- Today's Word
Hegemony
huh-JEM-uh-nee (or HEJ-uh-moh-nee)
Definition
- (noun) Dominance or influence of one country, group, or ideology over others.
Example
The nation’s economic and cultural hegemony shaped global trends for decades.
Fun Fact
“Hegemony” comes from the Greek hegemon, meaning “leader.” The word is often used in political and cultural discussions to describe influence—whether in ancient empires, global superpowers, or even corporate industries. The next time you notice one brand or idea dominating the market, you’re witnessing hegemony in action!
(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.”