Daily word archive

Words worth remembering.

A growing archive of vocabulary pages built around real use: pronunciation, example sentences, usage notes, etymology, and memory cues.

verb

Abate

uh-BAYT

To become less intense or widespread.

noun

Sonder

SAHN-der

The realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own.

adjective

Ephemeral

ih-FEM-er-uhl

Lasting for a very short time.

adjective

Liminal

LIM-uh-nuhl

Relating to a threshold or transitional state.

adjective

Lucid

LOO-sid

Clear, easy to understand, or mentally coherent.

adjective

Tacit

TAS-it

Understood without being directly stated.

adjective

Austere

aw-STEER

Severe, plain, or without comfort or decoration.

adjective

Mellifluous

muh-LIF-loo-us

Sweet or smooth in sound.

noun

Alacrity

uh-LAK-ruh-tee

Cheerful readiness or eager willingness.

noun

Serendipity

seh-ren-DIP-uh-tee

A fortunate discovery made by chance.

noun

Equanimity

ee-kwuh-NIM-uh-tee

Calmness and steadiness, especially under stress.

adjective

Voracious

vuh-RAY-shus

Having an eager or insatiable appetite for something.

adjective

Assiduous

uh-SIJ-oo-us

Showing great care, attention, and persistent effort.

adjective

Ineffable

in-EF-uh-buhl

Too great, intense, or beautiful to be expressed in words.

adjective

Verdant

VUR-dunt

Green with healthy plant life.

adjective

Cogent

KOH-junt

Clear, logical, and convincing.

adjective

Resplendent

rih-SPLEN-dunt

Attractively bright, radiant, or impressive.

adjective

Circumspect

SUR-kum-spekt

Careful to consider possible risks before acting.