- Today's Word
Jettison
[JET-uh-suhn]
Definition
- (verb) To throw or drop something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, especially to lighten the load in an emergency. In a broader sense, it’s used to describe the act of discarding, abandoning, or getting rid of something unwanted or unnecessary.
Example
When the startup began to struggle, the CEO decided to jettison several unprofitable projects to keep the company afloat.
Fun Fact
The word “jettison” has nautical origins, dating back to the early 15th century. It comes from the Anglo-French “jetteson,” derived from Latin “jactare” meaning “to throw.” Originally, it referred specifically to the act of throwing goods overboard to lighten a ship’s load during a storm or other perilous situations. This practice was so common that it led to the development of maritime laws regarding the recovery of jettisoned goods. Over time, the word’s usage expanded beyond maritime contexts, becoming a metaphor for discarding any burden or unnecessary element. Its evolution from a specific nautical term to a broader concept demonstrates how language adapts and extends meanings across different domains.
(noun) The range of one’s knowledge, understanding, or awareness.
Quantum physics lies far beyond my ken, no matter how many articles I read.
Ken comes from Old English cennan, meaning “to know” or “to make known,” and is closely related to Middle English and Scots usage where it meant knowledge, perception, or recognition. Over time, the word narrowed to describe the limits of what someone knows or understands, which is why it’s often used today in phrases like “beyond my ken.”