{"id":3351,"date":"2026-04-03T08:25:53","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T13:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/?p=3351"},"modified":"2026-04-04T07:31:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T12:31:48","slug":"word-of-the-week-216-deleterious","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/?p=3351","title":{"rendered":"<\/a>WORD OF THE WEEK  #216 \u2013 deleterious<\/strong><\/a><\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cI\u2019ve concluded that my attempts at dieting are not just ineffective\u2014they\u2019re actively deleterious<\/strong> especially when they begin with a salad and somehow end with ice-cream.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deleterious is another great addition to the growing Word of the Week collection.  Yes, you likely know its meaning – but do you ever actually use it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a strong, elegant word that makes you sound intelligent, even thoughtful\u2026without sounding pretentious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deleterious (adjective) is defined as causing harm or damage –  having a negative or injurious effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s a more precise and somewhat elevated way of saying something is harmful\u2014especially when the harm is gradual, subtle, or not immediately obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProlonged stress can have a deleterious impact on the body.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPoor nutrition in early childhood may be deleterious to long-term development.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A useful nuance:
<\/strong>
Unlike blunt words like bad<\/em> or dangerous\u2026.deleterious<\/em> suggests quiet, cumulative harm\u2014<\/strong>the kind that builds slowly but meaningfully over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe recent court ruling recognized that prolonged exposure to social media can have <\/em>deleterious<\/strong> effects on children\u2019s mental health\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That recent ruling may have made for a rather bad day for Mark Zuckerberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a nice word \u2013 use it. It makes a great addition to your growing vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about this great word and to hear it pronounced correctly go to:  https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/deleterious<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quote of the Week\u2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Evelyn Lincoln, Personal Secretary to President John F. Kennedy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For twelve years, Evelyn Lincoln, as JFK\u2019s personal secretary, had unparalleled access to Kennedy. She was entrusted with his secrets, and she kept them until long after her own death. She was, in a word, reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within her personal papers are the working papers for an unpublished third book – \u201cI Was There\u201d which was not made public until 2025. Included in the papers was a recently discovered Addenda \u2013 she was never so candid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrom the catbird seat that I had during my 12 years as John F. Kennedy\u2019s Personal Secretary<\/em> I would have to say that, in my opinion, President Kennedy\u2019s death was a deliberate professional political murder, planned by a group in government who wanted him removed from office.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There you have it.  The personal secretary to JFK for twelve years – just another conspiracy nut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masters Tournament – Fact of the Week<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masters Week is about here – April 9 – my official start of spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Arnie\u2019s Army  \u2013 1958<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The phrase \u201cArnie\u2019s Army\u201d was born at The Masters Tournament in 1958….the first of his four wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That year, Palmer was a rising star\u2014charismatic, aggressive, and exciting to watch. During the tournament, a group of soldiers stationed at nearby Camp Gordon were given free passes to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In uniform, they gravitated to Palmer and began following him in large numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A local reporter noticed this growing crowd and said look \u2013 \u201cArnie has his own army\u201d, <\/strong>and the name stuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palmer wasn\u2019t just winning\u2014he was transforming golf,  playing fearlessly, going for shots others avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He connected with everyday fans, not just country club elites, and made golf feel exciting and accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon, it wasn\u2019t just soldiers\u2014the \u201carmy\u201d became a nationwide following and grew into one of the first true fan movements in modern sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as a further FYI, my friend Chris Deibel reminded me that, like Chris, Arnie served in the Coast Guard – Arnie from 1951 to 1954. It was a pivotal period in his life. After the death of a close friend, he had stepped away from golf, but during his Coast Guard service he rediscovered his passion for the game. Soon after leaving the Coast Guard, he returned to competitive golf\u2014setting the stage for his legendary career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Word of the Week Revisited\u2026.#178 \u2013 parse<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

parse \u2013 a verb meaning to examine something in detail. \u201cI tried to parse my doctor\u2019s instructions, but somewhere between \u201ccut back on sugar\u201d and \u201cmoderation,\u201d I apparently translated it as \u201ceat cake more thoughtfully.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And Finally\u2026\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Language, like spring, has a way of renewing itself\u2014one word at a time. So just keep reading the fabulous Word of the Week and be renewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy Easter and see you next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don \u201cGramps\u201d Cummins
