Today's Popular Words
Effrontery
- Today's Word
Effrontery
ih-FRUN-tuh-ree
Definition
(noun) Shameless or impudent boldness.
Example
She had the effrontery to interrupt the professor mid-lecture and correct him.
Fun Fact
“Effrontery” has been part of the English language since the 1700s and originally described behavior so rude it seemed to show a “barefaced” lack of shame. It’s a word you’ll find in classic literature and courtroom drama alike—where confidence crosses the line into arrogance.
Banal
- Today's Word
Banal
buh-NAL or BAY-nul
Definition
(adjective) So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.
Example
The movie’s plot was utterly banal and forgettable.
Fun Fact
Originally from a French word for communal property, “banal” came to describe anything overused or worn-out from constant repetition. It’s the go-to word for stale clichés, predictable plots, and recycled ad slogans.
Accede
- Today's Word
Accede
ak-SEED
Definition
(verb) To agree to a request or demand, especially after initial resistance.
Example
The board eventually acceded to the proposal after weeks of debate.
Fun Fact
“Accede” can also mean formally taking a position of power—like a monarch acceding to the throne. It’s a formal-sounding word often used in legal, political, or diplomatic circles where agreement follows negotiation.
Felicitous
- Today's Word
Felicitous
fuh-LISS-ih-tus
Definition
(adjective) Well-suited or appropriate for the occasion; pleasing in manner or style.
Example
Her speech was filled with felicitous phrases that brought laughter and applause.
Fun Fact
“Felicitous” shares a root with “felicity,” meaning happiness or bliss. It’s often used in writing and speeches to praise word choices that are especially fitting or graceful—perfectly timed compliments, witty turns of phrase, or the right joke at the right time.
Torpid
- Today's Word
Torpid
TOR-pid
Definition
(adjective) Sluggish, inactive, or lacking energy.
Example
The heat left everyone feeling torpid and unmotivated.
Fun Fact
Animals in hibernation enter a torpid state to conserve energy. In humans, torpidity is more metaphorical—used to describe slow workdays, fatigue, or that post-lunch energy crash.
Noisome
- Today's Word
Noisome
NOY-sum
Definition
(adjective) Having an extremely offensive smell; or generally unpleasant or harmful.
Example
The noisome odor from the dumpster drifted across the parking lot.
Fun Fact
Despite sounding like “noisy,” the word actually has nothing to do with sound. It comes from Middle English noy (meaning harm or annoyance), which also gave rise to “annoy.” Today, it’s a favorite in horror novels and urban planning reports alike.
Top 12 Benefits of Learning New Words
Expanding your vocabulary can offer a wide range of benefits that contribute to personal, academic, and professional growth. Learn some of the advantages.
