- Today's Word
Halcyon
HAL-see-uhn
Definition
- (adjective) Calm, peaceful, or tranquil.
- Relating to a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and carefree.
Example
She often reminisced about the halcyon days of her childhood, spent by the lake without a care in the world.
Fun Fact
“Halcyon” originates from the Greek myth of Alcyone, a woman transformed into a kingfisher bird by the gods. The term is linked to the belief that these birds calmed the seas while nesting during the winter solstice. Over time, “halcyon” became synonymous with peace and calm, evoking both natural serenity and the nostalgic longing for simpler times.
(noun) A burden, duty, or responsibility—especially one that is difficult or unwelcome.
The onus of proving the theory fell on the scientists who proposed it.
From Latin onus, meaning “load” or “burden.”