You may send comments (compliments only) or you may join the thousands of happy readers already on our mailing list\u2026.write to our publisher at cmmns@aol.com

216 Great Words\u2026<\/strong>
1 \u2013   exacerbate \u2013 to make worse \u201cYour input just exacerbates an already difficult situation.\u201d<\/em>
2-   assuage \u2013 to make a situation or feeling less intense. \u201cI pray our Heavenly Father may assuage you of the anguish of your grief.\u201d<\/em>
3 \u2013   force majeure\u2019 \u2013  unforeseeable circumstance that prevents someone from fulfilling a contract. \u201cThe tenant will not be required to pay rent due to the force majeure\u2019 clause.<\/em>
4 \u2013   sanguine \u2013 optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. \u201cI\u2019m trying to be sanguine about this, but I see a major roadblock\u201d<\/em>
5 \u2013   segue \u2013 (seg way) proceed to what follows without pause.  \u201cShe has the skill to easily segue from political conversations into subjects less controversial.\u201d<\/em>
6 \u2013   bifurcate \u2013 to cause to divide into two branches or parts. \u201cWe have decided to bifurcate this large project.\u201d<\/em>
7 \u2013   indolent \u2013 habitually lazy \u2013 \u201cHis failure in life may stem from his indolent ways as a youth\u201d.<\/em>
8 \u2013   ameliorate \u2013 to make better or more tolerable \u2013  \u201cthis drug should ameliorate your pain\u201d<\/em>
9 \u2013  truncate \u2013 to shorten by or as if by cutting off \u2013 \u201cA truncated version of this report is on the web.\u201d<\/em>
10 \u2013 nascent \u2013 coming or having recently come into existence  \u201cHis nascent idea for a business turned into a goldmine\u201d<\/em>
11 \u2013 b\u00e9chamel \u2013 a rich white sauce \u2013 \u201cHe made a lump-free b\u00e9chamel for her, and, in return, she gave him her love.\u201d<\/em>
12 \u2013 anarchy \u2013  absence of government \u2013 \u201cThe revolution began when anarchy took root in just one city\u201d.<\/em>
13 \u2013 rhetorical question \u2013 a question not intended to require an answer. \u201cIs this a beautiful day or what?\u201d<\/em>
14 \u2013 milieu \u2013 the physical or social setting in which something occurs or develops.- \u201cHis discipline is a result of growing up as part of the military milieu\u201d
15 \u2013 nadir \u2013 the lowest point \u2013 \u201cThe stock market reached its current nadir in March\u201d<\/em>
16 \u2013 black swan event \u2013 comes as a surprise and has a major effect. \u201cThis pandemic is considered by many to be a black swan event.\u201d<\/em>
17 \u2013 myopic \u2013 narrow in perspective and without concern for broader implications.  \u201cYour myopic view of this project is disturbing\u201d.<\/em>
18 \u2013 quixotic \u2013 foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals \u2013 \u201cHis quixotic pursuit for her affection was quite simply foolish<\/em>
19 \u2013 prescience \u2013 human anticipation of the course of events \u2013 foresight.  \u201cHis intuitive prescience helped to make him a success\u201d<\/em>
20 \u2013 laconic and laconic riposte \u2013 use of a minimum of words, and a short clever response to an insult or challenge. In response to a demand to immediately surrender the general sent back the following: \u201cNuts\u201d<\/em>
21 \u2013 protean \u2013 ability to change, versatile.  \u201cThe coronavirus is protean in its ability to either make you sick or not.\u201d<\/em>
22 \u2013 ephemeral \u2013 lasting a very short time or perhaps only one day. \u201cCuster was chasing an ephemeral Indian city.\u201d<\/em>
23 \u2013 catch-22 \u2013 a dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.  From the novel \u201cCatch-22\u201d.
24 \u2013 arrogate \u2013 to take or claim something without justification. \u201cIn order to accomplish his dream he arrogated to himself controversial powers\u201d.<\/em>
25 \u2013 obtuse \u2013 difficult to understand, lacking intellect.  \u201cThe responses to his remarks this week were even more obtuse.\u201d <\/em>
26 \u2013 purloin \u2013 to appropriate wrongfully (steal), often pertaining to a theft that is a breach of trust.  \u201cWhen she opened her new office she purloined one of my listings\u201d.<\/em>
27 \u2013 salience \u2013 the quality of being particularly noticeable or important.  \u201cIt is not clear that raising the electoral salience of the Supreme Court will work to the president\u2019s advantage.<\/em>
28 \u2013 confabulate \u2013 to talk normally or to hold a discussion.  \u201cHe likes to confabulate.\u201d<\/em>
29 \u2013 animus \u2013 a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will. \u201cI have no animus or agenda for the Affordable Care Act.\u201d<\/em>
30 \u2013 puerile \u2013 to act or communicate in a juvenile, silly or childish manner. \u201cHis puerile ways are giving a poor impression at his job interviews\u201d.<\/em>
31 \u2013 regnant \u2013 having the greatest influence \u2013 \u201cThe regnant belief\u201d.<\/em>
32 \u2013 roil \u2013 to be agitated or chaotic \u2013 \u201cthe politics of slavery was roiling the United States\u201d.<\/em>
33 \u2013 sonder \u2013 The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
34 \u2013 inculcate \u2013 To instill or teach someone an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction. \u201cThey will try to inculcate you with a respect for culture.\u201d<\/em>
35 \u2013 mendacity \u2013 untruthfulness, lying. \u201cHe blew the whistle on the mendacity of the politician.\u201d<\/em>
36 \u2013 pejorative \u2013 Expressing contempt or disapproval.  Having negative connotations.   \u201cPermissiveness is often used a pejorative term\u201d.<\/em>
37 \u2013 dystopian \u2013 A world or society in which people lead wretched, dehumanized fearful lives, often associated with a totalitarian government or an environmentally degraded world. \u201cThe dystopian future of a society bereft of reason\u201d.
38 \u2013 Occam\u2019s razor \u2013 The simplest answer may be the preferred answer.
