Word of the Day
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose divulgate
More about divulgate
- First recorded between 1375鈥�1425 as a now-archaic adjective meaning “public.”
- From the Latin 诲墨惫耻濒驳腻迟耻蝉; related to the word divulge.
EXAMPLES OF DIVULGATE
- The whistleblower chose to divulgate the evidence despite potential repercussions.
- The first three chapters of the author’s upcoming novel were accidentally divulgated to the public.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
shilly-shally
[ shil-ee-shal-ee ]
Show IPA
verb
to show indecision or hesitation; be irresolute
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose shilly-shally
More about shilly-shally
- First recorded in 1690鈥�1700 as an adverb.
- From the adverb phrase “shill I, shall I,” meaning “undecidedly;” an ablaut form of the repeated question “Shall I? Shall I?”
EXAMPLES OF SHILLY-SHALLY
- The jury appeared to be shilly-shallying on the verdict, delaying the final decision.
- There’s no time to shilly-shally! We need to go now!
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose well-nigh
More about well-nigh
- From Old English wel neah (450鈥�1150).
- Nigh is also the root of near, from nigh + -别谤鈦�, and of next, from nigh + -别蝉迟鹿.
EXAMPLES OF WELL-NIGH
- The snow-covered field was well-nigh painful to look at because the sun’s reflection made it so bright.聽
- The intricate puzzle was well-nigh impossible to complete without clues.
Word of the Day Calendar