Word of the Day
machinations
[ mak-uh-ney-shuhnz ]
Show IPA
noun
crafty schemes; plots; intrigues.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose machinations
More about machinations
- Machinations was first recorded around 1375鈥�1425.
- Machinations comes from the late Middle English word machinacion, from the Latin stem 尘腻肠丑颈苍腻迟颈艒苍-.
- The verb form, machinate, entered English over a century later from the Latin word 尘腻肠丑颈苍腻谤墨, 鈥渢o invent, contrive, devise artfully,鈥� and is related to the more common word machine, “a mechanical apparatus or contrivance.”
EXAMPLES OF MACHINATIONS
- The mastermind behind the political machinations orchestrated a complex web of deceit to manipulate public opinion.
- Through cunning machinations and hidden alliances, the spy infiltrated the enemy ranks and gathered vital intelligence.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
phantasmagoria
[ fan-taz-muh-gohr-ee-uh ]
Show IPA
noun
a shifting series of phantasms, illusions, or deceptive appearances, as in a dream or as created by the imagination.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose phantasmagoria
More about phantasmagoria
- Phantasmagoria was first recorded in 1795鈥�1805.
- Phantasmagoria comes from the French word fantasmagorie, a compound word based on fantasme, “phantasm.”
- Phantasm, the first element, ultimately comes from the Greek word 辫丑谩苍迟补蝉尘补, 鈥渋mage, vision.鈥�
- The second element of phantasmagoria perhaps represents the Greek word 补驳辞谤谩, “assembly, gathering.”
EXAMPLES OF PHANTASMAGORIA
- The magician’s show was filled with a phantasmagoria of tricks and illusions, leaving the audience in awe and disbelief.
- As she entered the abandoned house, a phantasmagoria of eerie shadows and ghostly figures danced before her eyes.
crepuscular
[ kri-puhs-kyuh-ler ]
Show IPA
adjective
of, relating to, or resembling twilight; dim; indistinct.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose crepuscular
More about crepuscular
- Crepuscular was first recorded in 1660鈥�70.
- Crepuscular comes from the noun crepuscule, “twilight; dusk.”
- Crepuscule was first recorded around 1350鈥�1400 from the Latin word crepuscul(um), which is similar to creper, “obscure.”
EXAMPLES OF CREPUSCULAR
- During the crepuscular times of day, the sky takes on a mesmerizing blend of colors.
- The early morning mist added to the crepuscular atmosphere as we hiked through the craggy landscape.
Word of the Day Calendar