39 \u2013 execrate or execrable \u2013 very bad \u2013 \u201cThe execrable hotel food.\u201d<\/em>
40 \u2013 immutable \u2013 unchangeable \u2013 \u201cDo not make the mistake of assuming that public opinion is immutable. \u201d <\/em>
41 \u2013 prurient \u2013 having or encouraging an excessive or unwholesome interest in matters of sex. \u201cShe\u2019d been the subject of much prurient curiosity\u201d.<\/em>
42 \u2013 obsequious \u2013 exhibiting fawning attentiveness. Exaggerated deference of manner.  \u201cWaiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities.\u201d<\/em>
43 \u2013 iconoclast \u2013  a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions \u201cHe was a prolific writer with a reputation for iconoclastic insight and irreverent prose.\u201d<\/em>
44 \u2013 oblique \u2013 something not parallel nor at a right angle to a specified or implied line \u2013 slanting. \u201cWe sat on the settee oblique to the fireplace.<\/em>\u201d Or something done in an indirect way such as \u201cHe issued an oblique attack on the president\u201d.<\/em>
45 \u2013 profligate \u2013 wasteful \u2013 wildly extravagant.  \u201cHe has always been a profligate spender, which is why he is broke.\u201d<\/em>
46 \u2013 raconteur \u2013 a good teller of stories.  \u201cWe always invite her to dinner because she is a fine raconteur\u201d.<\/em>
47 \u2013 taciturn \u2013 a person who is reserved or uncommunicative in speech\u2026saying little.  It usually connotes unsociability. \u201cNothing bothered the taciturn Hogan more that excessive praise.\u201d<\/em>
48 \u2013 fungible \u2013 capable of mutual substitution: interchangeable.  \u201cThe court\u2019s postulate is that male and female jurors must be regarded as fungible.\u201d<\/em>
49 \u2013 filibuster \u2013 The use of tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly. This currently requires a 60 vote Senate majority. \u201cThey stopped the bill from coming to a vote by the use of a filibuster\u201d.<\/em>
50 \u2013 hegemony \u2013 preponderant influence or authority over others: Domination. \u201cThey battled for hegemony in Asia.\u201d<\/em>
51 \u2013 de facto \u2013 being such in effect though not formally recognized or contrary to established law \u201ca de facto state of war\u201d <\/em>for a war that has not been officially declared.
52 \u2013 blockchain \u2013 an open, distributed leger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way.
53 \u2013 b\u00eate noire \u2013 A person or thing one particularly dislikes or is strongly detested. \u201cThe abuse of women was a b\u00eate noire for Lincoln.\u201d<\/em>
54 \u2013 evince -to constitute outward evidence of\u2026.to display clearly: reveal. \u201cHe evinced a depraved mind.\u201d<\/em>
55 \u2013 virago \u2013 a loud overbearing woman.  Domineering, violent, or bad tempered. \u201cDemocrats, on the other hand, saw Jessie as a Republican virago.\u201d<\/em>
56 \u2013 metonym \u2013  a name, or expression used as a substitute for something else with which it is closely associated. \u201cWashington is a metonym for the federal government of the US.\u201d<\/em>
57 \u2013 felicitous is an adjective defined as  well chosen or suited to the circumstances such as \u201ca felicitous phrase\u201d.<\/em>
58 \u2013 ennui \u2013 a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. \u201cHe succumbed to ennui and despair\u201d<\/em>
59 \u2013 imprimatur \u2013 a noun meaning sanction or approval. \u201cHe gave the book his imprimatur.\u201d<\/em>
60 \u2013 fiat \u2013 A command or act of will that creates something without further effort.  An authoritative determination. \u201cHe runs the company by fiat.\u201d<\/em>
61 <\/em>\u2013 salient \u2013 <\/em>meaning most notable or important.  Of notable significance. \u201cIt succinctly covered all the salient points of the case.\u201d<\/em>
62 \u2013<\/em> meme \u2013 an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture.  \u201cThe band encouraged fans to make memes to advertise the U.S. release of their EP.\u201d<\/em>
63 \u2013  <\/em>delectation \u2013 <\/em>delight or enjoyment. \u201cHere are some chocolates for your delectation.\u201d<\/em>
64 \u2013 feckless \u2013 acting in an irresponsible, weak, or cowardly manner. Inept, incompetent. \u201cfeckless leadership.\u201d<\/em>
65 \u2013 ignominious \u2013 deserving or causing public disgrace or shame. despicable, \u201cHis was an ignominious withdrawal.\u201d<\/em>
66 \u2013 mollify \u2013 to soothe in temper or disposition. \u201c<\/em>He mollified his staff with promises of future raises.\u201d
67 \u2013 prosaic \u2013 dull, unimaginative, commonplace. \u201cprosaic advice.\u201d<\/em>
68 \u2013 diaspora \u2013 a noun meaning the dispersion of any people from their original homeland. \u201cA diaspora of thousands of Afghans has arrived in the United States.\u201d<\/em>
69 \u2013 t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate \u2013 a private conversation between two people. \u201cThey had a t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate last night over a quiet dinner.<\/em>\u201c
70 \u2013 fatuous \u2013 silly and pointless. inanely foolish, \u201cA fatuous comment.\u201d<\/em>
71 \u2013 ineffable \u2013 indescribable. \u201cineffable joy\u201d<\/em>
72 \u2013 putative -generally considered or reputed to be.  Assumed to exist or to have existed. \u201cHis putative conversation had a big impact on the events of my life.\u201d<\/em>
73 \u2013 ineluctable \u2013 unable to be resisted or avoided.  inescapable.  \u201cthe ineluctable facts of history.\u201d <\/em>
74 \u2013 redolent \u2013 exuding fragrance, aromatic, scented. \u201cThe air is redolent of seaweed.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 or evocative, suggestive. strongly reminiscent of.  \u201cnames redolent of history and tradition.\u201d<\/em>
75 \u2013 excoriate \u2013 a verb that means to censure or severely criticize.  \u201cThe papers that had been excoriating him were now lauding him.\u201d<\/em>
76 \u2013 straw-man \u2013 an intentionally misrepresented proposition that is set up because it is easier to defeat than an opponent\u2019s real argument. A weak or imaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted.
