- Edict
- Today's Word
Edict
EE-dikt
Definition
(noun) An official order or proclamation issued by someone in authority.
Example
The emperor’s edict banned all public gatherings for the rest of the month.
Fun FactThe word “edict” is often associated with royal declarations. One of the most famous is the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which helped establish religious tolerance in the Roman Empire. In modern contexts, it still carries a weight of top-down control, from corporate memos to government mandates.
Today's Popular Words
Propitious
- Today's Word
Propitious
pruh-PISH-uhs
Definition
(adjective) Indicating a good chance of success; favorable or auspicious.
Example
It was a propitious moment to invest, as market conditions were ideal.
Fun Fact
“Propitious” stems from Latin propitius, meaning “gracious” or “favorable.” In historical texts, it often signaled divine blessing or omens, and in modern usage, it suggests timing or conditions that tilt luck or outcomes in your favor—whether in business, diplomacy, or chance.
Despondent
- Today's Word
Despondent
dih-SPON-dent
Definition
(adjective) In low spirits from loss of hope or confidence.
Example
After weeks of job rejections, he grew increasingly despondent.
Fun Fact
From Latin despondere (“to give up”), “despondent” reflects emotional surrender—more serious than mere sadness. It’s often used to describe periods of grief, depression, or deep discouragement. In literature, despondent characters often face turning points that test their resilience.
Acrimony
- Today's Word
Acrimony
AK-ruh-moh-nee
Definition
(noun) Bitterness or harshness in speech, behavior, or disposition.
Example
The acrimony between the former business partners was palpable at the hearing.
Fun Fact
“Acrimony” comes from the Latin acer, meaning “sharp.” It’s often used to describe cutting, hostile tone in arguments, especially when tension lingers. Acrimonious exchanges show up in political debates, divorce trials, or long-standing rivalries—where bitterness boils beneath the words.
Cavort
- Today's Word
Cavort
kuh-VORT
Definition
(verb) To jump or dance around excitedly; to behave in a lively or exuberant way.
Example
The children cavorted through the sprinklers, shrieking with joy.
Fun Fact
“Cavort” likely originated as a variation of “curvet,” a term used to describe a leaping movement by horses. It’s now used to convey carefree joy, frolicking, or exuberant celebration, often with a sense of unrestrained glee. Whether it’s kids playing, pets bounding around, or partygoers dancing freely, to cavort is to throw caution (and perhaps decorum) to the wind.
Petulance
- Today's Word
Petulance
PET-yoo-luns
Definition
(noun) The quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
His petulance was on full display when the restaurant ran out of his favorite dessert.
Fun Fact
Petulance isn’t just for toddlers. In 17th-century court writings, the word was often used to describe nobles who threw fits when political decisions didn’t go their way. Even Shakespeare used variations of it to mock vain characters with bruised egos.
Neophyte
- Today's Word
Neophyte
NEE-uh-fyte
Definition
(noun) A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.
Example
As a neophyte in the art world, she eagerly soaked up knowledge from more seasoned curators.
Fun Fact
Originally used in religious contexts, a “neophyte” was a new convert. Today, the term applies more broadly—from first-time hikers to rookie programmers. It carries less judgment than “novice” and more curiosity than “beginner.”
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.
