- Today's Word
Ersatz
[ER-zahts]
Definition
- (adjective) Something that is a substitute or imitation, typically of inferior quality, used to replace something else. It often implies that the replacement is artificial or synthetic.
Example
During the coffee shortage, many people had to make do with ersatz coffee made from roasted grains, which lacked the rich flavor and aroma of real coffee.
Fun Fact
The word “ersatz” comes directly from German, where it means “replacement” or “substitute.” It entered English usage during World War I, when it was used to describe the substitute products that Germany produced due to shortages caused by the Allied blockade. For instance, “ersatz coffee” was made from roasted acorns or chicory. After World War II, the term became more widely used in English to describe any inferior substitute. Interestingly, while in English “ersatz” often carries a negative connotation, in German it’s a neutral term simply meaning “replacement” without any implication of inferiority.
(noun) The range of one’s knowledge, understanding, or awareness.
Quantum physics lies far beyond my ken, no matter how many articles I read.
Ken comes from Old English cennan, meaning “to know” or “to make known,” and is closely related to Middle English and Scots usage where it meant knowledge, perception, or recognition. Over time, the word narrowed to describe the limits of what someone knows or understands, which is why it’s often used today in phrases like “beyond my ken.”