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Why Dictionary.com chose adumbrate
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- First recorded in 1575鈥�85.
- Comes from the past participle of the Latin verb 补诲耻尘产谤腻谤别, 鈥渢o shade.鈥�
- 础诲耻尘产谤腻谤别听has the stem umbr(a), 鈥渟hade, shadow,鈥� also found in the Astronomy terms umbra, “the complete or perfect shadow of a planet,” and penumbra, “the partial or imperfect shadow outside the complete shadow of a planet.”
EXAMPLES OF ADUMBRATE
- The subtle hints in her letter adumbrated her true intentions.
- The cryptic message seemed to adumbrate a dark future for the kingdom.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
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denouement
[ dey-noo-mahn ]
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noun
the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel.
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Why Dictionary.com chose denouement
More about denouement
- First recorded in 1745鈥�55.
- From French, literally means, 鈥渁n untying.鈥�
- Noer from Old French means 鈥渢o knot鈥� and comes from a Latin derivative of 苍艒诲耻蝉, 鈥渒not.鈥�
EXAMPLES OF DENOUEMENT
- As the play reached its denouement, the audience held their breath in anticipation.
- In a surprising denouement, the protagonist turned out to be the long-lost heir to the fortune.
esculent
[ es-kyuh-luhnt ]
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adjective
suitable for use as food; edible.
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Why Dictionary.com chose esculent
More about esculent
- First recorded in 1615鈥�25.
- Comes from Latin 脓蝉肠耻濒别苍迟耻蝉, 鈥渆dible, full of food.鈥�
- Esculentus shares a root with escarole, “a broad leaf used in salads.”
EXAMPLES OF ESCULENT
- Explorers in the jungle had to rely on their survival skills to find esculent plants for sustenance.
- The food critic praised the restaurant for its innovative dishes featuring esculent flowers and herbs.
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