WordReference Word of the Day

You might know already that a scarf is a a long strip of fabric or a square one, usually made of wool, silk, or lace,that is worn around the neck, shoulders, or head to protect oneself from the cold or simply as an ornament. Although uncommon, as a verb, it means…

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A rock is, of course, a large mass of stone that forms a hill or a cliff or a piece of stone. Colloquially, a gemstone, especially a diamond, is also called a rock. As a verb, unrelatedly, to rock means ‘to move gently from side to side’ and also ‘to shake violently.’ It is also a synonym for shake, in the sense of being moved by great emotion. As a noun, rock is not only a rocking movement but also…

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A wreck is a structure, building, or object that has been destroyed or badly damaged, a ship that has been sunk, and also a synonym for ‘ruin, destruction.’ It can be used figuratively to talk about…

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A stooge is an entertainer who gives lines to a comedian and is usually the target of his or her jokes or, more generally, any accomplice or assistant. In magic shows, for example, the stooge is the person who acts as if she or he is one of the spectators. Informally, stooge is used to talk about…

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To hatch means ‘to break out from an egg,’ as birds do when they are born, ‘to cause to emerge from an egg,’ as birds do by sitting on their eggs to keep them warm until they hatch, and, when we are talking about the egg, ‘to break open to let the baby birds out.’ Figuratively, it also means ‘to plan or bring something forth.’ Unrelatedly, the noun hatch is an opening in a…

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