- 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 FactRectitude 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.
Today's Popular Words
Petulance
- Today's Word
Petulance
PET-yoo-luns
Definition
(noun) The quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
His petulance was on full display when the restaurant ran out of his favorite dessert.
Fun Fact
Petulance isn’t just for toddlers. In 17th-century court writings, the word was often used to describe nobles who threw fits when political decisions didn’t go their way. Even Shakespeare used variations of it to mock vain characters with bruised egos.
Veracity
- Today's Word
Veracity
vuh-RASS-ih-tee
Definition
(noun) Conformity to facts; habitual truthfulness.
Example
The reporter’s veracity was trusted even during politically charged investigations.
Fun Fact
Veracity comes from Latin verus (“true”) and differs slightly from “truth”—it’s about consistent accuracy and honesty. In journalism, science, and law, veracity is not just ideal—it’s essential. Questioning someone’s veracity can challenge their credibility entirely.
Insipid
- Today's Word
Insipid
in-SIP-id
Definition
(adjective) Lacking flavor, excitement, or interest; dull.
Example
The professor’s insipid lecture made it hard for anyone to stay awake.
Fun Fact
While its original culinary usage referred to tasteless food, “insipid” has become more commonly used to criticize bland writing, uninspired conversations, or lifeless performances. Film and literary critics often use it to describe works that fail to evoke any emotional response.
Edict
- Today's Word
Edict
EE-dikt
Definition
(noun) An official order or proclamation issued by someone in authority.
Example
The emperor’s edict banned all public gatherings for the rest of the month.
Fun Fact
The word “edict” is often associated with royal declarations. One of the most famous is the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which helped establish religious tolerance in the Roman Empire. In modern contexts, it still carries a weight of top-down control, from corporate memos to government mandates.
Latent
- Today's Word
Latent
LAY-tent
Definition
(adjective) Present but not visible or active; existing in potential.
Example
Her latent talent for design became clear when she joined the project.
Fun Fact
“Latent” comes from Latin latere, meaning “to lie hidden.” In biology, latent viruses remain dormant until activated, and in psychology, latent traits may influence behavior without being obvious. It’s the unseen force waiting to emerge—whether talent, energy, or emotion.
Adumbrate
- Today's Word
Adumbrate
AD-um-brayt
Definition
(verb) To foreshadow or suggest something partially or vaguely.
Example
The novel adumbrates a political crisis that mirrors real-world tensions.
Fun Fact
From Latin “adumbratus,” meaning “to shadow or sketch out,” the term is common in literary and legal contexts. In Supreme Court opinions, justices may adumbrate future positions without making full arguments.
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.
