- Today's Word
Pulchritude
PUHL-krih-tood (or PUHL-krih-tyood)
Definition
- (noun) Physical beauty or attractiveness, often of a striking or exceptional nature.
Example
The painting captured the pulchritude of the landscape, its rolling hills and vibrant colors mesmerizing all who viewed it.
Fun Fact
“Pulchritude” comes from the Latin word pulchritudo, derived from pulcher, meaning “beautiful.” Despite its meaning, the word itself is often considered phonetically unappealing, leading to its infrequent use in everyday conversation. Historically, it was used in literary contexts to emphasize refined or idealized beauty. The word serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between a term’s sound and the concept it represents.
(adjective) Speaking easily, rapidly, and at great length, especially with enthusiasm.
At the dinner party, he became increasingly voluble as the conversation turned to politics.
Voluble comes from the Latin volubilis, meaning “rolling” or “turning easily,” from volvere (“to roll”). The word originally described physical motion, but over time it shifted metaphorically to describe speech that flows freely and continuously, as if words are rolling out without resistance.