Category Archives: Word of the Week

Echo is a noun and is defined as a repetition or imitation of another.  Echo is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word echo derives from the story of the nymph Echo written by the Roman poet Ovid in his epicContinue reading “Word of the Week: Echo”

Narcissism is a noun and is defined as a love of or sexual desire of one’s own body. Narcissism is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word narcissism derives from the story of the handsome warrior Narcissus written by the RomanContinue reading “Word of the Week: Narcissism”

Arachnid is a noun and defined as a class of arthropods comprised of terrestrial invertebrates, including spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks, and has a segmented body divided into two regions of which the anterior bears four pairs of legs but no antennae. Arachnid is one of the many words in the English language that hasContinue reading “Word of the Week: Arachnid”

Zephyr is a noun and is defined as a slight wind. The English word zephyr was first used in the 1500s, and evolved from the word for the Greek god of the west wind, Zephyrus, which was the gentlest of the winds and the messenger of spring. Zephyrus had three brothers Boreas (personified north wind),Continue reading “Word of the Week: Zephyr”

Yearn is a verb but can also be used as a noun, yearning. Defined as to have an earnest or strong desire, the word yearn derives from the Old English word giernan (to be eager).  Synonyms Long, Pine  Sentence Jehee yearns to be back at work after the COVID-19 pandemic required her to work at home forContinue reading “Word of the Week: Yearn”

Xanthic is an adjective and is defined as of or relating to a yellow or yellowish color. It can be used to describe the yellow color of a beautiful Daffodil or the yellowish stains on an old T-shirt. Xanthic derives from the French word xanthique (yellowish color), while the word xanthique can be traced backContinue reading “Word of the Week: Xanthic”

Winsome is an adjective, or can be used as an adverb, winsomely and is defined as charming in a childlike or naive way. Today’s modern spelling of winsome was first used in 12th century England; however, before the 12th century the word winsome was spelt wynsum and had the same meaning. The Old English wordContinue reading “Word of the Week: Winsome”

Veracity is a noun and is defined as the unwillingness to tell lies. First used in 1614, the word veracity is borrowed from the Latin word vērācitās and can be broken down into vērāx (truthful) and -itāt (state). Other words that derive from the Latin word verax (true) are verify (to establish the truth of)Continue reading “Word of the Week: Veracity”

Umbrage is a noun and defined as a feeling of anger caused by being offended. The word umbrage is borrowed from the Middle English word ombrage, which is derived from the Latin word umbrāticus (in the shade), from umbra (shadow, shade). The word umbrella has similar roots to umbrage and is also derived from theContinue reading “Word of the Week: Umbrage”

Toady is a noun, but can also be used as a verb, toady. Defined as a person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage, toady is not a compliment.  Toady has a very interesting etymology. Instead of deriving from Latin, Arabic, or Greek, the word toady derives from the 17th century occupation, toadeater.Continue reading “Word of the Week: Toady”