Word of the Day Archive
January 2000
- segue: to proceed without interruption.
- palimpsest: an object or place whose older layers or aspects are apparent.
- bete noire: something or someone particularly detested or avoided.
- farrago: an assortment; a medley.
- expatiate: to speak or write at length.
- nadir: the lowest point.
- protean: readily assuming different shapes or forms.
- fulsome: offensive from excess of praise.
- constitutional: a walk taken for one's health.
- quondam: former; sometime.
- sinecure: an office or position that involves little work or responsibility.
- vainglory: excessive pride or vain display.
- canard: an unfounded or false report.
- gainsay: to contradict; to deny.
- portend: to foreshadow; to bode.
- ratiocination: the process of logical reasoning.
- equivocate: to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear.
- frisson: a brief moment of intense excitement.
- tchotchke: a trinket; a knickknack.
- inveigh: to rail (against some person or thing).
- propound: to put forward for consideration.
- acrid: sharp and harsh; bitter.
- lachrymose: given to causing tears.
- fop: a man who is vain about his dress and appearance.
- defenestrate: to throw out of a window.
- brio: vigor; vivacity.
- supercilious: disdainfully arrogant.
- gesticulate: to make gestures or motions.
- probity: complete and confirmed integrity.
- inveterate: deep-rooted; of long standing.
- Hobson's choice: a choice without an alternative.
