the complexity of human emotions. Hope you firmly decide to remember this word!
