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Word of the day

juke

[ jook ] [ dʒuk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to make a move intended to deceive (an opponent)

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Why Dictionary.com chose juke

More about juke

  • First used in the 1930s meaning “to dance” at a “juke joint” or to “jukebox music.”
  • The current sense of “feinting” or “making a move to deceive an opponent” was in use by the 1970s.

EXAMPLES OF JUKE

  • The point guard juked her defender with a quick fake before driving to the basket.
  • The boxer juked to avoid the punch, then countered with a jab.
20240103
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Word of the day

mendacious

[ men-dey-shuhs ] [ mɛnˈdeɪ ʃəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

telling lies, especially habitually; dishonest; lying; untruthful

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Why Dictionary.com chose mendacious

More about mendacious

  • First used between 1610–20;
  • From Latin mendāci-, (see mendacity) + -ous.

EXAMPLES OF MENDACIOUS

  • The tabloids published a mendacious story about the celebrity’s personal life.
  • My mendacious behavior made it difficult for anyone to trust me.
20240103
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Word of the day

tweak

[ tweek ] [ twik ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to make a minor adjustment to

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Why Dictionary.com chose tweak

More about tweak

  • First recorded in 1595–1605; akin to twitch.

EXAMPLES OF TWEAK

  • After reviewing the report, I decided to tweak the conclusion to make it clearer.
  • The software engineer tweaked the program’s code to improve its speed.
20240103
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