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Word of the day

tempestuous

[ tem-pes-choo-uhs ] [ tɛmˈpɛs tʃu əs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

tumultuous or turbulent

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Why Dictionary.com chose tempestuous

More about tempestuous

  • First recorded in 1500–10.
  • From the Latin tempestuosus, meaning “stormy;” combines the Latin root tempestas, meaning “period of time; weather,” + -ous.

EXAMPLES OF TEMPESTUOUS

  • The novel’s plot revolves around the tempestuous relationship between an artist and his muse.
  • The university experienced a tempestuous season of faculty protests and disputes.
20240103
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SYNONYM OF THE DAY
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Word of the day

nitid

[ nit-id ] [ ˈnɪt ɪd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

bright or lustrous

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Why Dictionary.com chose nitid

More about nitid

  • First recorded in 1610–20.
  • Combines the Latin verb Ծŧ, meaning “to shine, glisten,” + the suffix -⁶.

EXAMPLES OF NITID

  • The nitid wings of the dragonfly shimmered as it hovered over the pond.
  • The car’s freshly waxed hood looked nitid under the streetlights.
20240103
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Word of the day

kyogen

[ kee-oh-gen ] [ kiˈoʊ gɛn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a type of short comic Japanese play, often performed between classic dramas

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Why Dictionary.com chose kyogen

More about kyogen

  • First recorded in 1870–80; sometimes written as ō.
  • From the Japanese ō; combines ō, meaning “crazed, mad;” + gen, meaning “speech, talking.”

EXAMPLES OF KYOGEN

  • Between the tragic scenes, the troupe performed a kyogen to offer some comic relief.
  • The humorous dialogue and puns in the kyogen entertained the audience.
20240103
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