77 \u2013 \u00e9lan or elan \u2013 a noun defined as vigorous spirit or enthusiasm. style, energy. \u201cBig and muscular, he exuded a natural elan.\u201d<\/em>
78 \u2013 repartee \u2013 a conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies, amusing. light sparring with words.\u201c He had a quick mind and a splendid gift for repartee.\u201d<\/em>
79 \u2013 louche is an adjective meaning disreputable or sordid often in a rakish or appealing way. \u201cThe louche world of the theater.\u201d<\/em>
80 \u2013 transgender \u2013 an adjective meaning of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person had or was identified as having at birth. \u201cA transgender American\u201d<\/em>.
81 \u2013 shambolic \u2013 an adjective meaning obviously chaotic, disorganized, confused or mismanaged.  \u201cThe department\u2019s shambolic accounting department.\u201d<\/em>
82 \u2013 minion \u2013 a noun defined as a follower or underling of a powerful person, especially a servile or unimportant one. A subordinate or petty official.  \u201cHe\u2019s one of the boss\u2019 minions.\u201d<\/em>
83 \u2013 militia \u2013 a noun meaning a military force that is raised from the civilian population to supplement a regular army in an emergency. \u201cCreating a militia was no answer to the army\u2019s manpower problem.\u201d<\/em>
84 \u2013 evince \u2013 a verb meaning revealing the presence of (a quality or feeling)\u201d  To constitute outward evidence of or to display clearly. \u201cHis letters evince the excitement he felt at undertaking this journey.\u201d<\/em>
85 \u2013 egregious \u2013 outstandingly bad, shocking, flagrantly bad, conspicuously bad. Putin\u2019s egregious war on Ukraine.<\/em>
86 \u2013 sycophant \u2013 a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage. A servile self-seeking flatterer. \u201cShe mistook sycophants for true friends.\u201d<\/em>
87 \u2013 desultory is an adjective defined as lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm. \u201cAnother desultory day of shopping.\u201d<\/em>
88 \u2013 misanthrope \u2013 a person that hates or distrusts humankind, human behavior, or human nature.  One who avoids human society. \u201cA streak of misanthropy <\/em>is<\/em><\/strong> in his nature\u201d<\/em>
89 \u2013 euphemism \u2013 a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. \u201cMy mother passed away\u201d
<\/em>90 \u2013 insouciance \u2013  lighthearted unconcern, nonchalance. \u201cShe wanderedinto the meeting with complete insouciance to the fact that she was late.\u201d<\/em>
92 \u2013 erudite \u2013  It is an adjective used to describe someone who has or shows great knowledge or learning. \u201cKen could turn any conversation into an erudite discussion,\u201d<\/em>
93 \u2013 ostensibly \u2013 purported to be true but not necessarily true.  \u201cHis series is ostensibly about a single family tearing itself apart.<\/em>\u201c
94 \u2013 exigency (or often the plural exigencies) means a state of affairs that makes urgent demands or needs. \u201cThey better be quick in responding to the exigencies of a hurricane.\u201d<\/em>
95 \u2013 inexorable or inexorably meaning impossible to stop, unrelenting \u201cThe seemingly inexorable march of new technology<\/em>\u201c.
96 \u2013 torpor is a noun meaning \u201ca state of physical and mental inactivity. Lethargy, apathy, dullness.\u201d \u201cThey veered between apathetic torpor and hysterical fanaticism.\u201d<\/em>
97 \u2013 existential \u2013 of, or relating to, or affirming existence. \u201cAn existential threat to control of Congress.<\/em>
98 \u2013 non-sequitur is a response that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said. \u201cWe were talking about the new restaurant when she threw in some non sequitur about her dog.\u201d<\/em>
99 \u2013 endemic is an adjective meaning a disease or condition regularly found among particular people or in a certain area. \u201cComplacency is endemic in industry today\u201d<\/em>.
100 \u2013 bespoke is an adjective meaning custom-made articles. \u201cHe always wore<\/em> a bespoke suit\u201d.<\/em>
101 \u2013 omnibus \u2013 an omnibus bill is a law that covers a number of diverse or unrelated topics, or a book containing a collection of works by one author or several authors, often related by a common theme.
