- Today's Word
Vestigial
veh-STIJ-ee-uhl
Definition
- (adjective) Relating to a small, remaining part of something that once had a larger presence or function.
- In biology, describing a structure that has lost most or all of its original function through evolution.
Example
The ancient ruins stood as a vestigial reminder of a once-great civilization.
Fun Fact
“Vestigial” comes from the Latin word vestigium, meaning “footprint” or “trace.” Initially referring to physical remnants, it evolved to describe anything lingering or diminished. In evolutionary biology, it describes traits like the human tailbone or appendix, which no longer serve their original purpose but offer fascinating insights into our species’ history.
(adjective) Obviously planned or forced rather than arising naturally; lacking authenticity or spontaneity.
The film’s ending felt contrived — a sudden reconciliation between characters who had spent two hours proving they could never forgive each other.
Contrived comes from the verb contrive, rooted in the Old French controver, meaning “to imagine” or “to find out,” itself from the Latin contropare — “to compare” or “to devise.” It entered English in the 14th century originally meaning simply to plan or devise something cleverly. Over time the word acquired its current negative undertone, shifting from neutral ingenuity toward the suggestion of something manipulated or artificially engineered to produce a desired effect.