Temperance

Today's Word Temperance [TEM-per-uns] Definition (noun) Moderation in action, thought, or feeling; especially regarding self-restraint in behavior or expression. As a noun, it refers to practicing moderation and self-control, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption or physical pleasures. Example The ancient philosophers believed that temperance was one of the cardinal virtues, essential for living a balanced and meaningful life. Fun Fact The word “temperance” comes from the Latin “temperantia,” meaning “moderation” or “self-control,” and was originally one of the four cardinal virtues in ancient Greek philosophy. While the word initially represented general self-restraint, it became strongly associated with the anti-alcohol movement in 19th-century America. The Temperance Movement gained such momentum that it led to Prohibition in 1920, making the word synonymous with complete abstinence from alcohol rather than its original meaning of moderation. This shift in meaning illustrates how social movements can dramatically change a word’s primary association over time.

Sinuous

Today's Word Sinuous [SIN-yoo-us] Definition (adjective) Having many curves, bends, or turns; characterized by a gracefully curving or winding form. As an adjective, it describes movement or shapes that flow in a serpentine, waving manner. Example The sinuous path through the garden led visitors past flowing streams and blooming flowers, creating a peaceful journey through the landscape. Fun Fact The word “sinuous” derives from the Latin “sinuosus,” which comes from “sinus,” meaning a bend, curve, or fold. This same Latin root gave us related words like “sinus” (referring to the curved cavities in our skulls) and “insinuate.” In the Renaissance period, the term was frequently used in art criticism to describe the elegant S-shaped curve known as the “line of beauty,” a concept popularized by artist William Hogarth in his 1753 book “The Analysis of Beauty,” where he argued that this serpentine line was the foundation of all graceful and pleasing forms in nature and art.

Recapitulate

Today's Word Recapitulate [ree-kuh-PITCH-uh-layt] Definition (verb) To summarize and state again the main points of something; to give a brief summary. As a verb, it means to restate or provide a concise review of what has been said, written, or learned previously. Example At the end of the lecture, the professor took a few minutes to recapitulate the key concepts covered during class. Fun Fact The word “recapitulate” comes from the Latin “recapitulare,” which breaks down into “re” (again) and “capitulum” (heading or chapter), literally meaning “to go over the headings again.” In biology, the term took on a fascinating secondary meaning through Ernst Haeckel’s 1866 theory of recapitulation, which suggested that an organism’s embryonic development repeats its evolutionary history. Though this theory was later disproven, the term “recapitulation” remains an important concept in developmental biology and has influenced fields ranging from psychology to music theory.

Putrid

Today's Word Putrid [PYOO-trid] Definition (adjective) In a state of decomposition or rotting, typically having a foul odor; repulsively rotten or decayed. As an adjective, it describes something that is decaying and emitting an extremely unpleasant smell. Example The putrid smell of spoiled food filled the refrigerator after the power outage lasted for several days. Fun Fact The word “putrid” comes from the Latin “putridus,” meaning “rotten,” which derives from “putrere” meaning “to rot.” In medieval medicine, the term was closely associated with the theory of “putrefaction,” one of the four stages of alchemical transformation. Doctors of that era believed that many diseases were caused by “putrid fevers,” where bodily humors would rot inside the body. This concept influenced medical practice for centuries until germ theory emerged in the 19th century. Interestingly, while the word has always carried negative connotations, some French cheeses are deliberately aged to achieve a controlled state of putrefaction.

Calamity

Today's Word Calamity [kuh-LAM-i-tee] Definition (noun) A great misfortune or catastrophe; an event that brings terrible loss, distress, or misery. As a noun, it refers to any disastrous event that causes extensive damage or hardship, whether personal or widespread. Example The great fire of 1871 was a calamity that left much of Chicago in ruins, but ultimately led to the city’s remarkable architectural rebirth. Fun Fact The word “calamity” derives from the Latin “calamitas,” which originally referred to damage to crops, possibly stemming from an ancient farming term meaning “destruction of stalks.” Medieval Latin scholars connected it to “calamus” meaning “reed” or “stalk,” though modern etymologists debate this connection. During the Middle Ages, the word evolved beyond agricultural usage to describe any disastrous event. The term gained particular prominence in the American Old West with the nickname of Martha Jane Cannary, better known as “Calamity Jane,” a famous frontierswoman who claimed she got her nickname because she warned men that to offend her was to court calamity.