102- archetype is a typical example of. \u201cHe is the archetype of a successful business man\u201d<\/em>
103 \u2013 alacrity denotes physical quickness coupled with eagerness or enthusiasm. \u201cShe accepted the invitation with alacrity\u201d.<\/em>
104 \u2013 aberration is a noun defined as \u201ca departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.\u201d \u201cThey described the outbreak of violence as an aberration\u201d.<\/em>
105 \u2013 rectitude \u2013 a noun that means moral integrity, the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure. \u201cThe governor\u2019s rectitude allowed him to makedifficult decisions.\u201d<\/em>
106 \u2013 occidental \u2013 an adjective meaning countries of the west. \u201cThere is an Asian challenge to the occidental dominance\u201d<\/em>
107 \u2013 banal \u2013 an adjective meaning dull, boring. \u201cThe presentation was banal and way too long.<\/em>\u201c
108 \u2013 conjointly \u2013 an adverb meaning being together or in collaboration with another person or thing. \u201cThe project was completed conjointly between two teams.\u201d<\/em>
109 \u2013 nexus \u2013 a noun that refers to a connection or link between two or more things. It can also refer to a central point or junction where things come together. The bookstore has become something of a nexus for the downtown neighborhood.\u201d<\/em>
110 \u2013 incurious \u2013 an adjective meaning without curiosity. \u201cThe politician\u2019s incurious nature was troubling.\u201d<\/em>
111 \u2013 invidious \u2013 an adjective defined as an action or situation likely to arouse or incur resentment of anger in others.  \u201cShe put herself in an invidious position.\u201d<\/em>
112 \u2013 meme \u2013 noun, pronounced meem. It is an image or phrase, that is spread virally from one person to another through the internet and social media platforms. YOLO is an example.
113 \u2013 trope \u2013 a noun defined as a commonly used theme or device in literature, art, or other forms of media.
114 \u2013 anodyne \u2013 an adjective that refers to something that is not likely to provoke disagreement or offense. \u201cThey tried to ease the tension by engaging in anodyne conversation, avoiding controversial topics.<\/em>\u201c
115 \u2013 sagacious \u2013 an adjective used to describe someone who possesses keen discernment and sound judgment. \u201cHer sagacious insights into human nature allowed her to give excellent advice to her friends<\/em>.\u201d
116- invective \u2013 used to describe strong, abusive, or severely critical language that expresses blame, anger, or disapproval. \u201cAs the election nears, political ad campaigns are increasingly utilizing invective to vilify their opponents<\/em>.
117 \u2013 malfeasance \u2013 a noun, is a legal term that refers to the commission of an illegal or wrongful act, especially by someone holding public office or a position of trust. \u201cThe politician\u2019s malfeasance finally came to light<\/em>.\u201d
118 \u2013 doyenne is a noun that refers to a woman who is the most experienced, respected, or prominent person in her field. \u201cAs the doyenne of modern architecture, her legacy continues to influence urban design <\/em>\u201c
119 \u2013 Pyrrhic is an adjective most commonly used in the phrase \u201cPyrrhic victory\u201d, which refers to a victory or success that comes at such a great cost that it essentially equals defeat. \u201cHe won the battle but that eventually proved to be a Pyrrhic victory, as he lost the war.\u201d<\/em>
120 \u2013 vignette is a noun defined as a brief incident or scene in a play, movie or conversation. \u201c\u201cThe article on environmental conservation dons a vignette of stunning wildlife photography<\/em>.\u201d
121 \u2013 supine is an adjective meaning either lying on one\u2019s back \u201cThe patient was in a supine position\u201d<\/em>, or a condition of being inactive, passive, or indifferent. \u201cThe worker\u2019s supine attitude was not helpful\u201d.<\/em>
122 \u2013 nominal \u2013 an adjective meaning either a small price to play or a role that exists in name only. The person does not have a legitimate title. \u201cHe is the nominal <\/strong>head of his party.\u201d<\/em>
123 \u2013 adjudicate \u2013 a verb that means to make a formal decision or judgment in a dispute. \u201cThe Supreme Court is set to adjudicate <\/strong>on the election dispute.\u201d<\/em>
124 \u2013 sartorial \u2013 an adjective that relates to tailoring, clothes or style of dress.  \u201csartorial elegance<\/em>\u201c.
125 \u2013 halcyon \u2013 an adjective typically referring to a period of peace, tranquility, and prosperity. \u201cThe <\/strong>halcyon days of youth<\/em>.\u201d
126 \u2013 inchoate \u2013 an adjective that suggests a state of incompleteness, uncertainty, or potentiality. \u201cThe startup presented an inchoate business model that needed further refinement.\u201d<\/em>
127 \u2013 nefarious \u2013 an adjective used to describe someone or something that is extremely wicked, villainous, or evil in nature. \u201cHamas was condemned for its <\/em>nefarious terror attacks on civilians\u201d<\/em>
128 \u2013 euphonious \u2013 an adjective describing sounds that are pleasing, melodious, or pleasant to the ear. \u201cShe has a wonderful euphonious voice that is a pleasure to listen to.\u201d<\/em>
129 \u2013 glean or gleaned is a verb meaning to gather information, knowledge, or insights from various sources. \u201cThe police used old-fashioned detective work to glean his whereabouts.\u201d<\/em>
130 \u2013 fiduciary can be an adjective or noun meaning relating to, or involving a confidence or trust such as \u201ca fiduciary relationship\u201d.<\/em>
131 \u2013 recompense can be a noun or verb \u2013 to make amends to someone for loss or harm suffered.  To compensate. \u201cOffenders should <\/em>recompense their victims.\u201d<\/em>
132 \u2013 inimical is an adjective meaning tending to obstruct or harm. \u201cactions inimical or our interests.\u201d<\/em>
133 \u2013 abdicate is a verb used to describe someone avoiding responsibility by deliberately stepping aside or shirking their duties. \u201cHe abdicated his responsibility allowing him to blame others.\u201d<\/em>
134 \u2013 turpitude is a noun that refers to inherent baseness, vileness or depravity in a person\u2019s character, actions or behavior. \u201cHe was found guilty of moral turpitude.\u201d<\/em>
