- Today's Word
Agog
[uh-GOG]
Definition
- (adjective) A state of great excitement, anticipation, or enthusiasm. If you’re agog, you’re eagerly looking forward to something or are intensely interested in what’s happening or what’s about to happen.
Example
The children were all agog as they waited in line to meet their favorite cartoon character at the amusement park, their eyes wide with excitement and anticipation.
Fun Fact
The word “agog” has been part of the English language since the 15th century, but its exact origin is uncertain. One theory suggests that it might be derived from the Old French phrase “en gogues,” meaning “in a state of mirth or rejoicing.” Another possibility is that it could be related to the word “agoggle,” an obsolete term meaning “astonished” or “filled with intense interest.” Interestingly, “agog” is often used in the phrase “all agog,” which emphasizes the intensity of the excitement or anticipation. This phrase has been in use since the 18th century and is still commonly encountered in modern English.
(adjective) Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline; stubbornly resistant to control
The recalcitrant student refused to put away his phone despite three separate warnings from the teacher.
Recalcitrant comes from the Latin recalcitrare — from re- (“back”) + calcitrare (“to kick”) — itself derived from calx (“heel”). The original image is vividly literal: a horse or mule kicking back against its rider or handler. It entered English in the 19th century, retaining that core sense of stubborn, physical resistance before broadening to describe any obstinate defiance of authority.