- Today's Word
Perusal
puh-ROO-zuhl
Definition
- (noun) The act of carefully examining, reading, or reviewing something.
Example
After a thorough perusal of the contract, she noticed a hidden clause that could have cost her thousands.
Fun Fact
Contrary to popular belief, “perusal” does not mean just skimming—it actually refers to careful and detailed reading. The confusion likely arises from its occasional use to describe any kind of reading, but in legal and academic settings, a perusal implies deep analysis. So the next time someone says they gave something “a quick perusal,” they may be using it incorrectly!
(noun) Excessive confidence or boldness; rashness in the face of danger or opposition without regard for consequences.
The junior analyst had the temerity to challenge the CEO’s projections in front of the entire board — and was proven right six months later.
Temerity derives from the Latin temeritas, meaning “rashness” or “blind chance,” rooted in temere — “rashly” or “by chance” — suggesting action taken without looking, in the dark, without regard for what might be coming. It entered English in the 15th century carrying its full Latin sense of dangerous, heedless boldness — the kind that mistakes the absence of fear for the presence of wisdom.