Word of the Day
metonymy
noun
referring to something by one of its attributes or a by a related word.
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Why Dictionary.com chose metonymy
More about metonymy
- First recorded between 1540–50.
- From Latin metōnymia, from Greek metōnymía, “change of name” (see origin at met-, -onym, -y3).
EXAMPLES OF METONYMY
- Hollywood for the film industry.
- The Crown for the British monarchy.
- Suits for businesspeople.
- Pink slip for a layoff notice.
foudroyant
adjective
sudden and overwhelming in effect; stunning; dazzling.
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Why Dictionary.com chose foudroyant
More about foudroyant
- First recorded in English between 1830–40.
- From French foudroyer, “to strike with lightning,” derivative of foudre, “lightning.”
EXAMPLES OF FOUDROYANT
- The foudroyant storm lit up the whole sky.
- The opera began with a foudroyant overture, setting the stage for the emotional and powerful performance that followed.
gestalt
noun
something with two or more parts that are so integrated that they are perceived as one.
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Why Dictionary.com chose gestalt
More about gestalt
- First used between 1920–25.
- Directly from German Gestalt, “figure, form, structure.”
EXAMPLES OF GESTALT
- The gestalt of the novel’s narrative structure, with its interwoven stories, provides a rich, layered experience for readers.
- In therapy, the gestalt approach focuses on understanding the entire context of a person’s experiences rather than isolating specific events.
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