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Word of the Day

Word of the day

abscond

[ ab-skond ] [ æbˈskɒnd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb (used without object)

to depart in a sudden and secret manner.

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Why Dictionary.com chose abscond

More about abscond

  • The first records of the word abscond come from around the 1600s.
  • Abscond comes from the Latin verb abscondere, meaning “to hide or stow away.”
  • The word typically implies that someone has left because they have done something wrong and want to avoid any consequences.
  • Abscond is often followed by the word with and the thing that the person has absconded with, such as the things they’ve stolen.
  • A person who absconds can be called an absconder or an abscondee.

EXAMPLES OF ABSCOND

  • After embezzling a large sum of money, the accountant decided to abscond in the middle of the night, leaving no trace behind.
  • In a daring heist, the thief successfully absconded with the priceless diamond necklace, eluding both security and surveillance cameras.
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Word of the day

plaudit

[ plaw-dit ] [ ˈplɔ dɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an enthusiastic expression of approval.

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Why Dictionary.com chose plaudit

More about plaudit

  • An earlier version of plaudit was plaudite, which was pronounced as three syllables.
  • Plaudite came from Latin plaudere, meaning “to applaud.”
  • Plaudit can also refer to a round of applause; in fact, Roman actors would shout Plaudite! to encourage their audiences to clap after a play.
  • It’s often used in the plural form plaudits and was first recorded in 1615-25.

EXAMPLES OF PLAUDIT

  • The novel received numerous plaudits from critics, praising the author’s unique writing style.
  • Despite having stage fright, the speaker gained confidence over time as she received plaudits for her inspiring speeches.
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Word of the day

palsy-walsy

[ pal-zee-wal-zee ] [ ˈpæl ziˈwæl zi ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

friendly or appearing to be friendly in a very intimate or hearty way.

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Why Dictionary.com chose palsy-walsy

More about palsy-walsy

  • Palsy-walsy is a slang term that was first recorded in 1930-35.
  • It is a rhyming compound based on the adjective palsy, which was first recorded in 1925-30 and comes from pal.
  • Pal was first recorded in 1675-85 and comes from a variant of the continental Romani word phral, “brother, mate,” ultimately from Sanskrit bhrātṛ “brother.”

EXAMPLES OF PALSY-WALSY

  • The salesperson’s overly palsy-walsy attitude made the customer feel uncomfortable.
  • I don’t like how she acts all palsy-walsy with me when she needs something.
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