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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.
self-effacing
[ self-i-feys-ing ]
Show IPA
adjective
tending to make oneself or one's actions inconspicuous, especially because of humility or timidity; modest.
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Why Dictionary.com chose self-effacing
More about self-effacing
- Comes from the noun self-effacement, which was first recorded in 1865–70.
- Efface, meaning “to wipe out,” comes from the Middle French word effacer, dating back to 1480–90.
- Self was first recorded before 900.
EXAMPLES OF SELF-EFFACING
- The actor’s self-effacing humor endeared him to fans who appreciated his lack of arrogance.
- Her self-effacing demeanor made it difficult for others to praise her talents and skills openly.
gambol
verb
to skip about, as in dancing or playing; frolic.
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Why Dictionary.com chose gambol
More about gambol
- First recorded around 1495–1505.
- Earlier forms included gambold, gambald, and gamba(u)de.
- Comes from Middle French gambade, a variant of gambado, “large protective boots or gaiters,” which originated in the Latin word for “leg.”
EXAMPLES OF GAMBOL
- After a long day of work, the friends decided to gambol on the beach, letting loose and enjoying the moment.
- The puppies would gambol around the yard, chasing each other with glee.
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