MAK-sim
(noun) A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
He lived by the old maxim, “Honesty is the best policy.”
Fun Fact
Maxims have existed for thousands of years—from Confucian sayings to Latin proverbs to modern business mottos. A maxim is often passed down as cultural wisdom: brief, quotable, and powerful.
MAK-sim
(noun) A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
He lived by the old maxim, “Honesty is the best policy.”
Fun Fact
Maxims have existed for thousands of years—from Confucian sayings to Latin proverbs to modern business mottos. A maxim is often passed down as cultural wisdom: brief, quotable, and powerful.
KAL-um-nee
(noun) A false and damaging statement meant to harm someone’s reputation.
The candidate sued his rival for spreading calumny during the campaign.
Fun Fact
In ancient Rome, calumny was actually a punishable offense under the law. The word’s legal roots make it a favorite in political and journalistic commentary when false accusations fly.
SOM-nuh-lunt
(adjective) Sleepy or drowsy; inducing sleep.
The somnolent atmosphere in the lecture hall was hard to resist.
Fun Fact
“Somnolent” doesn’t just describe people—music, lighting, or even a voice can be somnolent. It’s often used in travel writing and poetry to describe languid settings where time feels slow and eyes get heavy.
ak-wee-ESS
(verb) To accept something reluctantly but without protest.
He acquiesced to the board’s decision, even though he disagreed.
Fun Fact
“Acquiesce” often appears in legal writing or formal agreements, describing passive consent. In pop culture, it shows up in scenes where characters silently give in—not out of agreement, but exhaustion, loyalty, or inevitability.
EK-spee-ayt
(verb) To atone for or make amends for wrongdoing.
He volunteered at the shelter to expiate his earlier mistakes.
Fun Fact
“Expiate” often appears in religious or moral discussions, especially in literature. It’s a core theme in stories about redemption—whether a hero making things right or a villain seeking forgiveness. Think of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.
GOOR-mahnd
(noun) A person who enjoys eating and often eats excessively.
The festival attracted gourmands from around the world.
Fun Fact
While similar to “gourmet,” a gourmand is more about quantity than refinement. The word has French roots and once had a negative connotation—today it can imply either joyful indulgence or over-the-top appetite, depending on tone.