- Today's Word
Licentious
ly-SEN-shuhs
Definition
- (adjective) Lacking moral restraint, especially in sexual conduct; disregarding societal rules or norms.
Example
The licentious behavior of the characters shocked audiences, challenging the era’s strict social norms.
Fun Fact
“Licentious” comes from the Latin licentia, meaning “freedom” or “license.” The term initially referred to unrestrained freedom but evolved to imply behavior that exceeds the bounds of morality or propriety. Its historical usage reflects society’s ongoing struggle to balance liberty with responsibility.
(noun) The range of one’s knowledge, understanding, or awareness.
Quantum physics lies far beyond my ken, no matter how many articles I read.
Ken comes from Old English cennan, meaning “to know” or “to make known,” and is closely related to Middle English and Scots usage where it meant knowledge, perception, or recognition. Over time, the word narrowed to describe the limits of what someone knows or understands, which is why it’s often used today in phrases like “beyond my ken.”