Word of the Day
facetious
adjective
not meant to be taken seriously or literally.
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Why Dictionary.com chose facetious
More about facetious
- First recorded in 1585–95.
- From Middle French facecieux, from facetie, “a jest,” from Latin facētia, “a jest, witticism” (see facetiae + -ious)
EXAMPLES OF FACETIOUS
- She made a facetious comment about moving to Mars to escape the traffic.
- The author’s facetious tone made the article entertaining despite the serious topic.
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Why Dictionary.com chose dulcify
More about dulcify
- First used between 1590–1600.
- Derived from the Late Latin dulcificāre, “to sweeten” with ‑ficāre, “to do” + -ify, a verbal suffix meaning “to make, to cause to do, render.”
EXAMPLES OF DULCIFY
- She added honey to the tea to dulcify it, making it more enjoyable.
- They used syrup to dulcify the bitter medicine for the children.
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Why Dictionary.com chose abrogate
More about abrogate
- First used in English between 1520–30.
- From the Latin abrogātus, “repealed” (See ab-, rogation, -ate1).
- The meaning has expanded from officially repealing a law (doing away with it) to delaying or avoiding to do something, like a chore or another responsibility.
EXAMPLES OF ABROGATE
- By neglecting to attend the meetings, he was seen as trying to abrogate his duties.
- The committee tried to abrogate its responsibility by postponing the decision until after the holidays.
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