Menu
  • Today's Word

Heterogeneous

het-uh-roh-JEE-nee-uhs

Definition

  1. (adjective) Consisting of diverse or varied parts; not uniform.

Example

The committee was composed of a heterogeneous group of experts from every field.

Fun Fact

From Greek hetero (different) and genos (kind), “heterogeneous” often describes diverse populations, mixtures, or systems. It’s a key term in science (heterogeneous solutions), social studies (heterogeneous societies), and engineering. The opposite—”homogeneous”—suggests uniformity, while heterogeneity implies richness, complexity, and often greater resilience.

Similar Words

Bilk

  • Today's Word

Bilk

BILK

Definition

(verb) To cheat or defraud someone, especially out of money.

Example

The con artist bilked dozens of retirees out of their life savings.

Fun Fact

“Bilk” may have started as 17th-century slang from card games, meaning to spoil someone’s chance at winning. It quickly evolved to describe cheating in any form. Though it sounds informal, it’s often used in legal and financial reporting to describe fraud or deceitful business practices.

Malevolent

  • Today's Word

Malevolent

muh-LEV-uh-lent

Definition

(adjective) Having or showing a desire to cause harm or do evil.

Example

The villain’s malevolent glare sent chills down their spines.

Fun Fact

From Latin male (“badly”) + volens (“wishing”), malevolent literally means “wishing ill.” It’s often reserved for characters or acts that are deliberately cruel. In literature, Disney villains and Gothic horror figures embody malevolence, as do real-world tyrants whose actions stem from malice rather than misunderstanding.

Querulous

  • Today's Word

Querulous

KWER-uh-luhs

Definition

(adjective) Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.

Example

His querulous tone made it clear he wasn’t happy with the service.

Fun Fact

“Querulous” comes from the Latin queri, meaning “to complain.” It describes not just dissatisfaction, but persistent, nitpicky, or whiny complaining. It’s a favorite word in literature to portray cranky characters—from Dickensian debtors to sitcom neighbors.

Ribald

  • Today's Word

Ribald

RIH-buhld

Definition

(adjective) Referring to sexual matters in a coarse or humorous way.

Example

The comedian’s ribald jokes made half the audience laugh—and the other half blush.

Fun Fact

“Ribald” has medieval roots where it referred to a lewd or vulgar person, often tied to jesters or bawdy entertainers. Today, it usually describes humor that’s raunchy but not malicious—think late-night standup or locker-room banter. It walks the line between clever and crude.

Acumen

  • Today's Word

Acumen

AK-yoo-men

Definition

(noun) Keen insight or the ability to make quick, smart decisions.

Example

Her business acumen turned the small shop into a thriving franchise.

Fun Fact

“Acumen” stems from the Latin acuere, meaning “to sharpen.” It refers not just to intelligence, but to mental sharpness in practical matters, such as strategy, leadership, or negotiation. From investors to chess players, acumen separates the instinctive from the merely informed.

Languid

  • Today's Word

Languid

LANG-gwid

Definition

(adjective) Displaying a lack of energy or vitality; slow and relaxed.

Example

She gave a languid wave from the hammock, too tired to move more.

Fun Fact

From Latin languere (“to be weak or faint”), “languid” has long been associated with lethargy, dreamy states, or gentle slowness. It can be negative (as in illness) or romanticized—Victorian poets used it to describe graceful repose or lazy summer days. Think soft music, slow dancing, or a warm breeze making you want to nap.

Menu
Copyright © 2025 Word Of The Day