Today's Word

Nominal

NOM-uh-nuhl

Definition

(adjective) Existing in name only, not actual or substantial.
Very small or minimal, especially in comparison to expectations.

Example

Despite his nominal title of “manager,” he had little authority within the organization.

Fun Fact

“Nominal” comes from the Latin nomen, meaning “name.” Originally referring to something “in name only,” it evolved to also describe something trivial or negligible. In science and technology, it often has a positive meaning, indicating that a system or process is functioning as expected, as in “all systems nominal.”

Previous Words

Brusque

Today's Word

Brusque

brusk

Definition

(adjective) Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner; bluntly short to the point of rudeness.

Example

His brusque response left the new intern unsure whether she’d said something wrong or if that was just how he talked to everyone.

Word Origin

From French brusque, meaning “lively, fierce,” which came from Italian brusco, meaning “sharp, tart” — possibly derived from Medieval Latin bruscus, a type of thorny shrub. The word entered English in the mid-17th century, carrying the sense of sharp, prickly quickness — much like the shrub itself.

Fun Fact

Brusque behavior has long been associated with certain professions where efficiency trumps politeness — surgeons, military commanders, and traders all developed reputations for blunt communication. Interestingly, in some Northern European cultures, what English speakers read as “brusque” is simply considered respectful directness. The word’s negative connotation is very culturally dependent — in some contexts, a brusque manner signals competence and confidence rather than rudeness.

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Nominal

Definition

Example

Previous Words

Brusque

Brusque

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Brusque

Languor

Belie

Undaunted

Wont