Word of the Day
tricksy
[ trik-see ]
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adjective
given to tricks; mischievous; playful; prankish.
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Why Dictionary.com chose tricksy
More about tricksy
- First recorded in 1545鈥�55.
- Derives from the noun trick, which came from the Old North French word trique, 鈥渄eceit.”
EXAMPLES OF TRICKSY
- The mischievous elf played tricksy pranks on anyone who dared to enter the enchanted forest.
- The tricksy cat knocked over the vase while chasing a butterfly.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
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modus operandi
[ moh-duhs op-uh-ran-dee, -dahy ]
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noun
one鈥檚 usual way of doing something.
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Why Dictionary.com chose modus operandi
More about modus operandi
- First recorded in 1645鈥�55.
- Comes from New Latin and means literally, 鈥渕ode of working.鈥�
- Often abbreviated聽MO.
EXAMPLES OF MODUS OPERANDI
- By studying the wildlife biologist’s modus operandi, conservationists hoped to replicate successful conservation efforts.
- Understanding the enemy’s modus operandi is crucial in developing effective counterstrategies.
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Why Dictionary.com chose pilcrow
More about pilcrow
- First recorded around 1400鈥�50.
- An apparent alteration of the late Middle English word pylcraft(e), perhaps from Old French paragrafe, pelagraphe.
- Paragraph has origins in Greek 辫补谤补驳谤补辫丑岣�, meaning “marked passage.”
EXAMPLES OF PILCROW
- The editor asked the writer to insert pilcrows to indicate new paragraphs in the manuscript.
- Students learning about typography are usually introduced to the concept of the pilcrow as a visual marker for paragraphs.
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