135 \u2013 tropism is a noun defined as the turning of all or part of an organism in a particular direction in response to an external stimulus.  \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have a tropism toward intellectual content\u2026.\u201d<\/em>
136 \u2013 lexicon is a noun, defined as the vocabulary of a language, an individual speaker or group of speakers, or a subject. The fabulous Word of the Week is developing a lexicon<\/em> <\/strong>of useful words selected to make you appear intelligent (even if you are not), but not pretentious.\u201d  <\/em>
137 \u2013 sanctimonious is an adjective defined as making a show of being morally superior to other people. \u201cWhat happened to all the sanctimonious talk about putting his family first?\u201d<\/em>
138 \u2013 Umbra is an adjective defined as the conical part of the shadow of a celestial body. \u201cDuring a solar eclipse observers located within the umbra experience a complete blocking of the sun by the moon.\u201d<\/em>
139 \u2013 purchase \u2013 a verb with an alternate definition, an advantage (such as a firm hold or position) used in applying one\u2019s power. \u201cHe clutched the steering wheel for more purchase.\u201d<\/em>
140 \u2013 effete is an adjective often us to describe someone who appears weak or lacking in vitality. \u201ca good-humored, effete boy brought up by aunts.\u201d<\/em>
141- cudgel is a noun defined as a short club but is also often used to imply a forceful approach to argument or persuasion. \u201cShe used her quick wit as a cudgel to vanquish her opponents.\u201d<\/em>
142 \u2013 attenuate is a verb. To attenuate something is to diminish its intensity or strength. \u201cThe company implemented measures to attenuate the negative impact of the economic downturn.\u201d<\/em>
143 \u2013 averred is a verb and is the past tense of the verb \u201caver\u201d.  It means to assert or affirm confidently; to declare or state positively. \u201cHe averred that he was innocent.<\/em>\u201c
144 \u2013 pedantic is an adjective (pedant the noun) that refers to a person who is overly concerned with minor details and rules and tends to show off their knowledge in a boastful or condescending manner.\u201d The essays are long, dense, and too pedantic to hold great appeal.\u201d<\/em>
145 \u2013 diktat is a noun and is defined as an order or command that is given with the expectation of strict obedience. \u201cHis campaign immediately trashed the rule as a diktat <\/strong>that will force Americans<\/em>\u2026.\u201d
146 \u2013 conflate is a verb that means to combine or blend different elements into one entity. \u201cThe politician\u2019s speech consistently <\/em>conflated facts and opinions<\/em>.\u201d
147 \u2013 errant is an adjective that is used to describe someone or something that is wandering or straying from the correct or accepted path. \u201cThe teacher blamed the problem on errant students.\u201d<\/em>
148 \u2013 entropy is a noun defined as a process of degradation or a gradual decline into disorder.  \u201cIt isa marketplace where entropy reigns supreme.\u201d<\/em>
149 \u2013 internecine is an adjective that refers to conflict or warfare within a group or organization. \u201cThe party shrank from its responsibility in fear of internecine strife.\u201d<\/em>
150 \u2013 temporal is an adjective that refers to something relating to time as temporary or existing only for a certain period of time as opposed to eternity. \u201cThe temporal limitations of our physical bodies remind us of our mortality.\u201d<\/em>
151 \u2013 munificent is an adjective that refers to the quality or action of being extremely generous, often involving a considerable donation or gift. \u201cThe community center was built thanks to the munificence of a local benefactor<\/em>.\u201d
152 \u2013 circumscribe is a verb defined as to constrict the range of activity definitely and clearly.  \u201cHis role was carefully circumscribed.\u201d<\/em>
153- bereft is an adjective that means deprived or lacking something, especially a non-material asset or quality. \u201cHer room was stark and bereft of color\u201d.<\/em>
154 \u2013 dialectic \u2013 a noun that means a method of examining and discussing opposing ideas in order to find the truth, or an intellectual exchange of ideas. \u201cTo make the dialectic between two families a fair fight, he has some theatrical heavy lifting to do.\u201d<\/em>
155 \u2013 polemic \u2013 a noun that is a strong written or spoken argument that is intended to criticize or refute a specific idea. \u201cHer book is a fierce polemic against the inequalities in our society.\u201d<\/em>
156 \u2013 expiation \u2013 a noun defined as the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing \u2013 atonement. \u201cHis self-imposed suffering was an act of public expiation\u201d<\/em>
157 \u2013 venal \u2013 an adjective that describes someone that is corrupt, willing to do dishonest or unethical things in exchange for some form of reward. \u201cHe was a venal politician.\u201d<\/em>
158 \u2013 devoid \u2013 an adjective that means completely lacking or empty of a particular quality or substance. \u201cLisa kept her voice devoid of emotion\u201d<\/em>
159 \u2013 meritocracy \u2013 a noun defined as a system in which people are chosen and moved into positions based on their demonstrated abilities or quantifiable achievements. \u201cThe country was founded theoretically on principles of meritocracy\u201d<\/em>
160 \u2013 au contraire \u2013 borrowed from the French it is an adverb defined simply as \u201con the contrary\u201d. \u201cThey claimed the film was boring; au contraire, it received rave reviews.<\/em>\u201c
161 \u2013 entreaty is a noun defined as a plea or earnest or humble request. \u201cPlease, I make this earnest entreaty ; stop the killing.\u201d<\/em>
162 \u2013 deign \u2013 a verb that means to do something that one considers to be beneath one\u2019s dignity or status. \u201cHe deigned to come out from behind the counter\u201d.<\/em>
163 \u2013 discursive \u2013 a verb defined as moving from topic to topic without order : <\/strong>Rambling, unfocused. \u201cHe gave a discursive lecture.\u201d<\/em>
164 \u2013 ambient \u2013 either an adjective or a noun and defined as existing or present on all sides, encompassing. The bright ambient light of the room\u201d<\/em>.
