- Surfeit
- Today's Word
Surfeit
SUR-fit
Definition
(noun) An excessive amount of something.
Example
After the holidays, I had a surfeit of sweets and no desire to eat another cookie.
Fun Fact“Surfeit” was frequently used in 18th-century medical writing, when overindulgence in food and drink was thought to cause all kinds of imbalances. Today, the word is often used playfully to describe streaming queues, inboxes, or overbooked calendars.
Today's Popular Words
Surfeit
- Today's Word
Surfeit
SUR-fit
Definition
(noun) An excessive amount of something.
Example
After the holidays, I had a surfeit of sweets and no desire to eat another cookie.
Fun Fact
“Surfeit” was frequently used in 18th-century medical writing, when overindulgence in food and drink was thought to cause all kinds of imbalances. Today, the word is often used playfully to describe streaming queues, inboxes, or overbooked calendars.
Upbraid
- Today's Word
Upbraid
up-BRAYD
Definition
(verb) To scold or criticize sharply.
Example
She upbraided her son for breaking the vase and lying about it.
Fun Fact
“Upbraid” was common in Elizabethan English, and Shakespeare used it over a dozen times in plays like Othello and Hamlet. It’s harsher than a gentle rebuke but often used where correction is needed more than punishment.
Iniquity
- Today's Word
Iniquity
in-IK-wih-tee
Definition
(noun) Gross injustice or wickedness.
Example
The novel portrayed a society plagued by corruption and iniquity.
Fun Fact
“Iniquity” is often used in religious texts and classical literature to describe moral failings on a large scale—as in “dens of iniquity.” It’s more than just wrongdoing; it implies a system or culture that is deeply unjust.
Resplendent
- Today's Word
Resplendent
rih-SPLEN-dent
Definition
(adjective) Shining brilliantly; richly colorful or impressive.
Example
The ballroom was resplendent with gold trim and crystal chandeliers.
Fun Fact
“Resplendent” often appears in historical novels and fantasy epics, describing radiant appearances, lavish outfits, or glowing landscapes. It’s a go-to word for royalty, pageantry, and those magical movie scenes that take your breath away.
Obsequious
- Today's Word
Obsequious
uhb-SEE-kwee-uhs
Definition
(adjective) Excessively eager to please or obey; overly submissive.
Example
His obsequious praise of the boss was more irritating than impressive.
Fun Fact
“Obsequious” people often appear in political dramas, sitcoms, and Shakespearean tragedies. Think of the advisor who flatters the king just to stay in power. The word describes behavior that looks respectful on the surface but often hides selfish motives.
Efficacious
- Today's Word
Efficacious
ef-ih-KAY-shus
Definition
(adjective) Effective in producing the desired result.
Example
The vaccine proved highly efficacious in preventing disease.
Fun Fact
While “effective” and “efficacious” are similar, the latter is usually used in formal, academic, or scientific contexts. For instance, in pharmaceutical trials, a drug must be “efficacious” before it can be deemed “effective” for general use. It’s a favorite in public health and policy.
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.
