Punctilious

Today's Word Punctilious punk-TIL-ee-uhs Definition (adjective) Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior, particularly in matters of etiquette or formality. Example The punctilious host ensured that every place setting was arranged with perfect precision before the guests arrived. Fun Fact “Punctilious” comes from the Italian puntiglio, meaning “a fine point” or “scruple,” which itself stems from the Latin punctum, meaning “point.” It is often associated with individuals who meticulously follow rules of decorum, from military officers to old-fashioned gentlemen. F. Scott Fitzgerald famously used the word to describe Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, emphasizing Gatsby’s meticulous manners and carefully curated persona.

Toady

Today's Word Toady TOH-dee Definition (noun) A person who flatters or acts excessively submissive to gain favor with someone in power. (verb) To behave in a sycophantic or obsequious manner. Example The ambitious intern was seen as a toady, constantly praising the boss in hopes of a promotion. Fun Fact “Toady” originates from the term “toad-eater,” referring to 18th-century traveling performers who faked curing toad poisoning—a trick used by charlatans to sell their remedies. The assistant, or “toad-eater,” was the one who pretended to eat the poisonous toad to make the so-called cure seem miraculous. Over time, the phrase evolved into “toady,” meaning someone who fawns over powerful figures for personal gain.

Extant

Today's Word Extant EK-stuhnt (or EK-stant) Definition (adjective) Still in existence; surviving, especially when referring to old texts, artifacts, or species. Example Despite being written centuries ago, many extant manuscripts of Shakespeare’s works are still carefully preserved in libraries. Fun Fact “Extant” comes from the Latin extare, meaning “to stand out” or “to exist.” Unlike its often-confused counterpart “existence,” which applies to anything currently present, “extant” is typically used for things that have survived against the odds—whether ancient relics, historical documents, or even species once thought to be extinct. The discovery of the coelacanth, a deep-sea fish thought to have vanished 66 million years ago, is a famous example of an extant species defying expectations.

Impecunious

Today's Word Impecunious im-pih-KYOO-nee-uhs Definition (adjective) Lacking money; having little or no financial resources. Example The impecunious artist survived on his passion for painting rather than his earnings. Fun Fact “Impecunious” comes from the Latin im- (“not”) and pecunia (“money”), which originally referred to wealth in livestock. In literature, impecunious characters often appear as struggling yet resourceful figures, from Charles Dickens’ debt-ridden protagonists to young dreamers chasing success.

Vestige

Today's Word Vestige VES-tij Definition (noun) A trace or remnant of something that once existed but is now lost or diminished. Example The ancient ruins were the last vestige of a once-thriving civilization. Fun Fact “Vestige” comes from the Latin vestigium, meaning “footprint” or “track.” It suggests something left behind, whether a physical remnant (like fossils) or a metaphorical one (like outdated traditions). Scientists often study vestigial structures in animals, such as the human appendix, as clues to evolutionary history.

Truncate

Today's Word Truncate TRUN-kayt Definition (verb) To shorten something by cutting off a part, especially at the end. Example The article had to be truncated to fit within the magazine’s word limit. Fun Fact “Truncate” comes from the Latin truncare, meaning “to cut off.” The concept appears in various fields, from botany (truncated leaves) to mathematics (truncated numbers). Digital systems often truncate text when displaying character limits, a feature familiar to anyone who’s seen a message cut off on social media.

Limpid

Today's Word Limpid LIM-pid Definition (adjective) Clear or transparent, especially of water or glass. Easy to understand or free from complexity. Example The lake’s limpid waters reflected the sky like a perfect mirror. Fun Fact “Limpid” originates from the Latin limpidus, meaning “clear” or “bright.” The word is often used in poetry and literature to describe pure water, clear skies, or expressive eyes. It’s a favorite among writers who aim to capture serene and undisturbed beauty.

Transient

Today's Word Transient TRAN-zee-uhnt (or TRAN-shuhnt) Definition (adjective) Lasting only for a short time; temporary. (noun) A person who stays in a place temporarily. Example Their friendship was transient, fading quickly as their lives moved in different directions. Fun Fact The word “transient” comes from the Latin transire, meaning “to go across” or “pass through.” It’s commonly used in physics, describing short-lived phenomena, and in travel, referring to temporary visitors. The phrase “transient beauty” captures the fleeting nature of certain experiences, reminding us to appreciate the moment.

Harangue

Today's Word Harangue huh-RANG Definition (noun) A long, passionate, and often angry speech or lecture. (verb) To deliver a forceful or critical speech. Example The coach harangued the team after their lackluster performance in the first half. Fun Fact “Harangue” traces back to medieval Latin and Old Italian, originally referring to a public speech before a crowd. While once neutral, the word evolved to imply a heated, critical lecture. Historically, great orators like Cicero and Martin Luther were known for their powerful harangues, influencing politics and social movements.

Caustic

Today's Word Caustic KAW-stik Definition (adjective) Capable of burning, corroding, or destroying organic tissue. Harshly critical or sarcastic. Example His caustic wit often left people unsure whether to laugh or take offense. Fun Fact The word “caustic” originally comes from the Greek kaustikos, meaning “burning.” While it first described substances that physically burned, it later extended to describe sharp, biting remarks that metaphorically “burn” through conversation. Some of history’s most famous figures, including Winston Churchill and Dorothy Parker, were known for their caustic humor.