Insular
Today's Word Insular IN-suh-lur Definition (adjective) Narrow-minded or isolated; lacking exposure to outside influences or ideas. Example His insular attitude made it difficult for him to accept new perspectives. Fun Fact “Insular” comes from the Latin insula, meaning “island,” and originally described geographic separation. Today, it applies more often to social or intellectual isolation—a kind of self-contained worldview that can be protective, but also limiting. It’s often used critically in cultural or political commentary to highlight resistance to diversity or innovation.
Oscillate
Today's Word Oscillate OSS-uh-layt Definition (verb) To move or swing back and forth in a steady rhythm; to waver between opposing positions or decisions. Example She oscillated between taking the job offer and going back to school. Fun Fact From Latin oscillare, “to swing,” the word was first used in reference to physical devices like pendulums and fans. Over time, it took on metaphorical meaning—describing emotional or intellectual back-and-forth. In psychology and politics alike, oscillation suggests indecision, ambivalence, or changing perspectives.
Cavort
Today's Word Cavort kuh-VORT Definition (verb) To jump or dance around excitedly; to behave in a lively or exuberant way. Example The children cavorted through the sprinklers, shrieking with joy. Fun Fact “Cavort” likely originated as a variation of “curvet,” a term used to describe a leaping movement by horses. It’s now used to convey carefree joy, frolicking, or exuberant celebration, often with a sense of unrestrained glee. Whether it’s kids playing, pets bounding around, or partygoers dancing freely, to cavort is to throw caution (and perhaps decorum) to the wind.
Transmute
Today's Word Transmute tranz-MYOOT Definition (verb) To change in form, nature, or substance. Example The alchemist hoped to transmute lead into gold. Fun Fact “Transmute” has its roots in alchemy, the ancient pursuit of transforming base metals into noble ones. Today, it’s used in science, psychology, and metaphysics—where emotional pain might be transmuted into growth, or innovation transmutes ideas into technology. It’s all about profound transformation, not just surface change.
Unctuous
Today's Word Unctuous UNK-choo-uhs Definition (adjective) Excessively flattering or insincerely earnest. Example His unctuous compliments felt more like manipulation than kindness. Fun Fact Originally used to describe oily or greasy textures, “unctuous” now refers to personalities that are slick in the worst way. Often applied to salespeople, sycophants, or politicians, it suggests a surface-level charm masking self-interest or deceit. If someone seems “too nice,” they might just be unctuous.
Bilk
Today's Word Bilk BILK Definition (verb) To cheat or defraud someone, especially out of money. Example The con artist bilked dozens of retirees out of their life savings. Fun Fact “Bilk” may have started as 17th-century slang from card games, meaning to spoil someone’s chance at winning. It quickly evolved to describe cheating in any form. Though it sounds informal, it’s often used in legal and financial reporting to describe fraud or deceitful business practices.
Malevolent
Today's Word Malevolent muh-LEV-uh-lent Definition (adjective) Having or showing a desire to cause harm or do evil. Example The villain’s malevolent glare sent chills down their spines. Fun Fact From Latin male (“badly”) + volens (“wishing”), malevolent literally means “wishing ill.” It’s often reserved for characters or acts that are deliberately cruel. In literature, Disney villains and Gothic horror figures embody malevolence, as do real-world tyrants whose actions stem from malice rather than misunderstanding.
Querulous
Today's Word Querulous KWER-uh-luhs Definition (adjective) Complaining in a petulant or whining manner. Example His querulous tone made it clear he wasn’t happy with the service. Fun Fact “Querulous” comes from the Latin queri, meaning “to complain.” It describes not just dissatisfaction, but persistent, nitpicky, or whiny complaining. It’s a favorite word in literature to portray cranky characters—from Dickensian debtors to sitcom neighbors.
Ribald
Today's Word Ribald RIH-buhld Definition (adjective) Referring to sexual matters in a coarse or humorous way. Example The comedian’s ribald jokes made half the audience laugh—and the other half blush. Fun Fact “Ribald” has medieval roots where it referred to a lewd or vulgar person, often tied to jesters or bawdy entertainers. Today, it usually describes humor that’s raunchy but not malicious—think late-night standup or locker-room banter. It walks the line between clever and crude.
Acumen
Today's Word Acumen AK-yoo-men Definition (noun) Keen insight or the ability to make quick, smart decisions. Example Her business acumen turned the small shop into a thriving franchise. Fun Fact “Acumen” stems from the Latin acuere, meaning “to sharpen.” It refers not just to intelligence, but to mental sharpness in practical matters, such as strategy, leadership, or negotiation. From investors to chess players, acumen separates the instinctive from the merely informed.