dih-SPON-dent
(adjective) In low spirits from loss of hope or confidence.
After weeks of job rejections, he grew increasingly despondent.
Fun Fact
From Latin despondere (“to give up”), “despondent” reflects emotional surrender—more serious than mere sadness. It’s often used to describe periods of grief, depression, or deep discouragement. In literature, despondent characters often face turning points that test their resilience.
OH-nuhs
(noun) A burden, duty, or responsibility—especially one that is difficult or unwelcome.
The onus of proving the theory fell on the scientists who proposed it.
From Latin onus, meaning “load” or “burden.”
Fun Fact
The word onus often appears in legal and ethical discussions, as in the onus of proof—the responsibility to demonstrate a claim’s validity. But beyond the courtroom, it reflects the subtle pressure of expectation we carry in everyday life. Linguists point out that onus has remained almost unchanged for centuries, perhaps because the feeling it describes—weight without visibility—hasn’t changed either. Whether it’s duty, guilt, or accountability, onus names that quiet gravity we all recognize.
Today's Word Salubrious suh-LOO-bree-us Definition (adjective) Health-giving; promoting well-being. Example...
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