Egalitarian
Today's Word Egalitarian ee-gal-ih-TAIR-ee-uhn Definition (adjective) Based on or supporting the belief that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. Example The candidate’s egalitarian policies appealed to a wide range of voters. Fun Fact Egalitarian ideas rose to prominence during the Enlightenment, but the term is still used today in conversations about workplace equity, access to education, and systemic reform. It’s often contrasted with hierarchical systems, and used by activists, economists, and political scientists. Whether you’re talking about equal pay or universal voting, egalitarianism is the language of leveling the field.
Obviate
Today's Word Obviate OB-vee-ayt Definition (verb) To remove or prevent the need for something by anticipating and addressing it. Example Installing motion sensors obviated the need for manual lighting controls. Fun Fact Obviate is a favorite in engineering, policy, and tech, where the goal is to solve issues before they arise. It differs from similar words like “prevent” or “avoid” by implying action taken early enough to render something unnecessary altogether. It’s problem-solving through preemption.
Vaunt
Today's Word Vaunt vahnt Definition (verb) To boast or speak proudly about something, often in a showy or self-important way. Example The brand vaunted its eco-friendly practices in every ad campaign. Fun Fact Vaunt dates back to the 15th century and shares a root with vain. It was once used almost poetically in Shakespearean language, but now it often shows up in marketing critiques and political commentary. Whether you’re vaunting your skills on LinkedIn or your dinner on Instagram, the word carries a whiff of self-promotion—sometimes admired, sometimes eye-roll-inducing.
Hauteur
Today's Word Hauteur oh-TUR Definition (noun) Arrogant pride or disdainful superiority. Example She answered with the hauteur of someone used to always being right. Fun Fact Borrowed from French, hauteur literally means “height,” and it still carries a high-and-mighty vibe. Think of characters in period dramas with tilted chins and cutting remarks. It’s a word often used in fashion and film reviews to describe people who seem polished—but too aware of it.
Acrimonious
Today's Word Acrimonious ak-ruh-MOH-nee-us Definition (adjective) Bitter and angry in tone or nature. Example Their acrimonious debate ended in silence and slammed doors. Fun Fact Acrimonious is often used in legal cases (an acrimonious divorce) or political reporting (an acrimonious exchange on the floor). It’s not just disagreement—it’s hostility wrapped in sharp words. The root “acer” also gives us “acid,” and you can feel it burn in the tone.
Quiescent
Today's Word Quiescent kwee-ESS-unt Definition (adjective) In a state of quiet inactivity or dormancy. Example The volcano remains quiescent, but scientists are watching closely. Fun Fact Quiescent is often used in science and medicine—describing dormant cells, inactive phases, or sleeping systems. But it also applies metaphorically to ideas, conflicts, or people in a pause—quiet, but not dead. In stories, a quiescent moment often comes just before something big happens.
Germane
Today's Word Germane jer-MAYN Definition (adjective) Relevant or appropriate to the subject at hand. Example The volcano remains quiescent, but scientists are watching closely. Fun Fact Quiescent is often used in science and medicine—describing dormant cells, inactive phases, or sleeping systems. But it also applies metaphorically to ideas, conflicts, or people in a pause—quiet, but not dead. In stories, a quiescent moment often comes just before something big happens.
Natty
Today's Word Natty NAT-ee Definition (adjective) Neat, stylish, and fashionable in appearance. Example He arrived at the party looking especially natty in a velvet jacket and bow tie. Fun Fact Though natty may sound like a nickname, it’s actually been around since the 18th century to describe someone with an impeccable sense of style. Originally tied to British street fashion and military uniforms, it’s since become a word often used in style reviews, especially for men’s tailoring and vintage aesthetics.
Bathetic
Today's Word Bathetic buh-THET-ik Definition (adjective) Producing an unintentional effect of anticlimax by being overly sentimental or trivial. Example The film’s bathetic ending tried for tears but landed in cringe. Fun Fact Bathetic comes from the Greek word bathos, meaning “depth,” and was coined in contrast to “pathos.” While pathos moves us, bathos (and bathetic) refers to failed attempts at emotional gravity—where the result feels laughably out of place. You’ll find this word in reviews of soap operas, bad poetry, and speeches that take themselves way too seriously.
Welter
Today's Word Welter WELL-ter Definition (noun) A confused mass or jumble; a state of turmoil. Example The newsroom was a welter of papers, phones, and last-minute edits. Fun Fact Welter originally meant to roll or toss—used for waves or bodies. Today, it’s a favorite in political and economic reporting, often used to describe systems in disarray: a welter of ideas, regulations, or conflicting emotions. It’s chaos with a vocabulary upgrade.