- Today's Word
Vituperate
vy-TOO-puh-rayt (or vy-TYOO-puh-rayt)
Definition
- (verb) To criticize or scold someone in a harsh, abusive manner.
Example
The coach began to vituperate the players after their lackluster performance in the championship game.
Fun Fact
“Vituperate” comes from the Latin vituperare, meaning “to blame” or “find fault with.” Though its use has declined in casual conversation, it remains a powerful word for describing sharp, biting criticism. It’s a testament to the richness of language for expressing disapproval in vivid terms.
(adjective) Lasting for a very short time; fleeting or brief.
The beauty of the rainbow was ephemeral, fading from the sky just minutes after it appeared.
Ephemeral comes from the Greek ephemeros, meaning “lasting only a day.” The term originally described short-lived natural events—like morning dew or certain insects that survive for just one sunrise—before expanding to anything that disappears quickly.