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Why Dictionary.com chose appellative
More about appellative
- First recorded around 1375–1425.
- Comes via late Middle English from the Late Latin word appellātīvus.
- Related to the Latin word appellātus, meaning “called upon, named, appealed to.”
EXAMPLES OF APPELLATIVE
- The appellative term “Big Apple” is often used to describe the city of New York.
- In this context, the word “whale” is appellative for large marine mammals.
delve
verb
to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate.
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Why Dictionary.com chose delve
More about delve
- First recorded before 900.
- Comes via the Middle English word delven from Old English delfan.
- Has an archaic sense of “to dig.”
EXAMPLES OF DELVE
- The author’s new book will delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
- The detective decided to delve deeper into the mysterious disappearance of the valuable painting.
irenic
adjective
tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory.
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Why Dictionary.com chose irenic
More about irenic
- First recorded in 1860–65.
- Comes from the Greek word eirēnikós, equivalent to eirḗn(ē), “peace.”
- Related to the name “Irene.”
EXAMPLES OF IRENIC
- As tensions rose between the feuding families, they longed for an irenic resolution to their dispute.
- Her irenic approach to conflict resolution often diffused tense situations in the office.
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