Category Archives: Word of the Day

Building Vocabulary | Word of the Day Cantankerous Correct pronunciation: kan-ˈtaŋ-k(ə-)rəs  Definition: 1. difficult or irritating to deal with 2. always finding things to argue or complain about 3. bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.  Cantankerous is a popular way to describe someone difficult or irritating to deal with. – Merriam-Webster Dictionary   Part of Speech (POS):Continue reading “Cantankerous”

Invidious Correct pronunciation: in-ˈvi-dē-əs Definition: 1. (of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others 2. tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy 3. likely to cause unhappiness or be unpleasant, especially because it is unfair  Something can be described as invidious when it is resentful, discriminatory, or enviousContinue reading “Invidious”

Conciliatory Correct pronunciation: kun-SILL-yuh-tor-ee Definition: intended or likely to placate or pacify tending to conciliate or reconcile making or willing to make concessions If you’re in a fight with a friend and you want to end it, you should make a conciliatory gesture, such as inviting her to a party you’re having. Conciliatory describes things that make other people lessContinue reading “Conciliatory”

Duplicitous Correct pronunciation: \ ˈ du·​plic·​i·​tous , du̇-ˈpli-sə-təs \ Definition: 1. deceptive in words or action 2. contradictory actions and feelings 3. intentionally misleading someone Do you know that guy in the drama club who tells everyone he hates organized sports one day and then joins the football team the next? He is being duplicitous or pretendingContinue reading “Duplicitous”

Recalcitrant   Correct pronunciation: \ ‘[ruh] + [kal] + [si] + [truhnt], ri-ˈkal-sə-trənt\  Definition:  1. stubbornly resistant to authority or control;  2. marked by stubborn resistance to authority;  3. difficult to manage or operate If someone is so pig-headed that he will not budge on an issue, call him recalcitrant  – Vocabulary.com  Part of Speech (POS):  adjective  Why is it important to know aContinue reading “Recalcitrant”

Amorous Correct pronunciation: \ ˈa-mə-rəs , ˈam-rəs \ Definition: 1. strongly moved by love and especially sexual love 2. being in love 3. of or relating to love The first commercial valentines were produced in the U.S. in 1834 by one Robert H. Elton, and the custom of sending greeting cards with amorous messages hasContinue reading “Amorous”

Serendipity Correct pronunciation: \ ˌser-ən-ˈdi-pə-tē \ Definition: 1. a happy coincidence 2. an accidental and positive discovery 3. unexpected luck Serendipity is “good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries.” – Vocabulary Dictionary  Part of Speech (POS): noun Why is it important to know a word’s part of speech? Understanding the different parts of speechContinue reading “Serendipity”

Circumvent Correct pronunciation: /ˌsərkəmˈvent/ Definition: 1. To find a way around an obstacle 2. To overcome a problem or difficulty, typically in a clever and surreptitious way 3. To deceive; to outwit This verb means to avoid — if you circumvent an undesirable task, you are witty enough to make someone else do the work. Continue reading “Circumvent”

Audacious Correct pronunciation: ȯ-ˈdā-shəs  Definition: 1. showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks 2. not restrained by a sense of shame or propriety; rudely bold; brazen 3. Showing willingness to take bold risks; recklessly daring 4. contemptuous of law, religion, or decorum: INSOLENT 5. recklessly bold in defiance of convention, propriety, law, or the like; insolent; brazen This adjective is very bold — if you are audacious, you are daringContinue reading “Audacious”

Sedulous Correct pronunciation:ˈse-jə-ləs Definition: 1. showing effort and determination 2. (of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence 3. involving or accomplished with careful perseverance A sedulous person is someone who works hard and doesn’t give up easily. – Vocabulary Dictionary Part of Speech (POS): adjective Why is it important to know a word’sContinue reading “Sedulous”