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Word of the day

soi-disant

[ swa-dee-zahn ] [ swa diˈzɑ̃ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

so-called.

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Why Dictionary.com chose soi-disant

More about soi-disant

  • Soi-disant was first recorded in English in 1750–60.
  • Soi-disant comes from the French term literally meaning, “calling oneself.”
  • Soi-disant can also mean “self-styled” as in, “The soi-disant ‘Man of Macaroni’ made the best pasta in town.”

EXAMPLES OF SOI-DISANT

  • The soi-disant psychic predicted a financial windfall for her clients, but it turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking.
  • The soi-disant fashionista boasted about her unique sense of style, but her wardrobe consisted of outdated trends.
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Word of the day

enervate

[ en-er-veyt ] [ ˈɛn ərˌveɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to deprive of force or strength; destroy the vigor of; weaken.

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Why Dictionary.com chose enervate

More about enervate

  • Enervate was first recorded in 1595–1605.
  • Enervate is from the Latin word ēnervātus, meaning “weakened.”
  • Ēnervātus is formed from ē-, meaning “from, out of,” and nerv(us), “sinew, tendon.”

EXAMPLES OF ENERVATE

  • The monotonous routine of his desk job enervated his motivation, making it difficult for him to stay focused.
  • The heatwave and high humidity enervated the athletes, hindering their performance on the field.
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Word of the day

vertiginous

[ ver-tij-uh-nuhs ] [ vərˈtɪdʒ ə nəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

liable or threatening to cause the dizzying sensation of vertigo.

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Why Dictionary.com chose vertiginous

More about vertiginous

  • Vertiginous entered English around 1600–10.
  • Vertiginous comes from the Latin word vertīginōsus, meaning “dizzy.”
  • Vertiginous shares the same stem as vertigo, “a dizzying sensation of tilting within stable surroundings or of being in tilting or spinning surroundings.”

EXAMPLES OF VERTIGINOUS

  • Looking out from the observation deck, the city’s skyscrapers seemed to rise endlessly into a vertiginous skyline.
  • The towering roller coaster offered a vertiginous thrill to its riders as it plunged from dizzying heights.
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