English Language

Ecumenical (adj) eek-yu-men-i-kal Representing a number of different Christian Churches. Late 16th century (in the…

Temperance (noun) temp-er-uns Abstinence from alcoholic drink. Middle English from Anglo-Norman French temperaunce, from Latin…

Juxtaposition (noun) juk-sta-pos-ishun The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with…

Sully (verb) sul-ee Damage the purity or integrity of. Late 16th century perhaps from French…

Vicarious (adj) vik-air-ee-us Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.…

Quotidian (adj) kwot-id-ee-an Occurring every day. Middle English via Old French from Latin quotidianus, earlier…

Bacchanalia (noun) bak-an-ay-lee-a 1. (historic) The Roman festival of Bacchus. 2. Drunken celebrations Late 16th…

Nitwit (noun) (informal) nit-wit A silly or foolish person Early 20th century apparently from nit+…

Tinkle (noun) tin-kl A light, clear ringing sound. (Br/Eng Informal) Urinate Late Middle English (also…

Malarkey (noun) mal-ark-ee Meaningless talk; nonsense. 1920s of unknown origin. (more…)