Word of the Day
steadfast
adjective
firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment.
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Why Dictionary.com chose steadfast
More about steadfast
- First recorded before 1000.
- Comes from the Middle English word stedefast, from Old English stedefæst.
- A combination of stead, “the place of a person,” and fast, “firmly fixed in place.”
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EXAMPLES OF STEADFAST
- Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained steadfast in her commitment to finishing the marathon.
- The community was grateful for the steadfast support of volunteers during the crisis.
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Why Dictionary.com chose absquatulate
More about absquatulate
- First recorded in 1820–30.
- Formed from ab-, “away from,” and squat, “to sit in a low or crouching position.”
- A pseudo-Latinism, it parallels Latin-derived words with initial abs– like abscond and abstention and final –tulate, as in congratulate.
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EXAMPLES OF ABSQUATULATE
- The mischievous cat managed to absquatulate every time the door was left open.
- When they heard the police sirens approaching, the burglars decided to absquatulate from the scene of the crime.
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flabbergast
verb
to overcome with surprise and bewilderment; astound.
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Why Dictionary.com chose flabbergast
More about flabbergast
- First recorded around 1765–75.
- A variant of flabagast, which may be a combination of flabb(y), “hanging loosely or limply” or flap, “a blow given with something broad and flat,” and aghast, “struck with overwhelming shock.”
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EXAMPLES OF FLABBERGAST
- The magician’s disappearing act never failed to flabbergast the audience.
- The unexpected news about the new mayor flabbergasted the community.
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