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sapphirine

[ saf-er-in ] [ ˈsæf ər ɪn, -əˌrin, -əˌraɪn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

like sapphire, especially in color.

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Why Dictionary.com chose sapphirine

More about sapphirine

  • First recorded between 1375–1425.
  • From Greek sappheírinos, “like lapis lazuli” (see sapphire, -ine1).

EXAMPLES OF SAPPHIRINE

  • The tropical sea shimmered with sapphirine and turquoise waves.
  • Her sapphirine eyes matched her favorite blue dress.
20240103
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Word of the day

hinterland

[ hin-ter-land ] [ ˈhɪn tərˌlænd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the remote or less developed parts of a country.

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Why Dictionary.com chose hinterland

More about hinterland

  • First used between 1885–90.
  • Directly from the German Hinterland, literally “behind the land.”
  • Commonly used in the plural, hinterlands, compare with the sticks¹⁵ or boondocks.

EXAMPLES OF HINTERLAND

  • She longed to escape the city’s noise and find solace in the serene hinterland.
  • The bustling port city was surrounded by a vast, sparsely populated hinterland.
20240103
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Word of the day

diffident

[ dif-i-duhnt ] [ ˈdɪf ɪ dənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

shy; lacking self-confidence.

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Why Dictionary.com chose diffident

More about diffident

  • First recorded between 1425–75.
  • From Latin diffīdēns, “mistrusting, despairing.”

EXAMPLES OF DIFFIDENT

  • The new student was nervous and diffident when introducing himself in front of the whole class.
  • Even as we praised the artist’s latest work, she remained unsure and diffident in manner.
20240103
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