Word of the Day
zephyrean
adjective
full of or containing light breezes
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Why Dictionary.com chose zephyrean
More about zephyrean
- First recorded in 1830–40.
- Formed from zephyr, “the west wind” + -ean, an element used to form adjectives from nouns ending in -ea.
- In ancient Greek mythology, Zephyrus was the god as well as the personification of the westerly wind, considered to be the most gentle and pleasant of the four winds. Cf. with favonian, “or or relating to the west wind” from the Latin Favonius, the ancient Roman personification of the west wind.
EXAMPLES OF ZEPHYREAN
- The picnic was perfect, with a zephyrean breeze gently rustling the leaves overhead.
- The zephyrean whispers of the wind made the tall grass sway like ocean waves.
diatribe
noun
a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism
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Why Dictionary.com chose diatribe
More about diatribe
- First used in English between 1575–85.
- From the Greek diatribḗ, “pastime, study, discourse;” derivative of diatríbein, literally “thoroughly rub or wear away (time).”
- The connection between the meaning of the Greek roots to the present-day definition is that a diatribe is so angry, long, and often full of “hot air” that it leaves listeners exhausted and thinking, “What a waste of time…”
EXAMPLES OF DIATRIBE
- The film critic’s review was more of a diatribe than an analysis, focusing on everything she disliked about the movie.
- During the debate, he launched into a diatribe against the new policies, highlighting their flaws in an aggressive manner.
rubberneck
verb
to look about or stare with great curiosity
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Why Dictionary.com chose rubberneck
More about rubberneck
- An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900.
- See rubber1 + neck. The idea being that the neck turns or twists back like rubber to continue watching something of interest unfold.
EXAMPLES OF RUBBERNECK
- I tried not to rubberneck at the commotion in the restaurant but found it difficult to resist.
- The highway traffic was caused by drivers slowing down to rubberneck at the accident.
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