- Inchoate
- Today's Word
Inchoate
in-KOH-it
Definition
- (adjective) Just begun and not fully formed or developed; rudimentary.
Example
The inchoate plan lacked specifics but hinted at an innovative new direction.
Fun Fact“Inchoate” comes from the Latin inchoare, meaning “to begin.” It’s often used in legal contexts (like an inchoate crime) or in creative and scientific fields when an idea is still forming. Think of a sketch before it becomes a painting or a startup’s rough pitch before full launch.
Today's Popular Words
Inchoate
- Today's Word
Inchoate
in-KOH-it
Definition
- (adjective) Just begun and not fully formed or developed; rudimentary.
Example
The inchoate plan lacked specifics but hinted at an innovative new direction.
Fun Fact
“Inchoate” comes from the Latin inchoare, meaning “to begin.” It’s often used in legal contexts (like an inchoate crime) or in creative and scientific fields when an idea is still forming. Think of a sketch before it becomes a painting or a startup’s rough pitch before full launch.
Lurid
- Today's Word
Lurid
LUR-id
Definition
- (adjective) Shockingly vivid, sensational, or gruesome—often in a disturbing way.
Example
The tabloid’s lurid headline exaggerated every detail of the scandal.
Fun Fact
“Lurid” originally described a pale, ghostly glow—like the eerie light of a volcano or twilight. Over time, it evolved to refer to overly dramatic or shocking content, especially in journalism or fiction. Gothic novels, horror films, and clickbait headlines all rely on a touch of lurid flair to keep audiences hooked.
Cupidity
- Today's Word
Cupidity
kyoo-PID-ih-tee
Definition
- (noun) Excessive desire for wealth or material possessions; greed.
Example
His cupidity led him to embezzle millions from the company.
Fun Fact
Despite sounding romantic, “cupidity” is no love story—it comes from Cupid, the Roman god of desire. While Cupid usually represents romantic longing, cupidity refers to a more selfish craving, particularly for money or power. It’s been a central trait in classic tragic heroes and villains alike—from Ebenezer Scrooge to modern financial fraudsters.
Abate
- Today's Word
Abate
uh-BAYT
Definition
- (verb) To become less intense or widespread; to reduce or diminish.
Example
The mayor promised to act swiftly to abate the rising noise complaints in the city.
Fun Fact
“Abate” traces back to Latin battere, meaning “to beat down.” Historically, it’s been used in both legal and environmental contexts—laws are “abated” when revoked, and storms “abate” when they lose intensity. Shakespeare frequently used it in phrases like “abate thy strife,” adding poetic elegance to the idea of lessening force or conflict.
Parsimony
- Today's Word
Parsimony
PAR-suh-moh-nee
Definition
- (noun) Extreme or excessive unwillingness to spend money or use resources.
Example
His parsimony was so extreme that he reused paper towels to save a few cents.
Fun Fact
While often used negatively, parsimony has a place in science too—Occam’s Razor is a principle of parsimony, suggesting the simplest explanation is usually best. In everyday life, though, it’s usually a warning against being so frugal it becomes unreasonable or absurd.
Oblique
- Today's Word
Oblique
oh-BLEEK
Definition
- (adjective) Not direct or straightforward; slanted or indirect.
Example
His oblique comments about the merger made everyone uneasy.
Fun Fact
In geometry, an oblique line is one that is angled—not perpendicular or parallel. In conversation, it works the same way: someone being oblique is avoiding direct language. Politicians, poets, and diplomats often speak obliquely to suggest things without stating them outright.
Top 12 Benefits of Learning New Words
Expanding your vocabulary can offer a wide range of benefits that contribute to personal, academic, and professional growth. Learn some of the advantages.
