- Today's Word
Irascible
[ih-RASS-uh-bul]
Definition
- (adjective) Someone who is easily angered or prone to outbursts of temper. It refers to a person who is irritable, quick-tempered, and easily provoked to anger.
Example
The irascible old man on the corner was known for shouting at kids who dared to step on his perfectly manicured lawn.
Fun Fact
The word “irascible” comes from the Latin word “irascibilis,” which is derived from “irasci” meaning “to be angry.” It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Interestingly, it shares its root with the word “ire,” meaning anger or wrath. In medieval times, irascibility was considered one of the seven deadly sins, associated with wrath. Today, while it’s not considered a sin, being irascible is generally seen as an undesirable personality trait. The word’s survival in modern English showcases our enduring need to describe complex emotional states with precision and color.
(adjective) Sweet and soothing to the ear; melodious and gentle in sound
The dulcet tones of the jazz trio drifted through the open windows and out into the warm evening air.
Dulcet derives from the Old French doucet, a diminutive of doux (“sweet”), itself from the Latin dulcis (“sweet”). It entered English in the 15th century, used first in music and poetry to describe sounds of particular sweetness and gentleness, and has retained that musical, lyrical quality ever since.