165 \u2013 penury \u2013 a noun defined as extreme poverty; destitution. \u201cHe died in a state of virtual penury.\u201d<\/em>
166 \u2013 enervate \u2013 can be either an adjective or a verb and defined as to cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken. \u201cThe election process has enervated us all.\u201d<\/em>
167 \u2013 parse \u2013 a verb defined as to examine in a minute way: to analyze critically; to carefully go through.  \u201cEconomists parsed the census data\u201d.<\/em>
168 \u2013 pogrom \u2013 a noun defined as an organized massacre of helpless people that is localized and spontaneous. \u201c Her mother had escaped from Russia as a toddler fleeing the pogroms\u201d.<\/em>
169- expiate \u2013 a verb meaning  to make amends for\u2026.to atone\u2026. to extinguish guilt. \u201cpermission to expiate their offences by their assiduous labours.<\/em>\u201d\u2014Francis Bacon
170 \u2013 perdition \u2013 a noun defined as eternal damnation.  It can also be used to describe utter destruction. \u201cThe path he is following is a path to perdition.\u201d<\/em>
171 \u2013 oligarchy \u2013 a noun defined as government by a few.  \u201cA military oligarchy was established in the country.\u201d<\/em>
172 \u2013 brain rot \u2013 a noun meaning that consuming too much online content can harm a person\u2019s mental state.  \u201cNon-stop binge-watching left me with a bad case of <\/em> <\/strong>brain rot.\u201d<\/strong><\/em>
173 \u2013 presage \u2013 either a noun or a verb defined as something that foreshadows or portends a future event. \u201cThe sight of the first robin is always a welcome presage of spring.\u201d<\/em>
174 \u2013 vestigial \u2013 an adjective defined as a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable. \u201cHe felt a vestigial flicker of anger from last night.\u201d<\/em>
175 \u2013 abide \u2013 a verb that generally means to accept, tolerate, or endure something. It can also refer to remaining or staying in a particular condition. \u201cThat I cannot abide.\u201d \u201cWe abide in peace\u201d.<\/em>
176 \u2013 extirpate \u2013 a verb meaning to completely remove or eradicate something. \u201cThe use of every legal measure to extirpate this horrible evil from the land\u201d.<\/em>
177- dilatory \u2013 an adjective that describes a tendency to delay or procrastinate. \u201cHe can\u2019t be blamed for the agency\u2019s dilatory response to problems at the plant.<\/em>\u201c
178- parse \u2013 a verb meaning to examine something in detail. \u201cThe Herald is parsing <\/strong>through the nearly two hours of footage and will report the contents<\/em>.\u201d
179- situationship \u2013 a romantic or sexual relationship whose members have not formally defined it or officially committed to it. \u201cSarah and the man she was in a situationship <\/strong>with had stayed at each other\u2019s apartments<\/em>.\u201d
180 \u2013 gaslighting \u2013 a verb meaning psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time. \u201cHer friends finally recognized the gaslighting she had been experiencing in her relationship<\/em>.\u201d
181 \u2013 inscrutable \u2013 an adjective defined as not readily interpreted or undeerstood: mysterious. \u201cShe has an inscrutable smile\u201c<\/em>
182 \u2013 dissonance \u2013 a noun that refers to a lack of harmony or agreement between elements. \u201c\u201cThe vivid colors of the abstract painting created a beautiful dissonance<\/em>.\u201d
183 \u2013 riven \u2013 is an adjective and means to be split or torn apart, often violently or forcefully. \u201cThe nation is riven by discord.\u201d<\/em>
184 \u2013 hubris \u2013 a noun defined as exaggerated pride or self-confidence. \u201cThe ancient Greeks considered hubris to be a dangerous character flaw\u201d.<\/em>
185 \u2013 ineradicable is an adjective that describes something that cannot be eradicated, removed, or eliminated. \u201cHer <\/em>ineradicable belief in justice drove her to fight against corruption tirelessly.\u201d<\/em>
186 \u2013 clarion \u2013an adjective that conveys a sense of urgency or importance. \u201cThe clarion<\/strong> call of the siren echoed through the night, signaling an urgent warning.\u201d<\/em>
187 \u2013 agentic is an adjective that describes someone or something capable of acting autonomously such as agentic AI. \u201cThe development of agentic AI poses significant risks.\u201d<\/em>
188- devolution is a noun that refers to a decline or deterioration in quality, effectiveness or function. \u201cIt was a gradual devolution that led from a thriving community to a drug-ridded slum.<\/em>
189 \u2013 cajones is a Spanish slang term that, in a figurative sense, means \u201cto have balls\u201d. \u201cIt took a lot of cajones to give that order.\u201d<\/em>
190 \u2013 congenital is an adjective that refers to conditions or traits that are present at birth. \u201cHe suffered from congenital heart disease.\u201d<\/em>
191 \u2013 edify is a verb that means to instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually. \u201cArtificial intelligence can edify society<\/em>\u2026.\u201d
192 \u2013 non sequitur is a noun defined as a statement that does not logically follow from the previous statement. \u201cCalling debt \u2018free money\u2019 is a non sequitur.\u201d<\/em>
193 \u2013 anicdotal is an adjective defined as: \u201cbased on personal accounts, observation or stories rather than systematic research, facts or reliable evidence.\u201dThe doctor dismissed the treatment as anecdotal since no clinical studies supported it.\u201d<\/em>
