- Today's Word
Gregarious
[gruh-GAIR-ee-us]
Definition
- (adjective) Fond of company; enjoying being with others; sociable and outgoing. As an adjective, it describes someone who seeks and enjoys the company of others, or in zoology, refers to animals that live in groups or communities.
Example
Sarah’s gregarious nature made her perfect for a career in public relations, where she could constantly interact with new people.
Fun Fact
The word “gregarious” comes from the Latin “gregarius,” meaning “belonging to a flock,” which derives from “grex” meaning “herd” or “flock.” Originally, it was primarily used to describe animals that lived in herds or flocks, such as sheep or birds. By the 17th century, the word evolved to describe human social behavior. Interestingly, this same Latin root “grex” gave us other words like “congregation,” “aggregate,” and “segregate,” all relating to the concept of gathering or separating groups.
(noun) Excessive confidence or boldness; rashness in the face of danger or opposition without regard for consequences.
The junior analyst had the temerity to challenge the CEO’s projections in front of the entire board — and was proven right six months later.
Temerity derives from the Latin temeritas, meaning “rashness” or “blind chance,” rooted in temere — “rashly” or “by chance” — suggesting action taken without looking, in the dark, without regard for what might be coming. It entered English in the 15th century carrying its full Latin sense of dangerous, heedless boldness — the kind that mistakes the absence of fear for the presence of wisdom.