Disseminate

Today's Word Disseminate dih-SEM-uh-nayt Definition (verb) To spread information, ideas, or materials widely. Example he campaign aimed to disseminate accurate health information across rural communities. Fun Fact Disseminate shares roots with seed—from Latin seminare, “to sow.” The word began as a metaphor for planting ideas and has stayed that way across disciplines. Whether it’s sharing research, propaganda, memes, or medical advice, dissemination is what turns one person’s insight into a public idea. It’s especially common in academic, media, and public health circles.

Valedictory

Today's Word Valedictory val-uh-DIK-tuh-ree Definition (adjective/noun) Expressing farewell; a speech or statement made as a goodbye. Example Her valedictory remarks brought the entire auditorium to tears. Fun Fact Valedictory is most familiar during graduation season, but its use spans politics, literature, and public life. A valedictory address isn’t just a farewell—it often reflects on the past and sets a tone for the future. Famous political valedictories include presidential exit speeches, but even retiring CEOs deliver them. Its Latin roots—vale dicere, meaning “to say farewell”—give it a sense of ceremony and finality.

Labile

Today's Word Labile LAY-byle Definition (adjective) Likely to change rapidly, especially emotionally or chemically. Example The labile patient’s mood shifted from joy to tears within minutes. Fun Fact Labile comes from the Latin labilis, meaning “slippery”—fitting for a word used to describe volatility. In neuroscience, labile emotions refer to intense mood swings, such as in bipolar disorder. In chemistry, it applies to bonds or compounds that shift states easily. The word is also increasingly used in pop psychology to describe people whose reactions change without warning.

Guileless

Today's Word Guileless GAHYL-liss Definition (adjective) Innocent and without deception. Example Her guileless smile disarmed even the harshest critics. Fun Fact The word guileless flips the meaning of guile, which refers to cunning or deceit. While guile can imply clever manipulation, being guileless is about honesty—sometimes to a fault. In literature and psychology, guileless individuals are often seen as pure-hearted or naive, and their openness can leave them vulnerable to exploitation. But it also makes them deeply trustworthy.

Reticent

Today's Word Reticent RET-ih-sent Definition (adjective) Reluctant to speak or reveal one’s thoughts or feelings. Example He was reticent during the interview, offering only brief replies. Fun Fact Although reticent originally meant simply “silent,” its modern use is richer—it signals someone who’s hesitant to speak, often due to personal boundaries, social anxiety, or strategic restraint. In legal contexts, reticent witnesses might be protecting themselves. In fiction, reticent characters often hold secrets. It’s a favorite word when someone’s silence says more than words ever could.

Neologism

Today's Word Neologism NEE-uh-loh-jiz-um Definition (noun) A newly coined word or expression. Example The rise of social media has introduced countless neologisms into everyday conversation. Fun Fact From Shakespeare to TikTok, new words are always being born—and not all of them survive. Neologism comes from Greek—neo (new) and logos (word). Linguists study neologisms to understand cultural shifts, while marketers and technologists rely on them to brand entirely new ideas. The internet, especially meme culture and niche online communities, accelerates the pace at which neologisms appear—and disappear.

Indelible

Today's Word Indelible in-DEL-uh-buhl Definition (adjective) Not able to be erased, removed, or forgotten. Example Her words left an indelible impression on everyone in the room. Fun Fact Originally describing ink that wouldn’t wash out, indelible now applies to memories, impressions, or even emotions. From tattoos to trauma to life-changing speeches, the word shows up in memoirs, court rulings, and even marketing slogans. Anything truly indelible leaves a mark that time, regret, or scrubbing can’t undo.

Privation

Today's Word Privation PRY-vay-shun Definition (noun) A state in which essential needs are lacking. Example The documentary highlighted the long-term effects of housing privation. Fun Fact Privation is not just about discomfort—it’s about necessity being stripped away. From privation of sleep to privation of food, shelter, or security, the word describes a foundational level of deprivation. It’s often used in humanitarian, economic, and historical contexts where the absence of basic needs leads to larger consequences.

Ameliorate

Today's Word Ameliorate uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt Definition (verb) To make something better or more tolerable. Example The new policy helped ameliorate tensions between departments. Fun Fact Ameliorate comes from the Latin melior, meaning “better.” It’s a favorite of bureaucrats, academics, and corporate copywriters, usually when they want to say “we’re fixing it” without promising too much. It often shows up in PR language when damage control is underway—but improvement is still a work in progress.

Evanescent

Today's Word Evanescent ev-uh-NESS-ent Definition (adjective) Quickly fading or disappearing. Example The rainbow was evanescent, gone within minutes of appearing. Fun Fact From the Latin evanescere, meaning “to disappear,” this word often pops up in poetry, weather reports, and tech product reviews. It’s used when something is not just short-lived—but so brief it almost feels unreal. A spark, a moment, a trend—it’s there, and then it isn’t.