- Today's Word
Luminos
[LOO-muh-noss]
Definition
- (adjective) A person who radiates an inner light, exuding wisdom, kindness, and positivity that illuminates the lives of those around them, inspiring others to find their own inner glow.
Example
In the face of adversity, the luminos community leader remained a beacon of hope, guiding her neighbors through the darkness with her unwavering optimism and compassionate actions.
Fun Fact
The word “luminos” has its roots in the Latin word “luminosus,” which means bright, shining, or full of light. This Latin term is derived from the word “lumen,” meaning light, which is also the source of the English word “luminous.” Throughout history, the concept of light has been associated with wisdom, clarity, and divine inspiration. In various cultures and religious traditions, light is often used as a metaphor for knowledge, enlightenment, and the presence of a higher power. The term “luminos” encapsulates this idea of inner radiance and the ability to uplift and guide others, making it a fitting description for those who possess a rare and valuable combination of wisdom, compassion, and charisma.
(verb) To criticize someone or something severely and publicly, often with harsh or scathing language.
The columnist excoriated the company’s leadership for ignoring repeated safety warnings.
Excoriate comes from the Latin excoriare, meaning “to strip off the skin,” from ex- (“off”) and corium (“hide” or “skin”). While the word originally described physical abrasion, its meaning shifted metaphorically over time to describe verbal attacks so harsh they feel skin-deep, leaving nothing protected.