vih-tree-AH-lik
(adjective) Filled with bitter criticism or malice.
Her vitriolic comments silenced the room.
Fun Fact
“Vitriolic” stems from the Latin word for sulfuric acid—once called “oil of vitriol.” Originally describing corrosive chemicals, the word evolved to describe words or tone that metaphorically burn.
NEB-yuh-lus
(adjective) Unclear, vague, or ill-defined; resembling a cloud or haze.
His plans for the future remained nebulous, more dream than direction.
From Latin nebula, meaning “mist” or “cloud.”
Fun Fact
In astronomy, a nebula is a massive cloud of gas and dust in space where stars are born. The figurative meaning of nebulous—something vague or hard to see clearly—came later, borrowing that same sense of hazy uncertainty. Interestingly, in both uses, something nebulous often signals potential rather than absence; after all, every star begins as a blur in the dark.
Today's Word Salubrious suh-LOO-bree-us Definition (adjective) Health-giving; promoting well-being. Example...
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