Word of the Day

Definition: (adjective) Lacking in cunning, guile, or worldliness. Synonyms: artless. Usage: His ingenuous delight in it was a delight to her, and a new and mutual love-thrill was theirs—because of a flower. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Happening every second year. Synonyms: biyearly. Usage: They met at the biennial convention and lamented the fact that they would not see each other until the next meeting two years later. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Tending to depart from the main point or cover a wide range of subjects. Synonyms: excursive, rambling, discursive. Usage: His speech was digressive and rambling, and we soon tired of the pointless tangents. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Stubbornly resistant to authority or control. Synonyms: recalcitrant, refractory. Usage: The young horse was a fractious animal that would not submit to the harness; no one could ride her. Discuss

Definition: (noun) A distinct feature or element in a problem. Synonyms: aspect. Usage: He carefully studied every facet of the question before offering his response. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Marked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited. Synonyms: plucky. Usage: Though she lost her arm in a violent shark attack, the gutsy teen refused to abandon her dream of becoming a world-class surfer and soon returned to the water. Discuss

Definition: (noun) Excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites, especially in passion or indulgence. Synonyms: self-indulgence. Usage: A slouching, moody, drunken sloven, wasted by intemperance and vice, sat on the stoop and lamented his lot in life. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality. Synonyms: impertinent, pert, saucy. Usage: Sally's irreverent gaiety and ease of manner drew people to her and made her immediately likeable. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Exhibiting a desire or willingness to please. Synonyms: obliging. Usage: In her behavior she was respectful and complaisant, even to servility: she attempted to flatter and fawn upon me at first, but I soon checked that. Discuss

Definition: (noun) Relatively small dimension through an object as opposed to its length or width. Synonyms: thinness, slenderness. Usage: She marveled at the tenuity of the cotton threads delicately woven together to create a durable fabric. Discuss