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Word of the day
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Why Dictionary.com chose amaranthine
More about amaranthine
- First recorded in 1660鈥�70, referring to a specific flower.
- Combines amaranth, from Greek 补尘谩谤补苍迟辞蝉, meaning “unfading” and the name of flower, + -颈苍别鹿.
EXAMPLES OF AMARANTHINE
- Decades later, the artist’s work still held an amaranthine allure.
- The castle’s stained glass glowed with amaranthine color, having lasted through centuries of sun and storm.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
usurp
[ yoo-surp ]
Show IPA
verb
to seize and hold (a position or power) by force
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Why Dictionary.com chose usurp
More about usurp
- First recorded between 1275鈥�1325.
- From the Latin verb 奴蝉奴谤辫腻谤别, meaning “to take possession in order to use.”
- Combines two Latin elements: 奴迟墨, related to the word use, + rapere, meaning “to seize;” related to rapture.
EXAMPLES OF USURP
- The king feared that his closest advisor would usurp his throne.
- The vice president of the HOA tried to usurp the president’s authority by calling a secret meeting.
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Why Dictionary.com chose gloaming
More about gloaming
- From Old English (450鈥�1150) glomung, meaning “twilight.”
- Closely related to the word gloom.
- Primarily used for poetry since the 1700s.
EXAMPLES OF GLOAMING
- The farmer tilled his fields until the gloaming settled over the land.
- The gloaming painted the sky in faint purples and deep blues.
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