word of the day

Word of the Day

Truncate

Definition: (verb) to shorten by cutting off a portion

Example: To meet the publishing deadline, the newspaper editor simply truncated the lengthy article rather than taking the time to abridge it.

Synonyms: lop, crop

Mellifluous

Definition: (adjective) sweet sounding; flowing smoothly

Example: The mellifluous tones of wind chimes were carried on the breeze.

Synonyms: sonorous


Punctilious

Definition: (adjective) exacting in the observance of niceties and formalities of conduct

Example: Although intended to invoke a sense of propriety, her punctilious manner seemed comical to her houseguests.

Synonyms: foppish, fastidious, meticulous


Cozen

Definition: (verb) to cheat; swindle; deceive; defraud

Example: Unsophisticated people are particularly susceptible to the ruse of the cozening "financial advisor."

Synonyms: dupe, beguile


Obsequious


Definition: (adjective) Showing too great a willingness to serve or obey; fawning

Example: Henry is the most obsequious man I know, praising the accomplishments of his boss all day long.

Synonyms: flattering, groveling, ingratiating


Invidious

Definition: (adjective) likely to create ill will, animosity, or envy

Example: By his invidious remarks about who he thought were the best and worst athletes on the team, the impertinent outfielder threatened the collegial relationship among the team members.

Synonyms: discriminatory


Augment

Definition: (verb) To make greater, as in size, quantity, or strength; enlarge

Example: Carlton augmented the horsepower of his car by adding a turbocharger.

Synonyms: build up, compound, develop


Intransigent

Definition: (adjective) stubborn; unwilling to compromise; inflexible

Example: During the corporation's policy-making conference, the intransigent board member did not ingratiate himself among the other members of the board of directors.

Synonyms: intractable, refractory, contumacious