Word of the Day
mixtape
noun
a recording on a cassette tape, CD, or digital medium, consisting of music or songs selected by a single person.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose mixtape
More about mixtape
- Mixtape is a combination of the words mix, from Latin mixtus, and tape, from Old English tæppe “strip (of cloth).”
- The phrase mix tape dates back to at least 1974, when it appeared in Robert E. Runstein’s Modern Recording Techniques.
- Mix tape soon became common enough to become one, unhyphenated word: mixtape.
- By the late 1990s, DJs were selling homemade mixtapes, compiling various artists’ songs together.
- Artists also began making their own mixtapes, even featuring original music.
EXAMPLES OF MIXTAPE
- My brother gave me a mixtape that he made for my birthday.
- She created a mixtape of her favorite songs from the ’90s.
demur
verb
to make objection, especially on the grounds of moral or ethical considerations; take exception.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose demur
More about demur
- Demur comes via French from the Latin word dēmorārī, meaning “to linger, to delay.”
- Demur entered English between 1175–1225.
- The adjective demure, “shy, reserved,” entered English later from the past participle of the French verb “to demur.”
EXAMPLES OF DEMUR
- Despite her initial reluctance, she did not demur when asked to participate in the project.
- The committee members had no choice but to demur at the proposal, as it went against their ethical standards.
cupidity
noun
eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose cupidity
More about cupidity
- Cupidity originally comes from the Latin word cupiditās, meaning “eager, desirous.”
- Cupid, commonly represented as a winged being symbolic of love, comes from the same Latin root.
- Cupidity was first recorded in English between 1400-50.
EXAMPLES OF CUPIDITY
- Their cupidity for power blinded them to the needs of their constituents.
- The CEO’s cupidity led to unethical business practices.
Word of the Day Calendar