WotD

Adagial (adj) ad-ayj-ee-al In the nature of an adage; proverbial. Mid 17th century; earliest use…

Patricide (noun) pat-ris-aid The killing of one's father. Early 17th century: from late Latin patricidium,…

Redolent (adj) red-oh-lunt Strongly reminiscent or suggestive of. Late Middle English (in the sense ‘fragrant’):…

Garrulity (noun) gar-oo-li-tee Excessive talkativeness, especially on trivial matters. (more…)

Propitiate (verb) prop-ish-ee-ayt Win or regain the favour of (a god, spirit, or person) by…

Stymie (verb) stim-ee Prevent or hinder the progress of. Mid 19th century (originally a golfing…

Suppurate (verb) sup-ur-ayt Undergo the formation of pus; fester. Late Middle English (in the sense…

Obfuscate (verb) ob-fus-kayt Make obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. Late Middle English: from late Latin obfuscat-…

Ascetic (adj) as-et-ik Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically…

Cornice (noun) kaw-nis An ornamental moulding round the wall of a room just below the…