Word of the Day

Definition: (noun) The act of positioning close together (or side by side). Synonyms: apposition, collocation. Usage: The juxtaposition of the skyscraper and the brick townhouse had a curious effect, and from a distance the cozy home looked like a dollhouse. Discuss

Definition: (noun) An additional ingredient that is added by mixing with the base. Synonyms: intermixture. Usage: The flowers flourished in the new growing medium, a nutrient-rich soil comprised of equal parts sand and loam with an admixture of peat moss and cow manure. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Marked by separation of or from usually contiguous elements. Synonyms: isolated. Usage: The islands were like little isolated worlds, as abruptly disjunct and unexpected as a palm-shaded well in the Sahara. Discuss

Definition: (verb) Burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color. Synonyms: blacken, sear, scorch. Usage: The fire charred the ceiling above the mantelpiece, and my mother had to hire a painter to cover up the discoloration. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Capable of soothing or eliminating pain. Synonyms: analgesic, analgetic. Usage: She was in intense pain following the surgery and wondered whether the anodyne properties of her medication would be sufficient. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Bitterly denunciatory; harshly critical. Synonyms: vituperative. Usage: This scathing remark caused the Prince to hide his face for shame, and Steve to erect his head in the proud consciousness that this shot was not meant for him. Discuss

Definition: (noun) A quality, as of an experience or a work of art, that arouses feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow. Synonyms: poignancy. Usage: The documentary film captured the pathos of the refugee's situation, and there was not a dry eye in the theater when the movie ended. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Retired or ineffective because of advanced age. Synonyms: over-the-hill, overaged. Usage: The company has a pension plan that provides financial assistance to some of its superannuated employees. Discuss

Definition: (noun) A superiority in numbers or amount. Synonyms: prevalence, extensiveness. Usage: The preponderance of the evidence strongly supports his guilt. Discuss

Definition: (noun) The act of resting or the state of being at rest. Synonyms: ease, relaxation, rest. Usage: The vacationer took his repose beside the swimming pool. Discuss