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Word of the day

fractious

[ frak-shuhs ] [ ˈfræk ʃəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

unruly; unwilling to comply

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Why Dictionary.com chose fractious

More about fractious

  • First recorded in 1715–25.
  • Formed from fracti(on), “disposed to quarrel, brawl” + -ous, a suffix forming adjectives that have the general sense “possessing, full of ” a given quality.

EXAMPLES OF FRACTIOUS

  • Managing the fractious committee members was exhausting, as they disagreed on almost every issue.
  • Their fractious behavior at meetings often lead to heated arguments and disruptions.
20240103
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Word of the day

folderol

[ fol-duh-rol ] [ ˈfɒl dəˌrɒl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

mere nonsense; foolish talk or ideas

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Why Dictionary.com chose folderol

More about folderol

  • First recorded in 1695–1705.
  • Originally referred to a nonsense refrain in songs; of obscure origin.

EXAMPLES OF FOLDEROL

  • The article was filled with folderol, lacking any serious research or evidence.
  • The politician’s speech was criticized as folderol, offering plenty of charm but no real policy.
20240103
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Word of the day

brume

[ broom ] [ brum ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

mist; fog

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Why Dictionary.com chose brume

More about brume

  • First used in English between 1800–10.
  • From the French for “fog” and Old French for “wintertime,” brume comes from the Latin bruma meaning “winter” and “winter solstice.” It’s a contraction of the word brevissima with the root brevis, “short,” referring to the winter solstice as the shortest day of the year. Also see breve.

EXAMPLES OF BRUME

  • She loved the way the brume settled over the fields, creating a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere.
  • The lighthouse’s beam cut through the brume, guiding ships safely to shore.
20240103
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Word of the Day Calendar