Word of the Day
levity
noun
lack of appropriate seriousness or earnestness
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose levity
More about levity
- First used between 1555–65.
- From the Latin levitās, “lightness, frivolity,” equivalent to levi(s), light + –tās, -ty2.
EXAMPLES OF LEVITY
- The professor frowned upon any levity in the classroom when discussing serious topics.
- During the tense meeting, his joke brought a moment of levity that eased the atmosphere.
banish
verb
to expel from a country or place by authoritative decree
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose banish
More about banish
- First recorded between 1275–1325.
- From Middle English banisshen, from Anglo-French, Old French baniss-, (long stem of banir), from unrecorded Frankish bannjan, “to proclaim,” akin to ban1.
EXAMPLES OF BANISH
- The council voted to banish the rebel leader to a remote island as punishment.
- The dictator threatened to banish all citizens who spoke out against his regime.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose piffle
More about piffle
- First recorded in 1840–50.
- Perhaps akin to puff.
EXAMPLES OF PIFFLE
- Stop talking such piffle and focus on the facts!
- His argument was full of piffle — no one took it seriously.
Word of the Day Calendar