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Some movie villains get exactly the punishment they deserve. ⚖️ Today's #WordOfTheDay “condign” means “well-deserved or fitting.” Although it once described both rewards and punishments, it's been used almost exclusively for punishments since the 1700s. Can you think of a fictional villain who received condign justice?
Today's #WordOfTheDay is condign.
Learn more about this word: dictionary.com/browse/condig…
Ever felt pulled in two completely different directions? ↔️ You might say you've been “whipsawed.” Today's #WordOfTheDay means to subject someone or something to two opposing forces at once. The word comes from a type of saw traditionally operated by two people. When have you felt whipsawed?
Today's #WordOfTheDay is whipsaw.
Learn more about this word: dictionary.com/browse/whipsa…
"Skeptical" and "cynical" both involve doubt, but there's an important difference. 🤔
Skeptics question claims and look for evidence before accepting something as true. Cynics tend to distrust people's motives, assuming they're driven by selfishness or insincerity.
You can be skeptical without being cynical! Which word do you hear more often?👇 #NuancedWords
If “novem” is Latin for “nine,” why doesn't "November" fall ninth on the calendar? 🤔
Like September and October, “November” is a linguistic fossil. Its name preserves the layout of an ancient Roman calendar, even though the months were later shifted into the order we use today.
Do you know any other linguistic fossils like this? 🦴
Today's #WordOfTheDay is incarnadine.
Learn more about this word: dictionary.com/browse/incarn…
There's something magical about an incarnadine sky at sunset. 🌅 Today's #WordOfTheDay means “red or crimson.” The word entered English through Middle French and was famously used by Shakespeare in Macbeth to describe seas turning red with blood. What other words would you use to describe a colorful scene?
Do you know someone who documents every moment of their child's life online? 📱 They might be a “sharent”! Today's #WordOfTheDay blends “share” and “parent” and means to frequently post photos and information about one's child on social media. What other modern parenting terms have you heard?
Today's #WordOfTheDay is sharent.
Learn more about this word: dictionary.com/browse/sharen…
When a new restaurant opens and everyone rushes to try it, you might be witnessing a boomlet. 📈 Today's #WordOfTheDay means a brief increase in activity or popularity. Coined in the late 1800s, it combines “boom” with the diminutive suffix “-let.” What’s something you've seen experience a boomlet?
Today's #WordOfTheDay is boomlet.
Learn more about this word: dictionary.com/browse/boomle…
Ever spotted a little cat figurine waving its paw at you? 🐱 Today's #WordOfTheDay “maneki-neko” refers to a Japanese good luck statuette whose name literally means “beckoning cat.” These lucky cats are commonly displayed in homes and businesses. Where have you seen one?
Today's #WordOfTheDay is maneki-neko.
Learn more about this word: dictionary.com/browse/maneki…
Does your to-do list seem to go on ad infinitum? 📝 Today's #WordOfTheDay means “endlessly.” The phrase comes from Latin, with "ad" meaning “to” and "infinitum" meaning “infinity.” What's something in your life that seems to go on forever?
What’s the difference between “preternatural,” “supernatural,” and “paranormal”? Their meanings sometimes overlap, and they don’t fit into perfectly distinct categories, but there are a few differences in how they’re commonly used.
“Preternatural” describes something beyond what’s normal or expected, including abilities that seem almost unbelievable. 🕵️
“Supernatural” refers to forces or beings beyond nature itself, like vampires or werewolves. 🦇
“Paranormal” usually describes phenomena outside conventional scientific explanation, such as ghost sightings, telepathy, or psychokinesis. 🔮
Can you think of more examples of each one?
Today's #WordOfTheDay is ad infinitum.
Learn more about this word: dictionary.com/browse/ad-inf…
A levitating jack-o’-lantern would be an impressive display of Halloween thaumaturgy. 🎃 Our #WordOfTheDay, “thaumaturgy,” means the working of wonders, miracles, or magic. One of its Greek roots is connected to the idea of a spectacle or something seen. What other word sounds as magical as its meaning?
We're thrilled to announce the Judge's Choice and Fans' Choice winners of Dictionary.com's Haunting Hooks Writing Contest! 🕯️This year, writers crafted original story openings inspired by our theme: The Invitation, in 50 words or fewer. bit.ly/4hFa8MA
Congratulations to Ashlee Vieregger, selected by our guest judge, Kimberly Ramsawak, founder of Horror Concierge. They'll receive a $100 Amazon gift card and Dictionary.com swag.
And congratulations to our Fans' Choice winner, A.C. Frei, who takes home a $50 Amazon gift card and some Dictionary.com swag, too! Read the runner-ups at the link above. Thanks to everyone who invited us into their darkest imaginations! Until next Halloween… 🎃✍️
#WritingContest #HorrorWriting #ScaryStories #CreativeWriting #WritingCommunity #HalloweenWriting
Today's #WordOfTheDay is thaumaturgy.
Learn more about this word: bit.ly/3V84M3T
