Word of the Day
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Why Dictionary.com chose en famille
More about en famille
- First recorded in 1720–30.
- Comes from the French phrase, translated literally as “in family.”
EXAMPLES OF EN FAMILLE
- The tradition of Sunday brunch en famille is cherished in many households.
- When you appreciate your co-workers, working doesn’t feel like work; it feels like you are spending time en famille.
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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.
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