Word of the Day

Definition: (verb) Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening. Synonyms: deflect, head off, avert, avoid, debar, obviate. Usage: Norman of Torn, if you are not the son of the old man you call father may God forfend that England ever guesses your true parentage.

Definition: (noun) The reversal of the normal order of words. Synonyms: inversion. Usage: Anastrophe, when used correctly, can give writing an impact that traditional sentence structures cannot always achieve.

Definition: (verb) Beg persistently and urgently. Synonyms: insist. Usage: She had come to the conclusion that he spoke no other English, and so she ceased to importune him for information. Discuss

Definition: (verb) Cause to deteriorate due to the action of water, air, or an acid. Synonyms: rust, eat. Usage: Nothing can be a stronger proof of the malignant quality of the air than that the rust will immediately corrode both the iron and brass if they are not carefully covered with straw.

Definition: (noun) Someone who gossips indiscreetly. Synonyms: talebearer, tattler, tattletale. Usage: If you share that secret with a blabbermouth like Joe, then he will turn around and share it with anyone who will listen.

Definition: (noun) The time of day immediately following sunset. Synonyms: crepuscule, dusk, nightfall, twilight. Usage: When the sun was fairly down, we slipped back to the hotel in the charitable gloaming, and went to bed again. Discuss

Definition: (noun) An activity taken up in addition to one's regular work or profession, usually for enjoyment. Synonyms: hobby, pursuit, sideline. Usage: Garth had failed in the building business, which he had unfortunately added to his other avocations of surveyor, valuer, and agent. Discuss

Definition: (noun) Someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful. Synonyms: colossus, goliath, monster, giant. Usage: Little Nick was surprisingly excited as the trainers lifted him onto the elephant, and he showed no fear as he rode the behemoth around the ring. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Cheerfully irresponsible. Synonyms: devil-may-care, happy-go-lucky, slaphappy, freewheeling, carefree. Usage: I was a harum-scarum, reckless lad, and he had had an education, and was already marked for the sword-belt. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) In accord with the most fashionable ideas or style. Synonyms: cutting-edge, up-to-date. Usage: Angela takes her fashion cues from whatever the with-it boutiques downtown are promoting. Discuss