Word of the Day Archive
August 2005
- circumlocution: the use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few.
- Zeitgeist: the spirit of the time.
- affable: easy to speak to; also, gracious.
- parsimonious: frugal to excess.
- beholden: obliged; indebted.
- waylay: to ambush or accost.
- castigate: to punish or criticize severely.
- somniferous: causing or inducing sleep.
- captious: disposed to find fault or raise objections.
- sojourn: to dwell for a time; also, a temporary stay.
- nugatory: insignificant; also, ineffectual.
- ubiquitous: being everywhere.
- tryst: an appointment (as between lovers) to meet.
- pari passu: at an equal pace or rate.
- enmity: hatred; ill will.
- numinous: spiritual.
- dilatory: given to, or marked by, procrastination or delay.
- parley: a conference or discussion; also, to confer.
- ephemeral: lasting a very short time.
- truculent: fierce; savage; ferocious.
- vicissitude: a change in condition or fortune.
- schadenfreude: a malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others.
- tyro: a novice.
- expatiate: to speak or write at length.
- peccadillo: a slight offense; a petty fault.
- bagatelle: a trifle; also, a short, light literary or musical piece.
- descant: a discourse; also, to discourse.
- canorous: melodious; musical.
- unctuous: marked by a false or smug earnestness or agreeableness.
- evanescent: fleeting.
- venial: capable of being forgiven; excusable.
