Reprieve

Today's Word Reprieve ri-PREEV Definition (noun) A temporary relief or delay from punishment or an unpleasant situation. (verb) To grant a postponement or break from something difficult or undesirable. Example The student’s unexpected snow day was a much-needed reprieve from final exams. Fun Fact The word “reprieve” originally referred to delaying executions, making it a term of life-or-death importance. While today it’s used more broadly—whether for a break from stress or an extension on a deadline—it still carries the sense of a temporary escape from something pressing.

Abrogate

Today's Word Abrogate AB-ruh-gayt Definition (verb) To formally repeal, abolish, or do away with a law, rule, or agreement. Example The court’s decision abrogated the outdated policy, paving the way for new reforms. Fun Fact “Abrogate” comes from the Latin abrogare, meaning “to annul or repeal.” Throughout history, laws and treaties have been abrogated to reflect societal changes—sometimes for the better, sometimes leading to controversy. The word is often associated with governments and legal systems, but it can also apply to personal choices, such as abrogating old habits that no longer serve you.

Hedonist

Today's Word Hedonist HEE-duh-nist (or HED-uh-nist) Definition (noun) A person who pursues pleasure as the highest goal in life. Example As a true hedonist, he spent his days traveling to exotic beaches and indulging in the finest foods. Fun Fact Hedonism has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly with thinkers like Epicurus, who believed that the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain were key to a good life. However, modern hedonism often carries a more indulgent or carefree connotation, sometimes associated with extravagance. Interestingly, psychological studies suggest that true happiness comes not from constant pleasure but from a balance of meaningful experiences and enjoyment!

Perusal

Today's Word Perusal puh-ROO-zuhl Definition (noun) The act of carefully examining, reading, or reviewing something. Example After a thorough perusal of the contract, she noticed a hidden clause that could have cost her thousands. Fun Fact Contrary to popular belief, “perusal” does not mean just skimming—it actually refers to careful and detailed reading. The confusion likely arises from its occasional use to describe any kind of reading, but in legal and academic settings, a perusal implies deep analysis. So the next time someone says they gave something “a quick perusal,” they may be using it incorrectly!

Ignominious

Today's Word Ignominious ig-nuh-MIN-ee-uhs Definition (adjective) Deserving or causing public disgrace, shame, or humiliation. Example The team suffered an ignominious defeat after losing by a record-breaking margin. Fun Fact “Ignominious” comes from the Latin ignominia, which combines in- (“not”) and nomen (“name” or “reputation”), meaning “without a good name.” Throughout history, ignominious punishments—such as public shaming—were used to enforce social order. Today, the word is often used to describe humiliating losses, scandals, or embarrassing failures.

Adroit

Today's Word Adroit uh-DROYT Definition (adjective) Skillful, clever, or resourceful, especially in handling situations or using one’s hands. Example The chess champion was adroit in anticipating her opponent’s every move. Fun Fact “Adroit” comes from the French à droit, meaning “to the right,” reflecting the historical association of right-handedness with skill and dexterity. While originally used for physical abilities, today it often describes mental sharpness, such as being adroit in negotiations or problem-solving. Interestingly, its opposite, “maladroit,” means clumsy or unskillful.

Maelstrom

Today's Word Maelstrom MAYL-struhm Definition (noun) A powerful, turbulent whirlpool. A situation of great confusion, chaos, or violent turmoil. Example The company’s sudden bankruptcy created a maelstrom of legal battles and financial uncertainty. Fun Fact The word “maelstrom” comes from a famous and feared whirlpool off the coast of Norway, first recorded in Dutch as maelstroom, meaning “grinding stream.” Though it originally described literal oceanic whirlpools, today it’s often used metaphorically to depict emotional, political, or societal chaos. Edgar Allan Poe and Jules Verne both used the term in literature, cementing its dramatic and powerful imagery.

Cursory

Today's Word Cursory KUR-suh-ree Definition (adjective) Done quickly and without enough attention to detail; superficial. Example He gave the contract only a cursory glance before signing, which later proved to be a costly mistake. Fun Fact “Cursory” comes from the Latin cursor, meaning “runner,” which reflects its association with speed. While efficiency is valuable, a cursory approach can sometimes lead to errors—whether it’s skimming an important email, rushing through an exam, or speed-reading a recipe and realizing too late that you needed baking soda instead of baking powder!

Ubiquitous

Today's Word Ubiquitous yoo-BIK-wih-tuhs Definition (adjective) Present, appearing, or found everywhere; widespread. Example In the digital age, smartphones have become ubiquitous, shaping how we communicate and access information. Fun Fact The word “ubiquitous” comes from the Latin ubique, meaning “everywhere.” It was originally used in a religious context to describe the omnipresence of God. Today, it applies to anything that seems to be everywhere at once—whether it’s Wi-Fi signals, social media trends, or that one catchy song you can’t escape on the radio!

Tangential

Today's Word Tangential tan-JEN-shul Definition (adjective) Only loosely or indirectly related to the main subject. Touching but not intersecting, as in geometry. Example His speech was supposed to be about climate change, but he kept making tangential remarks about his vacation. Fun Fact “Tangential” comes from the mathematical concept of a tangent—a line that touches a curve but doesn’t cross it. This idea transferred into everyday language to describe conversations or thoughts that briefly “touch” the main topic but then veer off in a different direction. If you’ve ever had a conversation that started about weekend plans and ended up on childhood memories of ice cream, you’ve experienced the power of tangential thinking!