Word of the Day October 30, 2015 treat (noun, verb) LISTEN A treat is anything that gives pleasure, usually paid for by someone else as a way of showing affection. As a verb, when you treat someone to something, you are buying them food or taking them out to have fun. Treat also means to deal with something or someone in a specific way. Example sentences A whole weekend by the lake for my birthday? What a treat! Antonia's parents treated her to a fancy meal in town for her graduation. Lucy […]
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October 2015
Word of the Day October 29, 2015 meanwhile (adverb, noun) LISTEN Meanwhile as an adverb has two meanings: “during the time something else happens” and “at the same time.” As a noun, meanwhile means “the time something else happens.” Example sentences Susan went shopping on Saturday; meanwhile, her husband got a tattoo! We’re moving to California next month, so meanwhile we’ll be busy packing. The teacher will be gone for twenty minutes. In the meanwhile, please work on your essays. Multi-words forms "Meanwhile, back at the ranch" is a well-known […]
Word of the Day October 28, 2015 mismatch (noun, verb) LISTEN Mismatch is a verb and a noun. The verb sense means "to be unsuitable" or "to be a bad match." The noun means "a bad combination" or "an unsuitable match." The term is often used to describe relationships between people and in many cases is modified by words like "completely," "complete," "total," and "totally." Example sentences The man and woman had a lot of similar interests, but they were mismatched as a couple because of their difficult personalities. The tournament organizers had […]
Word of the Day October 27, 2015 wholeheartedly (adverb) /hōl’här’təd’li/ Wholeheartedly means to do something with sincerity and enthusiasm. It expresses earnestness, or serious intention to do something. It can also mean to do something completely. Example sentences The city residents wholeheartedly embraced the idea of opening a homeless shelter downtown. Jane wholeheartedly supports her husband’s career as an artist. Greg wholeheartedly agrees with the proposal to open a new shop. Other forms The adjective form of this word is "wholehearted." Example: […]
Word of the Day October 26, 2015 propose (verb) LISTEN Propose means to suggest or to offer an idea or plan, usually when you need approval from someone else. It may also be used when nominating someone for a position or role. When used without an object, propose means to offer marriage. Example sentences When John proposed a trip to Las Vegas, at first I thought he was joking. We’ve been studying for five hours. I propose we take a break and go for a walk to clear our heads. Our teacher […]
Word of the Day by WordReference.com Word of the Day October 23, 2015 toast (noun, verb) LISTEN Toast has several different meanings. It may refer to a piece of bread, slightly browned and crisp, that is usually eaten for breakfast, or the action of cooking bread or other food to brown it. It may also refer to a proposal to drink (or the action of drinking) in honor of somebody or something, like at a wedding reception or a dinner party. Example sentences Would you like a slice of toast with your […]
Word of the Day by WordReference.com Word of the Day October 22, 2015 neat (adjective) LISTEN Neat is an adjective that has several meanings. These include tidy and organized, and elegant in appearance. In the US it can also mean wonderful, great, or cool. In reference to alcoholic drinks, it means without ice or water. Additionally, in US English, it is used as an interjection to express when you like something. Example sentences The Jacksons’ house is always very neat even though they don't hire a cleaning service. The model had a […]
Word of the Day by WordReference.com Word of the Day October 21, 2015 banter (noun, verb) LISTEN Banter is a noun and a verb. The noun refers to playful teasing or joking between people, and the verb means to playfully joke with someone. Example sentences The couple's banter made it clear that they shared a sense of humor. The receptionist bantered with the customers, making them laugh. Words often used with banter Banter often follows the adjective "witty," which means "clever." For example: "Martin is known for his witty banter with his […]
Word of the Day by WordReference.com Word of the Day October 20, 2015 somehow (adverb) LISTEN Somehow means “in a way not yet known.” Example sentences Somehow we'll go to New York this summer. Although things seem difficult now, somehow we’ll be all right. I know it's raining and there are a lot of rocks, but somehow we’ll hike the entire trail. Multi-word forms "Somehow or other" is a way to say somehow when you really want to emphasize that you don't know how something will happen. For example: […]
Word of the Day by WordReference.com Word of the Day October 19, 2015 cheapskate (noun, adjective) LISTEN Cheapskate can be used for both people and actions. In reference to a person, it means someone who doesn’t like spending money, who is very stingy, and who wants to save as much money as possible. When used as an adjective to describe actions, cheapskate refers to great unwillingness to spend money. It has a negative connotation. Example sentences Stop being a cheapskate! You can afford to buy a new pair of shoes every couple […]