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Word of the Day

Word of the day

irenic

[ ahy-ren-ik, ahy-ree-nik ] [ aɪˈrɛn ɪk, aɪˈri nɪk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory.

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Why Dictionary.com chose irenic

More about irenic

  • First recorded in 1860–65.
  • Comes from the Greek word eirēnikós, equivalent to eirḗn(ē), “peace.”
  • Related to the name “Irene.”

EXAMPLES OF IRENIC

  • As tensions rose between the feuding families, they longed for an irenic resolution to their dispute.
  • Her irenic approach to conflict resolution often diffused tense situations in the office.
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Word of the day

stratum

[ strey-tuhm, strat-uhm ] [ ˈstreɪ təm, ˈstræt əm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

one of a number of portions or divisions likened to layers or levels.

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Why Dictionary.com chose stratum

More about stratum

  • First recorded 1590–1600.
  • Comes from the Latin word strātum, which means literally “a cover.”
  • Strātum comes from the past participle of sternere, “to spread, strew.”

EXAMPLES OF STRATUM

  • The novel delves into the protagonist’s psyche, uncovering hidden strata of emotions and motivations.
  • The artist’s work often explores the complexities of human existence by depicting different strata of society in her paintings.
20240103
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Word of the day

mid

[ mid ] [ mɪd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

mediocre, unimpressive, or disappointing.

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Why Dictionary.com chose mid

More about mid

  • In its original sense, first recorded before 900.
  • Shortening of the word middle.
  • Comes from Middle English, Old English midd– (both an adjective and the initial element of a compound).
  • Similar to Greek mésos, méssos, méttos, Latin medius, and Sanskrit madhya, “middle.”

EXAMPLES OF MID

  • His attempt at a joke fell flat among his friends, who found it to be quite mid in terms of humor.
  • The new smartphone model failed to impress users, who found its features to be rather mid.
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