Fervent
Today's Word Fervent FUR-vuhnt Definition (adjective) Displaying intense passion or enthusiasm. Example She delivered a fervent plea for climate action. Fun Fact Fervent comes from the Latin fervere, meaning “to boil.” It’s not just warm emotion—it’s heated. From protest chants to love letters, fervent expression carries weight. It’s often used in speeches or essays that aim to ignite, not just inform.
Cerebral
Today's Word Cerebral suh-REE-bruhl Definition (adjective) Intellectual or related to deep thinking and reasoning. Example Her writing was cerebral—layered, analytical, and not easily skimmed. Fun Fact Originally referring to the brain itself (cerebrum), cerebral evolved to describe intellectual depth, not just medical anatomy. Critics often label certain novels or films cerebral when they reward deep focus and thoughtful interpretation rather than emotional payoff. It’s a favorite descriptor for highbrow art, complex theories, or analytical thinkers.
Amalgamate
Today's Word Amalgamate uh-MAL-guh-mayt Definition (verb) To combine or unite to form one structure, idea, or entity. Example The two companies were amalgamated into a single organization. Fun Fact Amalgamate comes from alchemy—originally meaning to combine metals into an alloy. Today, it’s used to describe corporate mergers, cultural blending, or even hybrid genres in music and film. It implies more than just a mix—it suggests a fusion that creates something new.
Pacific
Today's Word Pacific puh-SIF-ik Definition (adjective) Peaceful in nature or intent; avoiding conflict. Example Her pacific nature helped resolve the argument before it escalated. Fun Fact The Pacific Ocean was named by explorer Ferdinand Magellan for its calm waters—mar pacífico, or “peaceful sea.” But beyond geography, pacific describes people, policies, or actions focused on keeping the peace, not just staying quiet. It shows up in everything from foreign policy to personality types.
Magnanimous
Today's Word Magnanimous mag-NAN-uh-muhs Definition (adjective) Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful. Example Despite winning by a landslide, she was magnanimous in her victory speech. Fun Fact Magnanimous is derived from Latin for “great soul,” and it was a virtue prized in classical philosophy. Today, it’s often used in sports, politics, or leadership to praise people who are gracious in power—those who choose kindness when they could dominate.
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.