Word of the Day

Definition: (noun) A room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept or meetings are held. Synonyms: vestry. Usage: We were admitted to the sacristy and shown the magnificent robes which the Pope wore when he crowned Napoleon I. Discuss

Definition: (noun) Someone who is no longer popular. Synonyms: back-number. Usage: There is a fine line between pop star and washed-up has-been, and the poor sales of her newest record seem to indicate that she has crossed it. Discuss

Definition: (verb) To act or be counter to; violate. Synonyms: infringe, run afoul, conflict. Usage: This deportation order contravenes basic human rights and must be overturned. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Marked by unjust severity or arbitrary behavior. Synonyms: oppressive. Usage: He was neither wrathful, cruel, nor tyrannical, but just and gentle as a king could be. Discuss

Definition: (verb) Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering. Synonyms: bootlick, toady, truckle, fawn, suck up. Usage: Josh was next in line for a promotion, but he refused to kowtow to his superiors, and they ultimately chose the suck-up who sat in the cubicle to his right. Discuss

Definition: (noun) Temporary living quarters. Synonyms: domiciliation, lodgings, pad. Usage: We were tired and hungry…and when we got to Datchet we took out the hamper, the two bags, and the rugs and coats…and started off to look for diggings. Discuss

Definition: (noun) A woman who is considered to be dangerously seductive. Synonyms: femme fatale, temptress, Delilah, siren. Usage: Though his wife stood lovingly by his side all evening, he had eyes only for the enchantress in the emerald dress whose every look, movement, and breath seemed to beckon him. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Cleverly amusing in tone. Synonyms: bantering, facetious. Usage: The student made a tongue-in-cheek remark about his dog having eaten his overdue math homework. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Of or relating to the spleen. Synonyms: lienal. Usage: Julian was overjoyed as his doctor explained that his splenic tumor had gone into remission. Discuss

Definition: (verb) Reduce in worth or character, usually verbally. Synonyms: degrade, disgrace, put down. Usage: The CEO makes it a point to regularly demean employees in front of their colleagues, as he believes that a little public humiliation goes a long way in keeping people in their places. Discuss