- Today's Word
Philocalist
fil-OH-kuh-list
Definition
- (noun) A lover of beauty; someone deeply appreciative of aesthetic qualities.
Example
As a philocalist, she found joy in the delicate patterns of frost on her window and the soft hues of twilight.
Fun Fact
“Philocalist” is derived from the Greek words philo- (“love”) and kalos (“beauty”). While the term is less commonly used in English, it resonates with the universal human tendency to seek and celebrate beauty, whether in nature, art, or everyday life. The word encapsulates the soul of artists, poets, and anyone who treasures the sublime.
(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.”