- 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.
“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.

Today's Popular Words
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.
Boon
- Today's Word
Boon
boon
Definition
(noun) A thing that is helpful or beneficial.
Example
The new community center was a boon to families in the neighborhood.
Fun Fact
Originally associated with blessings or requests in Old English and Norse mythology, a “boon” once referred to a favor granted by a king or god. Today, it’s still used to describe anything that feels like a fortunate benefit—whether it’s a job perk, a technological breakthrough, or a surprise day off.
Mawkish
- Today's Word
Mawkish
MAW-kish
Definition
(adjective) Overly sentimental or emotional to the point of being unpleasant.
Example
The movie’s mawkish ending drew eye-rolls rather than tears.
Fun Fact
Mawkish originally referred to a nauseating or spoiled taste, stemming from the Middle English mauk, meaning “maggot.” Over time, the meaning shifted from physical disgust to emotional excess. Today, it’s used to describe songs, movies, or writing that lay on the sentiment so thick it turns people off.
Rectitude
- Today's Word
Rectitude
REK-ti-tood
Definition
(noun) Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.
Example
Her rectitude was admired even by her fiercest opponents.
Fun Fact
Rectitude is an old-school word that appears in documents like the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which refers to “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind” and “the rectitude of our intentions.” It comes from Latin rectus, meaning “straight” or “right,” and it’s often used to describe people with uncompromising principles.

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.
