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unceremoniously

[ uhn-ser-uh-moh-nee-uhs-lee ] [ ˌʌn sɛr əˈmoʊ ni əs li ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

in a way that seems rudely abrupt or hasty

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Why Dictionary.com chose unceremoniously

More about unceremoniously

  • First recorded in 1750–60, combining unceremonious + -ly.
  • The adjective form was first noted in the writing of poet George Chapman.

EXAMPLES OF UNCEREMONIOUSLY

  • The employee was unceremoniously dismissed from his job, receiving no explanation.
  • They abandoned their camping plans unceremoniously when it started to storm.
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Word of the day

abraxas

[ uh-brak-suhs ] [ əˈbræk səs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a word of unknown significance found on charms, especially amulets, of the late Greco-Roman world

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Why Dictionary.com chose abraxas

More about abraxas

  • First recorded in 1710–20.
  • Borrowed directly from the French abraxas, for an amulet inscribed with the word.
  • From the Post-classical Latin Abraxas, ruler of the 365 heavens. Its letters in Greek add up to 365 — representing the full cycle of time and linking Abraxas as a ruler over all aspects of creation and the cosmic order.

EXAMPLES OF ABRAXAS

  • Ancient magicians and healers often incorporated the word abraxas into their spells and rituals to invoke supernatural forces.
  • Scholars have long debated the meaning of abraxas, which appears frequently on charms and talismans from the Greco-Roman period.
20240103
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Word of the day

disabuse

[ dis-uh-byooz ] [ ˌdɪs əˈbyuz ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to free (a person) from deception or error

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Why Dictionary.com chose disabuse

More about disabuse

  • First recorded in 1605–15.
  • From the French, combining dis-² abuse.

EXAMPLES OF DISABUSE 

  • I had to disabuse my friend of the idea that traveling alone is always dangerous, sharing my own positive experiences.
  • The coach disabused the team of the notion that success comes without hard work and dedication.
20240103
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