Word of the Day
venerable
adjective
commanding respect because of great age or impressive dignity.
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Why Dictionary.com chose venerable
More about venerable
- First used in Middle English between 1400–50.
- From the Latin venerābilis, equivalent to venerā(rī), “to venerate, worship” + -bilis, “-ble,” an adjective-forming suffix.
EXAMPLES OF VENERABLE
- They visited the venerable ruins, awed by their historical significance.
- She was a venerable figure, known for her extensive knowledge and wise counsel.
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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