Word of the Day
festoon
noun
a string or chain of flowers, foliage, ribbon, suspended in a curve between two points.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose festoon
More about festoon
- Festoon can also be a verb meaning “to adorn with festoons.”
- Festoon entered English between 1670–80.
- It comes via French from the Italian word festone, meaning “decoration for a feast.”
EXAMPLES OF FESTOON
- The wedding arch was a festoon made of delicate white flowers that swayed in the gentle breeze.
- For the music festival, the decorators had strung a festoon with bright neon lights across the stage to illuminate the performers and audience alike.
antihero
noun
a protagonist who lacks the attributes that make a heroic figure, as nobility of mind and spirit, a life or attitude marked by action or purpose, and the like.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose antihero
More about antihero
- Antihero entered English at the turn of the 18th century and is formed from the Latin prefix anti, meaning “opposite of” and hero, originally from the Greek word hḗrōs, meaning “protector” or “defender.”
- Hero and its counterpart antihero were first used almost exclusively to refer to a man.
- Although the corresponding word heroine and its counterpart antiheroine were—and still are—reserved for women, hero and antihero are now considered to be gender-neutral words.
EXAMPLES OF ANTIHERO
- Despite his questionable methods and morally ambiguous choices, the antihero of the story captivated audiences with his complex personality and unconventional approach to justice.
- In a refreshing departure from traditional heroes, the antihero‘s flawed nature allowed for a more realistic and relatable depiction of human struggles, resonating with a generation seeking characters who defy conventions.
cantankerous
adjective
disagreeable to deal with; contentious.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose cantankerous
More about cantankerous
- Cantankerous was first recorded in 1765–75.
- It is of uncertain origin but may derive from the Middle English word contack, meaning “quarrel” or “contention” that ultimately comes from Old French contek.
- Cantankerous was formed on the model of the not-too-dissimilar words contentious and rancorous.
EXAMPLES OF CANTANKEROUS
- My cantankerous neighbor always complains about the slightest noise coming from my apartment.
- Despite his cantankerous personality, the new boss is known for making effective decisions for the company.
Word of the Day Calendar