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Word of the day
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Why Dictionary.com chose dulcify
More about dulcify
- First used between 1590–1600.
- Derived from the Late Latin dulcificāre, “to sweeten” with ‑ficāre, “to do” + -ify, a verbal suffix meaning “to make, to cause to do, render.”
EXAMPLES OF DULCIFY
- She added honey to the tea to dulcify it, making it more enjoyable.
- They used syrup to dulcify the bitter medicine for the children.
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Why Dictionary.com chose abrogate
More about abrogate
- First used in English between 1520–30.
- From the Latin abrogātus, “repealed” (See ab-, rogation, -ate1).
- The meaning has expanded from officially repealing a law (doing away with it) to delaying or avoiding to do something, like a chore or another responsibility.
EXAMPLES OF ABROGATE
- By neglecting to attend the meetings, he was seen as trying to abrogate his duties.
- The committee tried to abrogate its responsibility by postponing the decision until after the holidays.
mistral
noun
a cold, dry, wind common in southern France and neighboring regions.
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Why Dictionary.com chose mistral
More about mistral
- First used between 1595–1605.
- Directly from Provençal mistral meaning “dominant wind” and from Latin magistralis ventus meaning “master wind.”
- Both dominant and master emphasize the strong nature of this regional wind.
EXAMPLES OF MISTRAL
- Farmers in southern France prepare for the mistral by securing their crops and equipment.
- Sailors dread the mistral because it can make navigating the Mediterranean Sea extremely challenging.
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