Gregarious

Today's Word Gregarious [gruh-GAIR-ee-us] Definition (adjective) Fond of company; enjoying being with others; sociable and outgoing. As an adjective, it describes someone who seeks and enjoys the company of others, or in zoology, refers to animals that live in groups or communities. Example Sarah’s gregarious nature made her perfect for a career in public relations, where she could constantly interact with new people. Fun Fact The word “gregarious” comes from the Latin “gregarius,” meaning “belonging to a flock,” which derives from “grex” meaning “herd” or “flock.” Originally, it was primarily used to describe animals that lived in herds or flocks, such as sheep or birds. By the 17th century, the word evolved to describe human social behavior. Interestingly, this same Latin root “grex” gave us other words like “congregation,” “aggregate,” and “segregate,” all relating to the concept of gathering or separating groups.

Flabbergasted

Today's Word Flabbergasted [FLAB-er-gas-tid] Definition (adjective) Extremely shocked, surprised, or astonished to the point of being unable to speak; overwhelmed with bewilderment or shock. As an adjective, it describes a state of complete surprise or disbelief. Example The magician left his audience flabbergasted when he seemingly made the elephant disappear from the stage. Fun Fact The word “flabbergasted” emerged in the late 18th century and is considered one of English’s more peculiar linguistic inventions. Its exact origin is uncertain, though it’s believed to be a combination of “flabber” (possibly related to “flap” or “flabby”) and “gast” (meaning “to frighten”). Some linguists suggest it may have been a nonsense word that caught on due to its expressive sound, as it perfectly mimics the feeling of being stunned speechless. The term first appeared in print around 1772, gaining popularity during the Victorian era.

Equanimity

Today's Word Equanimity [ek-wuh-NIM-i-tee] Definition (noun) Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in difficult situations. As a noun, it refers to the quality of remaining stable and undisturbed under stress or strain, maintaining a balanced and peaceful state of mind. Example Despite receiving unexpected bad news, the Buddhist monk maintained his equanimity, responding with characteristic calmness and grace. Fun Fact The word “equanimity” comes from the Latin “aequanimitas,” combining “aequus” (equal) and “animus” (mind/spirit). This concept was highly valued in ancient Stoic philosophy, where it was considered one of the highest virtues. It’s also a central principle in Buddhist meditation practice, known as “upekkha” in Pali, where it represents the third of the Four Sublime States of mind. In both Western and Eastern traditions, equanimity has been viewed as a mark of wisdom and spiritual maturity.

Defamatory

Today's Word Defamatory [dih-FAM-uh-tor-ee] Definition (adjective) Containing false statements or claims that damage the reputation of a person, group, or organization. As an adjective, it describes communication that unjustly tarnishes someone’s character or standing in society. Example The newspaper was sued for publishing defamatory statements about the local politician without verifying their accuracy. Fun Fact The word “defamatory” traces its roots back to Medieval Latin “defamatorius,” stemming from the verb “defamare,” which literally means “to take away one’s good name.” In medieval Europe, defamation cases were initially handled by church courts, as reputation was considered a matter of soul and honor. By the 16th century, cases moved to common law courts, leading to the development of modern defamation laws. The distinction between written defamation (libel) and spoken defamation (slander) emerged during this period.

Aberration

Today's Word Aberration [ab-uh-RAY-shun] Definition (noun) A departure or deviation from what is normal, usual, or expected; specifically, an instance of wandering from the usual or natural state. As a noun, it refers to any action, behavior, or occurrence that differs markedly from the typical or standard form. In scientific contexts, it describes a defect in the optical system that causes images to appear distorted. Example The company’s sudden decline in sales last quarter was an aberration in their otherwise consistent growth pattern. Fun Fact The word “aberration” has a rich scientific history, originating from the Latin word “aberrare,” meaning “to wander away” or “to stray.” Astronomers in the 1570s first adopted the term to describe the apparent displacement of stars from their expected positions in the night sky. This astronomical phenomenon, known as “stellar aberration,” was later thoroughly studied by James Bradley in 1725. His observations helped provide early evidence for Earth’s orbital motion around the Sun. The word gradually expanded beyond its astronomical origins to encompass any deviation from an expected norm.