Word of the Day

Adverb

ostensibly

1  : in a manner that conceals or may conceal what is true or real

“The story is ostensibly fiction, but some of the events are based on real life.”

2  : to all outward appearances

“Ostensibly, the reason for his visit was to see an old friend.”

Adjective

impetuous

1  : marked by impulsive vehemence or passion

“an impetuous temperament”

2  : marked by force and violence of movement or action

“an impetuous wind”

Adjective

enigmatic

: of, relating to, or resembling an enigma : mysterious

Adjective

perfunctory

1  : characterized by routine or superficiality : mechanical

“a perfunctory smile”

2  : lacking in interest or enthusiasm

Noun

asperity

1  : roughness of manner or of temper : harshness of behavior or speech that expresses bitterness or anger

“He asked with some asperity just what they were implying.”

2  : rigor, severity

“… whether hearing herself described as a 'lovely woman' softened the asperity of her grief …”

3  : roughness of surface : unevenness

Adjective

pusillanimous

: lacking courage and resolution : marked by contemptible timidity

Adjective

inchoate

1  : being only partly in existence or operation : incipient

2  : not yet transformed into actual use or possession

“Until an employee has earned his retirement pay … his retirement pay is but an inchoate right …”

3  : of or relating to a crime (as conspiracy) which consists of acts that are preliminary to another crime and that are in themselves criminal

Noun

taradiddle

1  : fib

2  : pretentious nonsense

Adjective

circumspect

: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent

“diplomacy required a circumspect response”

Adjective

affable

1  : being pleasant and at ease in talking to others

“an affable host”

2  : characterized by ease and friendliness

“an affable manner”