Sardonic (adj)
saa-don-ik
Grimly mocking or cynical.
Mid 17th century from French sardonique, earlier sardonien, via Latin from Greek sardonios ‘of Sardinia’, alteration of sardanios, used by Homer to describe bitter or scornful laughter.
Example sentences
“she responded with a sardonic smile.”
Inchoate (adj) in-ko-ayt Just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary. Confused or incoherent. Mid 16th century from Latin inchoatus, past participle of inchoare, variant of incohare ‘begin’.…
Bricolage (noun) bri-ko-laaj (in art or literature) construction or creation from a diverse range of available things. French (more…)
Palanquin (noun) pa-lan-keen (in India and the East) a covered seat for one passenger, consisting of a large box carried on two horizontal poles by four or six bearers. Late…
Tantivy (noun) (archaic) tan-tiv-ee A rapid gallop or ride. Mid 17th century probably imitative of the sound of galloping. (more…)
Casita (noun) (US En) ka-see-ta A small house or other building, especially a wooden cabin. Early 19th century from Spanish, diminutive of casa ‘house’. (more…)
Predicate (noun) pre-di-kat (grammmar) The part of a sentence or clause containing a verb and stating something about the subject (e.g. went home in John went home). Late Middle English…
Jocular (adj) jok-oo-ler Fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful. Early 17th century from Latin jocularis, from joculus, diminutive of jocus (see joke). (more…)