- 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) Lacking harmony; clashing or conflicting in sound, ideas, or opinions.
The debate grew heated as their dissonant perspectives on technology’s role in society collided.
Derived from the Latin dissonare, meaning “to sound apart,” dissonant entered English in the 15th century through Middle French. Originally used to describe unpleasant or clashing sounds in music, it later expanded to describe intellectual or emotional discord—when ideas, beliefs, or behaviors fail to align.