- Pejorative
- Today's Word
Pejorative
puh-JOR-uh-tiv
Definition
- (adjective/noun) Expressing contempt or disapproval; a word or phrase that belittles.
Example
Calling it a “scheme” instead of a “plan” gave it a pejorative spin.
Fun FactPejoratives are everywhere—“geek,” “bureaucrat,” “snowflake.” Words can shift over time too: “nerd” once was pejorative, now it’s proudly reclaimed. Linguists study how these terms evolve and how language both reflects and shapes social power.
Today's Popular Words
Polemic
- Today's Word
Polemic
puh-LEM-ik
Definition
- (noun) A strong argument or attack against someone or something.
Example
His polemic against corporate greed went viral, igniting fierce debate.
Fun Fact
Many of history’s most famous thinkers—Voltaire, Karl Marx, and Susan B. Anthony—were polemicists who used sharp arguments to challenge the status quo. Whether in political speeches, controversial essays, or heated debates, polemics are meant to stir emotions and provoke change.
Inchoate
- Today's Word
Inchoate
in-KOH-it
Definition
- (adjective) Just begun and not fully formed or developed; rudimentary.
Example
The inchoate plan lacked specifics but hinted at an innovative new direction.
Fun Fact
“Inchoate” comes from the Latin inchoare, meaning “to begin.” It’s often used in legal contexts (like an inchoate crime) or in creative and scientific fields when an idea is still forming. Think of a sketch before it becomes a painting or a startup’s rough pitch before full launch.
Nascent
- Today's Word
Nascent
NAY-sent
Definition
- (adjective) Coming into existence; beginning to develop.
Example
The nascent movement gained attention quickly through social media.
Fun Fact
From Latin nasci (to be born), “nascent” is used in science, tech, and culture to describe emerging trends or phenomena. A nascent idea might be a sketch on a napkin, or a nascent technology might still be in beta testing. In astronomy, a nascent star is still forming from cosmic dust—proof that greatness often starts small.
Abate
- Today's Word
Abate
uh-BAYT
Definition
- (verb) To become less intense or widespread; to reduce or diminish.
Example
The mayor promised to act swiftly to abate the rising noise complaints in the city.
Fun Fact
“Abate” traces back to Latin battere, meaning “to beat down.” Historically, it’s been used in both legal and environmental contexts—laws are “abated” when revoked, and storms “abate” when they lose intensity. Shakespeare frequently used it in phrases like “abate thy strife,” adding poetic elegance to the idea of lessening force or conflict.
Intractable
- Today's Word
Intractable
in-TRAK-tuh-buhl
Definition
- (adjective) Difficult to manage, control, or solve; stubborn.
Example
The negotiations became intractable when neither side would compromise.
Fun Fact
Intractability has been studied in psychology and conflict resolution. From difficult personalities to historical conflicts that seem impossible to resolve, the key to dealing with intractable problems often lies in patience, diplomacy, and creativity. Even legendary figures like Winston Churchill were famously intractable, refusing to back down even in dire situations.
Abscond
- Today's Word
Abscond
ab-SKOND
Definition
- (verb) To leave quickly and secretly, often to avoid arrest or detection.
Example
The thief absconded with the stolen jewels before anyone noticed.
Fun Fact
“Abscond” comes from the Latin abscondere, meaning “to hide away.” While it’s often used in legal or criminal contexts, it can also describe dramatic escapes in literature or film. Think of a character who vanishes mysteriously or flees after a scandal—they’ve absconded!
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.
