Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

Word of the Day

Word of the day

resplendent

[ ri-splen-duhnt ] [ rɪˈsplɛn dənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

shining brilliantly; gleaming

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose resplendent

More about resplendent

  • First recorded between 1400–50.
  • From the Latin Իŧ, meaning “to shine brightly;” related to the word splendor.

EXAMPLES OF RESPLENDENT

  • The mountain peaks were resplendent with freshly fallen snow.
  • The meadow was resplendent with wildflowers that caught the afternoon sun.
20240103
quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
arrows pointing up and down
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

preponderate

[ pri-pon-duh-reyt ] [ prɪˈpɒn dəˌreɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

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 1615–25.
  • From the Latin DzԻ, meaning “to outweigh.”

EXAMPLES OF PREPONDERATE

  • Arguments for postponement preponderated at the board meeting.
  • Drought-resistant plants preponderate in this desert region.
20240103
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

tabula rasa

[ tab-yuh-luh rah-suh ] [ ˈtæb yə lə ˈrɑ sə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

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 1525–35.
  • From the Latin tabula rāsa, 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’s creative vision.
  • The remote valley, hidden for centuries, offered a tabula rasa for ecological studies.
20240103
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar