Diacritic (noun)
dai-a-krit-ik
A sign, such as an accent or cedilla, which when written above or below a letter indicates a difference in pronunciation from the same letter when unmarked or differently marked.
Late 17th century from Greek diakritikos, from diakrinein ‘distinguish’, from dia- ‘through’ + krinein ‘to separate’.
Example sentences
“Many Roman characters had diacritics, and for historians the correct placement can be tricky.”
Homiletic (adj) hom-il-et-ik Of the nature of or characteristic of a homily (sermon or lecture). Mid 17th century via late Latin from Greek homilētikos, from homilein ‘converse with, consort’, from…
Calumny (noun) kal-um-nee The making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander./A false and slanderous statement. Late Middle English from Latin calumnia. (more…)
Auspicious (adj) aw-spi-shus Conducive to success; favourable. Late 16th century from auspice (A divine token) + -ous. (more…)
Inaugurate (verb) in-or-gu-rayt Begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period) Admit (someone) formally to office. Late 16th century from Latin inaugurat- ‘interpreted as omens (from the flight of birds)’,…
Proach (verb) (archaic) pr-o-ch To approach, come near. Late Middle English; earliest use found in Henry Lovelich (fl. 1450), poet. Aphetic from approach. (more…)
Scantily (adverb) skan-til-ee In a way that is small or insufficient in quantity or amount. (more…)
Whimsical (adj) wim-sik-al Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. (more…)
Obeisance (noun) o-bees-ans Deferential respect. Late Middle English (in the sense ‘obedience’): from Old French obeissance, from obeissant ‘obeying’, present participle of obeir. (more…)
Wanton (adj) won-tun (of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked. (dated) Sexually unrestrained or having many casual sexual relationships (typically used of a woman). Middle English wantowen ‘rebellious,…