Word of the Day
shilly-shally
[ shil-ee-shal-ee ]
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verb
to show indecision or hesitation; be irresolute
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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!
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
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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.
pyrophoric
[ pahy-ruh-fawr-ik ]
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adjective
capable of igniting spontaneously in air
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Why Dictionary.com chose pyrophoric
More about pyrophoric
- First recorded in 1780鈥�90.
- From the Greek 辫测谤辞辫丑贸谤辞蝉, meaning “fire-bearing;” combines 辫测谤辞-虏, meaning “fire,” + -phore, meaning “bearer of,” + -颈肠虏.
EXAMPLES OF PYROPHORIC
- The scientist handled the pyrophoric material with extreme caution to avoid accidental ignition.
- The chemical only showed pyrophoric properties above a certain temperature.
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