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Why Dictionary.com chose pugilistic
More about pugilistic
- First recorded in 1770鈥�80 and originally meant “of or relating to boxing.”
- Combines the Latin root pugil, meaning “a fist-fighter,” + -istic.
EXAMPLES OF PUGILISTIC
- In group projects, the student’s pugilistic attitude made dealing with him feel like an assignment in itself.
- The blackbird became very pugilistic if you approached its nest.
polemics
[ puh-lem-iks ]
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noun
the art or practice of disputation or controversy
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Why Dictionary.com chose polemics
More about polemics
- First recorded in 1630鈥�40.
- From Greek 辫辞濒别尘颈办贸蝉, meaning “of war.”
EXAMPLES OF POLEMICS
- Among urban planners, polemics sometimes drowns out dialogue about shared goals.
- The panel descended into heated polemics before the moderator could restore order.
solstitial
[ sol-stish-uhl ]
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adjective
occurring around the time of a solstice
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Why Dictionary.com chose solstitial
More about solstitial
- First recorded in 1550鈥�60.
- Combines solstice, from Latin solstitium, meaning “the sun standing still” + the adjective-forming suffix -补濒虏.
EXAMPLES OF SOLSTITIAL
- In desert climates, the solstitial heat of the summer can press down like a weight.
- With solstitial light extending the day, the birds sang well past dinnertime.
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