Word of the Day
Definition: (noun) Amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong. Synonyms: expiation, satisfaction. Usage: But Adam could receive no amends; his suffering could not be cancelled; his respect and affection could not be recovered by any prompt deeds of atonement. Discuss
Definition: (verb) To be pervaded by something unpleasant. Synonyms: smack, smell. Usage: His speeches reek of sarcasm. Discuss
Definition: (noun) The state of being stretched beyond normal dimensions. Synonyms: distention. Usage: He suffered from severe dilatation of the stomach, an abdominal swelling that left him writhing in pain. Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Of or relating to a drug or other agent that has a tranquilizing effect. Synonyms: sedative, tranquilizing. Usage: Valium has an ataractic effect that is useful in treating tension and anxiety. Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Lacking variety or excitement; dull. Synonyms: unglamorous, commonplace, prosaic. Usage: So here I shall end my days; and I must say, Dorothy, my dear, that you are very foolish to go back into that stupid, humdrum world again. Discuss
Definition: (verb) Study intensively, as before an exam. Synonyms: bone up, drum, get up, grind away, mug up, swot. Usage: I spent the week before my Latin final exam cramming, a strategy that paid off when I aced the class. Discuss
Definition: (verb) Move sideways or in an unsteady way. Synonyms: wobble, tilt, shift. Usage: The ship careened out of control in the storm. Discuss
Definition: (noun) The faculty of distinguishing sweet, sour, bitter, and salty properties in the mouth. Synonyms: taste. Usage: Her cold had muted all sense of gustation, and she had no appetite for food. Discuss
Definition: (noun) One born of, begotten by, or derived from another. Synonyms: issue, offspring. Usage: He was naturally a very nervous, shuddering sort of little fellow, this bread-faced steward; the progeny of a bankrupt baker and a hospital nurse. Discuss
Definition: (noun) Moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles. Synonyms: depravation, depravity, degeneracy, corruption. Usage: The country had fallen into a state of moral putrefaction, with corruption running rampant throughout the government ranks. Discuss