- Today's Word
Flabbergasted
[FLAB-er-gas-tid]
Definition
- (adjective) Extremely shocked, surprised, or astonished to the point of being unable to speak; overwhelmed with bewilderment or shock. As an adjective, it describes a state of complete surprise or disbelief.
Example
The magician left his audience flabbergasted when he seemingly made the elephant disappear from the stage.
Fun Fact
The word “flabbergasted” emerged in the late 18th century and is considered one of English’s more peculiar linguistic inventions. Its exact origin is uncertain, though it’s believed to be a combination of “flabber” (possibly related to “flap” or “flabby”) and “gast” (meaning “to frighten”). Some linguists suggest it may have been a nonsense word that caught on due to its expressive sound, as it perfectly mimics the feeling of being stunned speechless. The term first appeared in print around 1772, gaining popularity during the Victorian era.
(verb) To bear fruit or become productive; to make fruitful or productive
Years of patient investment in the community finally began to fructify, with new businesses and gathering spaces opening across the neighborhood.
Fructify derives from the Latin fructificare — from fructus (“fruit”) + facere (“to make”). It entered English in the 14th century, used first in its literal agricultural sense before quickly extending to describe any endeavor that yields results after a period of cultivation and patience.