- Today's Word
Sybaritic
sib-uh-RIT-ik
Definition
(adjective) Fond of luxury and self-indulgence.
Example
He lived a sybaritic lifestyle, surrounded by velvet robes and vintage wine.
Fun Fact
The word Sybaritic comes from Sybaris, an ancient Greek city infamous for its wealthy, comfort-loving residents. Today, it’s used to describe anyone who chases pleasure and luxury—sometimes with admiration, but often with a hint of critique. It’s a favorite among lifestyle columnists, spa brochures, and Real Housewives recaps.
(noun) A flattering or coaxing remark meant to gently persuade someone to do something.
No amount of blandishment from the salesman could convince her to buy the overpriced warranty.
Blandishment comes from the French blandir, meaning “to soften,” which itself traces back to the Latin blandus, meaning “smooth, flattering, or mild.” Over time it came to describe gentle persuasion—words that feel sweet on the surface but are often used with intention beneath.