Word of the Day
sycophant
noun
a self-seeking, servile flatterer.
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Why Dictionary.com chose sycophant
More about sycophant
- First recorded in 1530–40.
- Comes ultimately from Greek sȳkophántēs, “informer.”
- Sȳkophántēs comes from sŷko, meaning “fig,” and the stem of phaínein, meaning “to show.”
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EXAMPLES OF SYCOPHANT
- She saw through the sycophant‘s deceptive flattery and remained wary of his ulterior motives.
- The playwright created a character who was an exaggerated representation of a sycophant, using satire to mock those who seek favor through insincere flattery.
oxymoron
noun
a figure of speech that produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect.
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Why Dictionary.com chose oxymoron
More about oxymoron
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the Late Latin word oxymorum.
- Oxymorum is from the presumed but unrecorded Greek neuter of oxýmōros, meaning “sharp-dull.”
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EXAMPLES OF OXYMORON
- The song’s title, “Bittersweet Symphony,” perfectly captures the essence of an oxymoron by evoking both positive and negative emotions.
- The comedian’s act was filled with witty oxymorons that left the audience laughing and scratching their heads at the same time.
sesquipedalian
adjective
(of a word) containing many syllables.
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Why Dictionary.com chose sesquipedalian
More about sesquipedalian
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the Latin word sesquipedālis, meaning “measuring a foot and a half.”
- The first part, sesqui-, means “one and a half,” and pedal, means “of the feet,” which also forms pedestrian, pedicure, and pedal, as in “a foot-operated lever.”
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EXAMPLES OF SESQUIPEDALIAN
- The poet’s use of sesquipedalian words in their verses added an air of sophistication to their work.
- A love of language and her sesquipedalian speech made her a captivating public speaker.
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