Cupidity
Today's Word Cupidity kyoo-PID-ih-tee Definition (noun) Excessive desire for wealth or material possessions; greed. Example His cupidity led him to embezzle millions from the company. Fun Fact Despite sounding romantic, “cupidity” is no love story—it comes from Cupid, the Roman god of desire. While Cupid usually represents romantic longing, cupidity refers to a more selfish craving, particularly for money or power. It’s been a central trait in classic tragic heroes and villains alike—from Ebenezer Scrooge to modern financial fraudsters.
Abate
Today's Word Abate uh-BAYT Definition (verb) To become less intense or widespread; to reduce or diminish. Example The mayor promised to act swiftly to abate the rising noise complaints in the city. Fun Fact “Abate” traces back to Latin battere, meaning “to beat down.” Historically, it’s been used in both legal and environmental contexts—laws are “abated” when revoked, and storms “abate” when they lose intensity. Shakespeare frequently used it in phrases like “abate thy strife,” adding poetic elegance to the idea of lessening force or conflict.
Parsimony
Today's Word Parsimony PAR-suh-moh-nee Definition (noun) Extreme or excessive unwillingness to spend money or use resources. Example His parsimony was so extreme that he reused paper towels to save a few cents. Fun Fact While often used negatively, parsimony has a place in science too—Occam’s Razor is a principle of parsimony, suggesting the simplest explanation is usually best. In everyday life, though, it’s usually a warning against being so frugal it becomes unreasonable or absurd.
Oblique
Today's Word Oblique oh-BLEEK Definition (adjective) Not direct or straightforward; slanted or indirect. Example His oblique comments about the merger made everyone uneasy. Fun Fact In geometry, an oblique line is one that is angled—not perpendicular or parallel. In conversation, it works the same way: someone being oblique is avoiding direct language. Politicians, poets, and diplomats often speak obliquely to suggest things without stating them outright.
Malediction
Today's Word Malediction mal-uh-DIK-shun Definition (noun) A spoken curse or expression of evil intent. Example The witch uttered a malediction, condemning the land to darkness. Fun Fact From Latin maledicere (to speak evil), maledictions are the opposite of blessings. They appear in myths, fairy tales, and religious texts—think of Sleeping Beauty’s cursed sleep, or the biblical plagues. While modern use is often metaphorical, the word still packs a dramatic punch.
Fetter
Today's Word Fetter FEH-ter Definition (verb/noun) To restrain or restrict (v); a chain or shackle for the feet (n). Example He was fettered by doubt, unable to move forward with his decision. Fun Fact Originally referring to literal chains, “fetter” has evolved to describe emotional, mental, or societal restraints—like fear, obligation, or prejudice. The word often appears in political or poetic writing as a symbol of what holds people back from freedom or progress.
Beseech
Today's Word Beseech buh-SEECH Definition (verb) To ask someone urgently and fervently; to beg or implore. Example She beseeched her friend to forgive her after the argument. Fun Fact Used as far back as the Middle Ages, “beseech” carries a tone of humility and desperation. In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often beseech gods, kings, and loved ones, emphasizing their helplessness or sincerity. Today, the word still conveys a depth of feeling beyond a simple “please.”
Vociferous
Today's Word Vociferous voh-SIF-er-uhs Definition (adjective) Crying out noisily; loud, forceful, and insistent in speech or behavior. Example The vociferous crowd at the protest could be heard blocks away. Fun Fact “Vociferous” combines the Latin vox (voice) and ferre (to carry), literally meaning “to carry the voice.” The word doesn’t just mean loud—it implies passion, persistence, and refusal to be ignored. It’s often used to describe activists, critics, or fans who make their presence known—loudly and clearly.
Penurious
Today's Word Penurious puh-NYOOR-ee-uhs Definition (adjective) Extremely poor; unwilling to spend money; stingy. Example The penurious landlord refused to fix the broken heating system during winter. Fun Fact “Penurious” shares roots with the word penury, meaning extreme poverty. But beyond being poor, it also implies miserly behavior—think Ebenezer Scrooge before his Christmas transformation. The word paints a picture of both lack and refusal: having little and holding tight to what little one has.
Impinge
Today's Word Impinge im-PINJ Definition (verb) To intrude upon or negatively affect something or someone, often by limiting or interfering. Example The new law may impinge on individual freedoms if not carefully revised. Fun Fact From the Latin impingere (“to strike or press upon”), “impinge” originally had a physical meaning—like waves impinging on a cliff. Over time, it took on a more figurative meaning, referring to violations of boundaries—legal, personal, or ethical. Whether it’s noise impinging on concentration or rules impinging on freedom, the word always suggests an unwanted intrusion.