Cloying
Today's Word Cloying CLOY-ing Definition (adjective) Excessively sweet, sentimental, or rich to the point of being unpleasant. Example The romance in the movie was so cloying, it felt like satire. Fun Fact Originally from a Middle English word meaning “to satiate,” cloying refers to anything that overwhelms with sweetness—whether it’s actual sugar or emotional overkill. You’ll find it in critiques of everything from pop music lyrics to marketing campaigns that try way too hard to be heartwarming.
Dour
Today's Word Dour DOW-er Definition (adjective) Relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance. Example The teacher’s dour expression silenced the room immediately. Fun Fact Dour has appeared in literature and journalism for centuries to describe characters or leaders who are all seriousness, no flair. In Scottish dialect, it can imply grim persistence or grim determination—not just grumpiness. You’ll often find it in political writing, especially when describing stoic figures who rarely smile.
Inviolable
Today's Word Inviolable in-VY-uh-luh-buhl Definition (adjective) Never to be broken, dishonored, or infringed upon. Example Freedom of speech is considered an inviolable right in many democracies. Fun Fact Inviolable is the word used for values, rules, or promises that are off-limits for tampering. It’s common in constitutions, religious vows, and ethical codes. From courtroom oaths to sacred contracts, when something is inviolable, you don’t touch it—even if you disagree with it.
Predilection
Today's Word Predilection preh-duh-LEK-shun Definition (noun) A natural or habitual preference for something. Example She has a predilection for old mystery novels and detective stories. Fun Fact Predilection shows up in everything from restaurant reviews to psychological profiles. It implies not just a passing interest but a deep-seated affinity—something that feels ingrained, even if you can’t explain why. It’s a great way to describe taste, bias, or leanings without sounding judgmental.
Turpitude
Today's Word Turpitude TUR-pih-tood Definition (noun) Depraved or wicked behavior. Example The court was shocked by the level of moral turpitude described in the case. Fun Fact The phrase “moral turpitude” is common in law and immigration, used to describe crimes or conduct that breach ethical standards—fraud, abuse, and corruption are typical examples. The word sounds lofty, but it’s often used in dry legal documents to describe behavior that’s downright awful.
Meritorious
Today's Word Meritorious mehr-ih-TOR-ee-us Definition (adjective) Deserving of praise, recognition, or reward. Example Her years of meritorious service were recognized with a public award. Fun Fact Meritorious is often seen in formal settings like military commendations, academic scholarships, and public service awards. But it also shows up in HR evaluations, theater reviews, and grant proposals—anywhere someone has done work that isn’t just good, but exceptionally worthy of notice.
Elucidate
Today's Word Elucidate ih-LOO-suh-dayt Definition (verb) To make something clear; to explain in detail. Example The teacher used real-world examples to elucidate the concept for the class. Fun Fact In courtroom dramas, professors’ lectures, and long-winded essays, elucidate is a go-to term for cutting through confusion. It’s favored in academia and science writing, where clarity is key—but it’s also used in journalism and even tech tutorials. The opposite of obfuscate, it’s a word that signals you’re about to shed light on something murky.
Bane
Today's Word Bane bayn Definition (noun) A cause of great distress or annoyance. Example Traffic has always been the bane of her morning commute. Fun Fact Bane originally meant “killer” or “poison” in Old English—think wolf’s bane, a toxic plant. Over time, it came to mean any source of persistent misery. It’s now often used dramatically or humorously—“My inbox is the bane of my existence.” The word’s tone is flexible: it can be dead serious or a bit tongue-in-cheek.
Allay
Today's Word Allay uh-LAY Definition (verb) To reduce or relieve (fear, doubt, or concern). Example The leader’s calm tone helped allay the crowd’s rising panic. Fun Fact Allay has been used since the 14th century and originally referred to calming storms. Today it’s more commonly used in psychological or emotional contexts. You might allay someone’s fears, allay their concerns, or allay tension in a room. It’s often used when leaders, therapists, or teachers are trying to dial down intensity without dismissing it.
Prosaic
Today's Word Prosaic pro-ZAY-ik Definition (adjective) Ordinary or unimaginative; lacking poetic beauty. Example The prosaic report stuck to data and skipped any flair. Fun Fact Prosaic comes from the same root as prose, and was originally a neutral term. But in modern usage, it often carries a quiet insult. If something’s prosaic, it might be reliable—but don’t expect it to be moving. Writers, designers, and critics use it to signal a lack of imagination or flair—even when something is technically competent.