Gamut
Today's Word Gamut GAM-uht Definition (noun) The complete range or scope of something. Example The festival featured a gamut of musical styles, from jazz to electronic dance music. Fun Fact “Gamut” originally referred to the full musical scale in medieval music notation. Over time, it expanded to describe anything that covers a broad spectrum—whether it’s emotions, experiences, or flavors on a tasting menu.
Knotty
Today's Word Knotty NOT-ee Definition (adjective) Difficult, complicated, or full of problems. Example The detective faced a knotty case with no clear leads. Fun Fact Originally describing wood with lots of knots, “knotty” became a metaphor for difficult problems—just like tangled string, some issues require patience and skill to unravel. The Gordian Knot, an ancient legend about an unsolvable problem, still symbolizes tricky challenges today.
Variegated
Today's Word Variegated VAIR-ee-uh-gay-tid Definition (adjective) Having many different colors or variations. Example The garden was filled with variegated leaves, their green surfaces streaked with white and yellow. Fun Fact Variegated patterns aren’t just for decoration—many plants develop them as a form of natural camouflage. Some scientists also believe that variegation helps deter herbivores, who may mistake streaked leaves for diseased or unhealthy plants.
Umbrage
Today's Word Umbrage UM-brij Definition (noun) Offense or annoyance. Shade, especially from trees. Example He took umbrage at the suggestion that his work wasn’t original. Fun Fact Originally, “umbrage” simply meant “shade” (from the Latin umbra). Over time, it evolved metaphorically—just as people retreat into the shade to escape the sun, they might retreat emotionally when they feel insulted.
Pert
Today's Word Pert PERT Definition (adjective) Lively, bold, or cheeky, especially in an endearing way. Small and attractively neat. Example Her pert response to the professor’s question made the whole class chuckle. Fun Fact “Pert” once meant “clever” in Middle English but evolved to describe liveliness with a hint of sass. A “pert nose” is small and upturned, while a “pert remark” has just enough spunk to be amusing, not offensive.
Indignation
Today's Word Indignation in-dig-NAY-shun Definition (Noun) Strong anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair or unjust. Example Her indignation grew when she realized she was being paid less than her colleagues for the same work. Fun Fact Indignation isn’t just any kind of anger—it’s a moral response to perceived injustice. Many of history’s greatest movements, from civil rights to labor protests, have been fueled by collective indignation, proving that sometimes, outrage sparks change.
Duplicity
Today's Word Duplicity doo-PLIS-uh-tee (or dyoo-PLIS-uh-tee) Definition (Noun) Deceptiveness in speech or conduct; acting in two different ways to different people. Example His duplicity became clear when we realized he had told each side a different version of the story. Fun Fact “Duplicity” comes from the Latin duplex, meaning “double”—a fitting root for someone who presents two faces to the world. The word is often associated with spies, politicians, and backstabbers in history and literature, proving that trust is a valuable (and fragile) commodity.
Semaphore
Today's Word Semaphore SEM-uh-for Definition (Noun) A system of signaling using flags, lights, or hand movements. (Verb) To communicate using such signals. Example The sailors used semaphore to convey messages between ships without radios. Fun Fact Semaphore was widely used in maritime communication and railway signaling before modern technology. The famous Semaphore Flag Signaling System is still taught in some military and scouting organizations today—so next time your phone dies, maybe it’s time to brush up on your flag-waving skills!
Waylay
Today's Word Waylay WAY-lay Definition (verb) To stop, interrupt, or ambush someone unexpectedly. Example The journalist was waylaid by a crowd of eager fans before he could enter the conference. Fun Fact “Waylay” comes from an old term meaning “to lie in wait,” often referring to highway robbers. While it once had a dangerous connotation, today it’s used more playfully—think of a coworker waylaying you with last-minute questions before you leave for the weekend.
Fatuous
Today's Word Fatuous FACH-oo-uhs Definition (adjective) Silly, pointless, or lacking intelligence. Example His fatuous remarks during the meeting made it clear he hadn’t read the report. Fun Fact “Fatuous” comes from the Latin fatuus, meaning “foolish” or “stupid.” While often used in a lighthearted way to mock silly behavior, it has been a favorite of literary greats like George Orwell, who used it to describe empty political rhetoric.