Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

Word of the Day

Word of the day

pithy

[ pith-ee ] [ ˈpɪθ i ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

brief, forceful, and meaningful in expression.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose pithy

More about pithy

  • Pithy is a Middle English word dating back to 1300–50.
  • It comes from pith, the white, spongy part of a citrus fruit between the rind and the thin skin of individual segments.
  • Pith can also refer to the important or essential part of something.
  • Pith was first recorded before 900 and comes from the Old English word pitha, a cognate of the Dutch word pit.

EXAMPLES OF PITHY

  • In one pithy statement, she encapsulated the essence of the entire debate.
  • The speaker’s pithy remark resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impression.
quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
arrows pointing up and down
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
SEE TODAY'S SYNONYM
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

spumescent

[ spyoo-mes-uhnt ] [ spyuˈmɛs ənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

foamy; foamlike; frothy.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose spumescent

More about spumescent

  • Spumescent was first recorded in 1855–60.
  • Spumescent comes from the word spume, which means “to froth” or which can refer to the foam or froth itself.
  • Spume comes from the Latin word spūma, meaning “foam, froth.”
  • The ending –escent is borrowed from Latin, where it expresses the beginning of an action or process and often corresponds to verbs ending in –esce and nouns ending in –escence.
  • Other examples with this ending are luminescent, adolescent, and frondescent.

EXAMPLES OF SPUMESCENT

  • The barista skillfully poured steamed milk into the espresso, creating a spumescent layer of foam on top.
  • The bubbling jacuzzi produced a relaxing and spumescent experience for the tired travelers.
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

eudemonia

[ yoo-di-moh-nee-uh ] [ ˌyu dɪˈmoʊ ni ə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

happiness; well-being.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose eudemonia

More about eudemonia

  • Eudemonia comes from the Greek word eudaimonía.
  • The root, eudemon, means “a good or benevolent demon or spirit.”
  • The concept of eudemonia comes from Aristotelianism, the philosophy of Aristotle (384–322 b.c.), and it centers on happiness as the result of an active life governed by reason.

EXAMPLES OF EUDEMONIA

  • After years of hard work and self-reflection, she finally achieved a state of eudemonia, finding true happiness and fulfillment in her life.
  • Many philosophers argue that the pursuit of eudemonia should be the ultimate goal for individuals, as it encompasses not just momentary pleasure but also long-term well-being.
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar