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Weltschmerz

[ velt-shmerts ] [ ˈvɛltˌʃmɛrts ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

sorrow that one feels and accepts as one's necessary portion in life; sentimental pessimism.

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Why Dictionary.com chose Weltschmerz

More about Weltschmerz

  • First recorded in English in 1860–65.
  • From German, Welt means “world” and Schmerz means “pain.”
  • The English verb smart, in the sense “to cause a sharp pain,” is related to Schmerz.
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EXAMPLES OF WELTSCHMERZ

  • The poetry of the Romantic era often captures the essence of Weltschmerz, evoking a poignant longing for an unattainable ideal.
  • The protagonist in the novel was consumed by Weltschmerz, finding solace only in the depths of tragic literature.
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risible

[ riz-uh-buhl ] [ ˈrɪz ə bəl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous.

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Why Dictionary.com chose risible

More about risible

  • Entered English around 1550–60.
  • From Late Latin rīsibilis, “that can laugh.”
  • Risible can also mean “having the ability, disposition, or readiness to laugh.”
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EXAMPLES OF RISIBLE

  • The cartoonist masterfully depicted the world’s leaders in a risible manner, providing a satirical critique of their actions.
  • The absurd plot of the movie made it thoroughly risible, leaving the viewers in stitches.
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Word of the day

cavil

[ kav-uhl ] [ ˈkæv əl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily.

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Why Dictionary.com chose cavil

More about cavil

  • First recorded in 1540–50.
  • From Latin cavillārī “to jeer, scoff, quibble.”
  • Cavillārī is a derivative of cavilla “jesting, banter.”
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EXAMPLES OF CAVIL

  • Instead of appreciating the effort put into the event, he chose to cavil about the choice of music, claiming it ruined the entire experience.
  • She tends to cavil about grammar mistakes in online forums, often derailing discussions with her pedantic comments.
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