Word of the Day
Definition: (noun) A controversial argument, especially one refuting or attacking a specific opinion or doctrine. Synonyms: tirade, diatribe. Usage: He launched into the polemic, not caring whom he offended or won over, intent only on getting his point across.
Definition: (verb) To talk or chatter idly or meaninglessly. Synonyms: blabber, piffle, gabble, prate. Usage: The group of tourists on the plane wouldn't stop talking, and I fell asleep listening to them prattle.
Definition: (noun) A filthy and wretched condition or quality. Synonyms: sordidness, squalidness. Usage: The squalor in which the refugees lived alarmed the aid workers, who knew they had to work quickly to improve these conditions. Discuss
Definition: (noun) An excessive amount. Synonyms: overabundance, excess. Usage: The surfeit of goods produced caused prices to fall, hurting the economy.
Definition: (adjective) Arousing or meriting strong dislike, aversion, or intense displeasure. Synonyms: abominable, detestable, execrable. Usage: Pray do not talk of that odious man.
Definition: (verb) To urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate. Synonyms: compel, drive, push, inspire, instigate, goad. Usage: I don't consider myself an activist, but I was impelled by recent events to take a stand on this issue. Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Bitterly scathing; caustic. Synonyms: acid, blistering, venomous, acrid, acerbic, bitter, virulent. Usage: The critic showed no mercy in writing the most vitriolic review of her career.
Definition: (adjective) Quick to take offense. Synonyms: touchy. Usage: I tried to give my coworker some advice after the meeting, but she perceived it as criticism, got all huffy, and stormed away.
Definition: (noun) A servile self-seeker who attempts to win favor by flattering influential people. Synonyms: crawler, toady, lackey. Usage: The sycophant erupted into laughter before the mayor had even finished the joke. Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Lacking or marked by a lack of self-confidence; shy and timid. Synonyms: unsure. Usage: Because she was only a first-year student, she was diffident when offering a comment on the professor's lecture.