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Word of the day

hinterland

[ hin-ter-land ] [ ˈhɪn tərˌlænd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the remote or less developed parts of a country.

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Why Dictionary.com chose hinterland

More about hinterland

  • First used between 1885–90.
  • Directly from the German Hinterland, literally “behind the land.”
  • Commonly used in the plural, hinterlands, compare with the sticks¹⁵ or boondocks.

EXAMPLES OF HINTERLAND

  • She longed to escape the city’s noise and find solace in the serene hinterland.
  • The bustling port city was surrounded by a vast, sparsely populated hinterland.
20240103
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Word of the day

diffident

[ dif-i-duhnt ] [ ˈdɪf ɪ dənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

shy; lacking self-confidence.

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Why Dictionary.com chose diffident

More about diffident

  • First recorded between 1425–75.
  • From Latin diffīdēns, “mistrusting, despairing.”

EXAMPLES OF DIFFIDENT

  • The new student was nervous and diffident when introducing himself in front of the whole class.
  • Even as we praised the artist’s latest work, she remained unsure and diffident in manner.
20240103
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Word of the day

beek

[ beek ] [ bik ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to bask or warm in sunshine or before a fireplace, stove, or bonfire.

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Why Dictionary.com chose beek

More about beek

  • First recorded between 1200–50.
  • Possibly from the Middle English word beken, akin to bake.

EXAMPLES OF BEEK

  • It’s so cozy to beek in front of the fireplace after a day of skiing.
  • On sunny days, we can see many lizards beeking in the sun.
20240103
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