Today's Word

Irascible

ih-RASS-uh-buhl

Definition

(adjective) Easily provoked to anger; quick-tempered.

Example

His irascible demeanor made every team meeting tense.

Word Origin

Late Middle English: from Old French irascible, from late Latin irascibilis, from irasci ‘grow angry’.

Fun Fact

Irascible doesn’t always describe someone in a full-on rage—it can apply to people who are just easily irritated or constantly on edge. It’s often used in fiction to characterize grumpy older men, volatile bosses, or that one short-fused coach. Think Scrooge, Dr. House, or a chihuahua with something to prove. It’s a word that paints a personality in tension.

Previous Words

Despot

Today's Word

Despot

DES-puht

Definition

(noun) A ruler who holds absolute power, often using it in a harsh or oppressive way.

Example

The novel’s villain is a despot who crushes any hint of dissent to maintain his grip on power.

Word Origin

Despot comes from the Greek despotēs, meaning “master” or “one with authority.”
Originally neutral, the word eventually shifted to describe rulers whose unchecked power became abusive.

Fun Fact

Throughout history, many despots used architecture as psychological control.
By constructing oversized gates, towering statues, and enormous throne or ball rooms, they created environments designed to make citizens feel small — and constantly watched.
Modern behavioral scientists now recognize this as a powerful method for shaping public obedience without ever issuing a spoken threat.

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Irascible

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Previous Words

Despot

Despot

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Despot

Raucous

Solipsistic

Fatuous

Metanoia