DEN-ih-grayt
(verb) To unfairly criticize or belittle someone or something.
His speech denigrated the work of his competitors without offering any real solutions.
Fun Fact
“Denigrate” comes from the Latin denigrare, meaning “to blacken.” It once had literal and figurative meanings, but today it’s used almost exclusively to describe verbal attacks. It’s especially common in political rhetoric and professional rivalries.
SEJ-uh-lus
(adjective) Showing dedication and diligence; persistent and hardworking.
Her sedulous efforts to master the violin resulted in a flawless performance at the competition.
Mid-16th century: from Latin “sedulus,” possibly from “sedulo” meaning “zealously,” from “se-” (without) + “dolus” (guile or deception).
Fun Fact
Sedulous suggests more than simple hard work—it implies careful, persistent attention to detail over time. The Latin root connects to “without guile,” suggesting honest, straightforward effort rather than shortcuts or tricks. Victorian self-help books praised sedulous application as the path to success, contrasting it with flashy talent or lucky breaks. Scientists describe sedulous research that requires years of patient data collection. Unlike “diligent,” which can sound dutiful, sedulous carries a voluntary quality—you’re sedulous because you care about excellence, not just because someone’s watching. The word fell somewhat out of fashion but remains perfect for describing that specific combination of persistence, care, and dedication that produces mastery.
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