English Words

Zetetic (adj) zet-et-ik proceeding by inquiry or investigation. First recorded in 1650–60 and comes via…

Kinkeeping (noun) kin-keep-ing The labour involved in maintaining and enhancing family ties, including organizing social…

Quango (noun) kwan-go (especially in the United Kingdom) a semipublic advisory and administrative body supported…

Subterfuge (noun) sub-ter-fewj An artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence,…

Fard (verb) fah-rd To apply cosmetics to (the face). First recorded around 1400–50 and comes…

Apiarist (noun) ay-pee-a-rist A beekeeper. One who keeps an apiary. First recorded in 1810–20; apiar(y)…

Juggernaut (noun) jug-er-nawt Any large, overpowering force or object, such as war, a giant battleship,…

Rangy (adj) reyn-jee Slender and long-limbed. First recorded in 1865–70 and comes from the noun…

Dragée (noun) dra-jhey a sugarcoated nut or candy. First recorded in 1850–55 and comes from…

Chagrin (noun) sha-grin A feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation. First recorded in…