Bathetic
Today's Word Bathetic buh-THET-ik Definition (adjective) Producing an unintentional effect of anticlimax by being overly sentimental or trivial. Example The film’s bathetic ending tried for tears but landed in cringe. Fun Fact Bathetic comes from the Greek word bathos, meaning “depth,” and was coined in contrast to “pathos.” While pathos moves us, bathos (and bathetic) refers to failed attempts at emotional gravity—where the result feels laughably out of place. You’ll find this word in reviews of soap operas, bad poetry, and speeches that take themselves way too seriously.
Welter
Today's Word Welter WELL-ter Definition (noun) A confused mass or jumble; a state of turmoil. Example The newsroom was a welter of papers, phones, and last-minute edits. Fun Fact Welter originally meant to roll or toss—used for waves or bodies. Today, it’s a favorite in political and economic reporting, often used to describe systems in disarray: a welter of ideas, regulations, or conflicting emotions. It’s chaos with a vocabulary upgrade.
Supercilious
Today's Word Supercilious soo-pur-SIL-ee-us Definition (adjective) Behaving or looking as though one thinks they are superior to others. Example His supercilious smirk made it hard to take him seriously. Fun Fact From Latin supercilium, meaning “eyebrow,” supercilious literally describes the facial expression of condescension—that arched brow of judgment. It’s perfect for describing pretentious characters in novels, films, or office meetings.
Lachrymose
Today's Word Lachrymose LAK-ruh-mohs Definition (adjective) Tearful or inclined to weep; overly sentimental. Example The lachrymose farewell scene left half the audience in tears. Fun Fact Lachrymose is a poetic, slightly dramatic way of calling something sad—or someone overly emotional. It comes from the Latin word for “tear.” You’ll find it in reviews of films, books, or performances that lean heavily on emotional appeal, often too much for critics’ taste.
Jejune
Today's Word Jejune juh-JOON Definition (adjective) Naive, simplistic, or lacking in substance or interest. Example The essay was well-structured but jejune in its ideas. Fun Fact Though it sounds like it should mean “youthful” or “light,” jejune is actually used as a literary insult. Derived from Latin jejunus, meaning “empty of food,” it now refers to writing or arguments that feel starved of insight, originality, or maturity.
Fervent
Today's Word Fervent FUR-vuhnt Definition (adjective) Displaying intense passion or enthusiasm. Example She delivered a fervent plea for climate action. Fun Fact Fervent comes from the Latin fervere, meaning “to boil.” It’s not just warm emotion—it’s heated. From protest chants to love letters, fervent expression carries weight. It’s often used in speeches or essays that aim to ignite, not just inform.
Cerebral
Today's Word Cerebral suh-REE-bruhl Definition (adjective) Intellectual or related to deep thinking and reasoning. Example Her writing was cerebral—layered, analytical, and not easily skimmed. Fun Fact Originally referring to the brain itself (cerebrum), cerebral evolved to describe intellectual depth, not just medical anatomy. Critics often label certain novels or films cerebral when they reward deep focus and thoughtful interpretation rather than emotional payoff. It’s a favorite descriptor for highbrow art, complex theories, or analytical thinkers.
Amalgamate
Today's Word Amalgamate uh-MAL-guh-mayt Definition (verb) To combine or unite to form one structure, idea, or entity. Example The two companies were amalgamated into a single organization. Fun Fact Amalgamate comes from alchemy—originally meaning to combine metals into an alloy. Today, it’s used to describe corporate mergers, cultural blending, or even hybrid genres in music and film. It implies more than just a mix—it suggests a fusion that creates something new.
Pacific
Today's Word Pacific puh-SIF-ik Definition (adjective) Peaceful in nature or intent; avoiding conflict. Example Her pacific nature helped resolve the argument before it escalated. Fun Fact The Pacific Ocean was named by explorer Ferdinand Magellan for its calm waters—mar pacífico, or “peaceful sea.” But beyond geography, pacific describes people, policies, or actions focused on keeping the peace, not just staying quiet. It shows up in everything from foreign policy to personality types.
Magnanimous
Today's Word Magnanimous mag-NAN-uh-muhs Definition (adjective) Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful. Example Despite winning by a landslide, she was magnanimous in her victory speech. Fun Fact Magnanimous is derived from Latin for “great soul,” and it was a virtue prized in classical philosophy. Today, it’s often used in sports, politics, or leadership to praise people who are gracious in power—those who choose kindness when they could dominate.