Word of the Day
impromptu
adjective
improvised; having the character of an improvisation.
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Why Dictionary.com chose impromptu
More about impromptu
- First recorded in 1660–70.
- A bit ironically, impromptu comes via French from the Latin phrase in promptū, “in readiness.”
- Prompt, “done at once,” also derives from the Latin word promptus “manifest, at hand, ready.”
EXAMPLES OF IMPROMPTU
- They decided to have an impromptu picnic in the park when the weather suddenly cleared up.
- There was no clear plan so the next steps felt a bit impromptu.
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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.
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