Word of the Day
stratum
noun
one of a number of portions or divisions likened to layers or levels.
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Why Dictionary.com chose stratum
More about stratum
- First recorded 1590–1600.
- Comes from the Latin word strātum, which means literally “a cover.”
- Strātum comes from the past participle of sternere, “to spread, strew.”
EXAMPLES OF STRATUM
- The novel delves into the protagonist’s psyche, uncovering hidden strata of emotions and motivations.
- The artist’s work often explores the complexities of human existence by depicting different strata of society in her paintings.
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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.
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