Today's Popular Words
Mawkish
- Today's Word
Mawkish
MAW-kish
Definition
(adjective) Overly sentimental or emotional to the point of being unpleasant.
Example
The movie’s mawkish ending drew eye-rolls rather than tears.
Fun Fact
Mawkish originally referred to a nauseating or spoiled taste, stemming from the Middle English mauk, meaning “maggot.” Over time, the meaning shifted from physical disgust to emotional excess. Today, it’s used to describe songs, movies, or writing that lay on the sentiment so thick it turns people off.
Rectitude
- Today's Word
Rectitude
REK-ti-tood
Definition
(noun) Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.
Example
Her rectitude was admired even by her fiercest opponents.
Fun Fact
Rectitude is an old-school word that appears in documents like the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which refers to “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind” and “the rectitude of our intentions.” It comes from Latin rectus, meaning “straight” or “right,” and it’s often used to describe people with uncompromising principles.
Taciturn
- Today's Word
Taciturn
TAS-i-turn
Definition
(adjective) Reserved or uncommunicative in speech.
Example
The taciturn detective revealed little, even under pressure.
Fun Fact
Taciturn comes from the Latin taciturnus, meaning “not talkative.” It often appears in literature to describe mysterious or stoic characters—think Clint Eastwood’s cowboy or Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Unlike shy or introverted, taciturn implies intentional silence, not just social discomfort.
Ennui
- Today's Word
Ennui
ahn-WEE
Definition
(noun) A feeling of weariness or dissatisfaction from lack of excitement.
Example
Despite his wealth, ennui plagued him in retirement.
Fun Fact
Ennui gained literary popularity in the 19th century, especially among Romantic and existential writers like Baudelaire and Flaubert. Unlike boredom, which can be fleeting, ennui suggests a deeper, more existential discontent. It’s often tied to periods of great privilege or monotony—when all needs are met but meaning is still elusive.
Garish
- Today's Word
Garish
GAIR-ish
Definition
(adjective) Obtrusively bright, showy, or overly vivid.
Example
The garish outfit made everyone at the gala do a double take.
Fun Fact
Garish was first used in English in the 16th century, possibly related to the word gare, meaning “to stare.” It originally implied something so flashy it almost blinded or shocked the viewer. Today, it’s a go-to critique for outfits, interior design, or websites that overwhelm the senses with clashing colors and loud patterns.
Vitriolic
- Today's Word
Vitriolic
vih-tree-AH-lik
Definition
(adjective) Filled with bitter criticism or malice.
Example
Her vitriolic comments silenced the room.
Fun Fact
“Vitriolic” stems from the Latin word for sulfuric acid—once called “oil of vitriol.” Originally describing corrosive chemicals, the word evolved to describe words or tone that metaphorically burn.

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.
