Word of the Day
preponderate
[ pri-pon-duh-reyt ]
Show IPA
verb
to exceed in weight, influence, importance, amount, etc.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose preponderate
More about preponderate
- First recorded in 1615鈥�25.
- From the Latin 辫谤补别辫辞苍诲别谤腻谤别, meaning “to outweigh.”
EXAMPLES OF PREPONDERATE
- Arguments for postponement preponderated at the board meeting.
- Drought-resistant plants preponderate in this desert region.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
tabula rasa
[ tab-yuh-luh rah-suh ]
Show IPA
noun
anything existing undisturbed in its original pure state
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose tabula rasa
More about tabula rasa
- First recorded in 1525鈥�35.
- From the Latin tabula r膩sa, meaning “scraped tablet, clean slate.”
- Wax tablets or tabulae were often used in Roman times for writing temporary notes, calculations, or messages.
EXAMPLES OF TABULA RASA
- The untouched notebook was a tabula rasa for the writer鈥檚 creative vision.
- The remote valley, hidden for centuries, offered a tabula rasa for ecological studies.
novation
[ noh-vey-shuhn ]
Show IPA
noun
the introduction of something new; innovation
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose novation
More about novation
- First recorded around 1525.
- From the Latin 苍辞惫腻迟颈艒, meaning “a renewing;” related to the words new and 苍辞惫别濒虏.
EXAMPLES OF NOVATION
- The city鈥檚 novation in urban planning has made it a model for other metropolitan areas.
- His artistic novation introduced a new aesthetic that quickly gained popularity.
Word of the Day Calendar