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Word of the Day

Word of the day

ennui

[ ahn-wee ] [ ɑnˈwi ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom.

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Why Dictionary.com chose ennui

More about ennui

  • English borrowed ennui from French in the 1660s.
  • Ennui is from an Old French word meaning “displeasure.”
  • Ennui is also related to the word annoy, but it really is just a wistful listlessness.

EXAMPLES OF ENNUI

  • The monotonous routines of daily life filled him with a sense of ennui that he just couldn’t shake off.
  • The meeting was so dull and tedious that even the most interesting topic couldn’t prevent the onset of ennui among the attendees.
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Word of the day

supine

[ soo-pahyn ] [ suˈpaɪn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

lying on the back, face or front upward.

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Why Dictionary.com chose supine

More about supine

  • Supine is from the Latin word meaning “lying face up; inactive.”
  • Supine was first recorded in 1490-1500.
  • The opposite of supine is prostrate, “lying face down.”

EXAMPLES OF SUPINE

  • After finishing her workout, she lay supine on the floor to catch her breath.
  • The stargazing enthusiasts lay supine on the grass, enjoying the night sky above them.
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Word of the day

gourmand

[ goor-mahnd ] [ gʊərˈmɑnd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a person who is fond of good eating.

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Why Dictionary.com chose gourmand

More about gourmand

  • Gourmand traces its roots to an Old French word meaning “glutton.”
  • To gourmandize is to eat greedily or ravenously.
  • Gourmand entered English around 1400-50.

EXAMPLES OF GOURMAND

  • My friend is a true gourmand; he never misses an opportunity to try out new restaurants and cuisines.
  • As a gourmand, my grandmother made sure every family gathering revolved around delicious food.
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