Ameliorate

Today's Word Ameliorate uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt Definition (verb) To make something better or more tolerable. Example The new policy helped ameliorate tensions between departments. Fun Fact Ameliorate comes from the Latin melior, meaning “better.” It’s a favorite of bureaucrats, academics, and corporate copywriters, usually when they want to say “we’re fixing it” without promising too much. It often shows up in PR language when damage control is underway—but improvement is still a work in progress.

Evanescent

Today's Word Evanescent ev-uh-NESS-ent Definition (adjective) Quickly fading or disappearing. Example The rainbow was evanescent, gone within minutes of appearing. Fun Fact From the Latin evanescere, meaning “to disappear,” this word often pops up in poetry, weather reports, and tech product reviews. It’s used when something is not just short-lived—but so brief it almost feels unreal. A spark, a moment, a trend—it’s there, and then it isn’t.

Sybaritic

Today's Word Sybaritic sib-uh-RIT-ik Definition (adjective) Fond of luxury and self-indulgence. Example He lived a sybaritic lifestyle, surrounded by velvet robes and vintage wine. Fun Fact The word Sybaritic comes from Sybaris, an ancient Greek city infamous for its wealthy, comfort-loving residents. Today, it’s used to describe anyone who chases pleasure and luxury—sometimes with admiration, but often with a hint of critique. It’s a favorite among lifestyle columnists, spa brochures, and Real Housewives recaps.

Gaffe

Today's Word Gaffe GAF Definition (noun) A noticeable mistake or blunder, especially in public. Example The candidate’s gaffe during the debate quickly went viral. Fun Fact From French origins meaning “hook,” gaffe originally referred to getting caught—fitting, since most gaffes get noticed and circulated fast. Politicians, celebrities, and anyone with a microphone are prone to them. What makes it a gaffe is the cringe factor: it’s not just wrong, it’s awkwardly obvious.

Lassitude

Today's Word Lassitude LASS-ih-tood Definition (noun) A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy. Example After weeks of stress, he sank into a kind of emotional lassitude. Fun Fact Lassitude is often used in literary writing to evoke more than just fatigue—it suggests a kind of defeated sluggishness that feels heavy and existential. It shares roots with “latitude” (from Latin latus, meaning wide), as if your energy is stretched too thin. Think more post-burnout melancholy than “just need a nap.”

Wheedle

Today's Word Wheedle WEE-dul Definition (verb) To use flattery or persuasion to get something. Example She managed to wheedle an extra day off by complimenting her boss’ new haircut. Fun Fact Wheedle has a surprisingly gentle sound for a word that’s all about manipulation—albeit the charming kind. It first appeared in English in the 1600s and was associated with purring, soft coaxing, and verbal sugar-coating. Today, it’s common in social commentary, especially when someone is using charm to get their way behind the scenes.

Callow

Today's Word Callow KAL-oh Definition (adjective) Inexperienced and immature. Example His callow remarks during the meeting made it clear he was new to the job. Fun Fact Callow originally meant “bare” or “unfledged”—as in a bird that hasn’t grown feathers. It still carries that imagery today, but metaphorically: someone who hasn’t “grown in” yet emotionally or intellectually. You’ll see it often in book reviews or film critiques, especially when describing a character who has more audacity than wisdom.

Pernicious

Today's Word Pernicious per-NISH-us Definition (adjective) Causing harm in a gradual or subtle way. Example Unchecked misinformation can have a pernicious effect on public trust. Fun Fact Back in the 15th century, pernicious was a word used to describe deadly disease or outright destruction—especially during outbreaks and plagues. But over time, its meaning shifted from the obvious to the insidious. Today, it’s used to describe things like toxic relationships, systemic inequality, or manipulative rhetoric—all of which may not seem dangerous at first, but quietly cause real harm over time.

Derivation

Today's Word Derivation deh-ruh-VAY-shun Definition (noun) The derivation of the word “salary” comes from the Latin word for salt. Example The derivation of the word “salary” comes from the Latin word for salt. Fun Fact Linguists love derivation because it lets them trace how words evolve—from one language to another, and one meaning to another. Some derivations are direct (photo → photos → light), but others take surprising turns. The word salary comes from the Latin salarium, which referred to money paid to Roman soldiers to buy salt. This makes derivation a vital tool for not just grammar nerds, but also historians and anthropologists.

Tautological

Today's Word Tautological taw-tuh-LODGE-ih-kul Definition (adjective) Needlessly repetitive; expressing something using different words that add no new meaning. Example Saying “free gift” is tautological—gifts are already free. Fun Fact While it sounds academic, tautological shows up all over everyday conversation—and advertising. “Added bonus,” “final conclusion,” “completely unanimous”—all examples of tautologies, or statements that repeat themselves. In formal logic, a tautology is always true (like “it will rain or it won’t”), but in writing and speech, it’s often just a filler phrase that adds no substance. Editors, professors, and debate judges hate it because it pretends to sound smart while saying absolutely nothing new.