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Word of the Day

Word of the day

aplomb

[ uh-plom, uh-pluhm ] [ əˈplɒm, əˈplʌm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.

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Why Dictionary.com chose aplomb

More about aplomb

  • Aplomb was first recorded around 1820–30.
  • Aplomb is from the French phrase à plomb, “according to the plummet,” which means straight up and down or in a vertical position.
  • Plummet or plumb bob refers to a weight attached to a line, used for determining perpendicularity.

EXAMPLES OF APLOMB

  • Despite facing an array of difficult questions, the speaker showed remarkable aplomb and answered each one with confidence.
  • As the team captain, she handled the pressure of the final match with aplomb, leading her team to victory.
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Word of the day

largess

[ lahr-jes ] [ lɑrˈdʒɛs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

generosity of spirit or attitude.

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Why Dictionary.com chose largess

More about largess

  • Largess was first recorded in 1175–1225.
  • Largess is also spelled largesse and comes from the Middle English word largesse, from Old French.
  • Largess is related to large, which comes from the Latin word meaning “ample, generous.”

EXAMPLES OF LARGESS

  • Despite her humble beginnings, the politician displayed an incredible largess by sponsoring scholarships for underprivileged students.
  • The artist’s largess was displayed in his willingness to share her creative process with others, inspiring a new generation of painters.
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Word of the day

dernier cri

[ dern-yey kree ] [ ˈdɛrn yeɪ ˈkri ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the latest fashion; last word.

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Why Dictionary.com chose dernier cri

More about dernier cri

  • Dernier cri entered English around 1895–1900.
  • Dernier cri comes from French and means literally, “last cry.”
  • You may recognize cri from cri de coeur, another borrowing from French that means “outcry” or literally, “cry of the heart.”

EXAMPLES OF DERNIER CRI

  • Her outfit at the party was the dernier cri, catching everyone’s attention with its cutting-edge design.
  • The restaurant’s menu boasted a selection of dishes that were not only delicious but also were the dernier cri in culinary innovation.
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