194 \u2013 exact \u2013 a verb and means to demand and enforce payment, obedience or retribution. \u201cThe betrayed general exacted revenge on his rival by overthrowing him.\u201d<\/em>
195 \u2013 fascism \u2013 an authoritarian political ideology and system of government characterized by dictatorial power, suppression of opposition, suppression of democracy. \u201cNazism was a form of fascism.\u201d<\/em>
196 \u2013 antithetical \u2013 an adjective defined as directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible, unequivocal opposition. \u201cFreedom of speech is antithetical to censorship.\u201d<\/em>
197 \u2013 caprice \u2013 a noun defined as a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior, whimsical. \u201cthe caprices of the electorate.\u201d<\/em>
198 \u2013 factotum \u2013 a noun defined as a person who does all kinds of work. \u201cHe was employed as the general factotum\u201d<\/em>
199- epigram \u2013a noun defined as a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought. \u201cEarly to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealth and wise.\u201d<\/em>
200 \u2013 paradox \u2013a noun defined as a statement that appears to contradict itself or common sense yet might still be true. \u201cLess is more\u201d.<\/em>
201 \u2013 the Singularity \u2013 a noun defined as a time when our future will be determined by AI.\u201cThe Singularity is the moment when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence<\/em>.\u201d
202 \u2013  Sentient is an adjective defined as capable of sensing or feeling. \u201cWe are sentient <\/strong>beings.\u201d<\/em>
203 \u2013 organic \u2013 an adjective defined as something that develops on its own through shared behavior and culture rather than by design. \u201cThe idea spread in an organic way, from the ground up through conversation.\u201d<\/em>
204 \u2013 aphorism \u2013 a noun defined as a short, concise statement that expresses a general truth, principle, or observation about life. \u201cActions speak louder than words.\u201d<\/em>
205 \u2013 enigmatic \u2013 an adjective meaning mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to interpret.. \u201cHer smile was enigmatic\u2014warm, but holding a secret she didn\u2019t yet want to share.\u201d<\/em>
206 \u2013 ukase (ukases) is a noun defined as an edict or an arbitrary command. \u201cHe was defying the publisher in the very building from which he had issued his ukase\u201d<\/em>
207 \u2013 coterie -a noun defined as a small, close-knit group of people who share a common interest. \u201cA coterie of advisors surrounded the president, shaping policy behind the scenes.\u201d<\/em>
208 \u2013 diaphanous \u2013 an adjective defined as something that  is very light, delicate, and translucent.\u201cShe wore a diaphanous shawl that fluttered in the breeze.\u201d<\/em>
209 \u2013 recidivist \u2013 a noun defined as a person who relapses into repeated criminal behavior. \u201cDespite multiple opportunities for rehabilitation, he remained a recidivist.\u201d<\/em>
210 \u2013 fabulist \u2013 a noun defined as one who invents stories, embellishes facts, or distorts reality. \u201cHe was exposed as a fabulist after falsely claiming to have served in combat.\u201d<\/em>
211 \u2013 au contraire means \u201con the contrary\u201d and is used to politely \u2013 but firmly<\/strong> \u2013 express that the opposite of what was just said is true. \u201cAu contraire, he loves being the center of attention.\u201d<\/em>
212 \u2013 coda is a noun defined as a concluding section of a piece of music, speech, literary work, or event. \u201cIn the coda of his presidency, he sought reconciliation rather than victory.\u201d<\/em>
213 \u2013 immiseration is a noun and refers to the process of becoming poorer, more deprived, or more miserable. \u201cRising housing costs and stagnant wages have led to the immiseration of many working families\u201d.<\/em>
214 \u2013 confit \u2013 a noun (pronounced konFEE) is a French cooking method in which food is slow-cooked in fat at a low temperature. Confit: where time, fat, and good judgment quietly do all the work.\u201d<\/em>
215 \u2013 sycophant \u2013 a noun defined as a person who flatters, agrees with, or supports someone in power for personal advantage rather than genuine belief. \u201cIt must be right \u2013 he said it<\/em>.\u201d
216 – Deleterious is an adjective defined as causing harm or damage –  especially over time. \u201cProlonged stress can have a deleterious impact on the body.\u201d<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cI\u2019ve concluded that my attempts at dieting are not just ineffective\u2014they\u2019re actively deleterious especially when they begin with a salad and somehow end with ice-cream.\u201d Deleterious is another great addition to the growing Word of the Week collection.  Yes, you likely know its meaning – but do you ever actually use it.  It\u2019s a strong, … Continue reading <\/a>WORD OF THE WEEK  #216 \u2013 deleterious<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3351"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3351"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3369,"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3351\/revisions\/3369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3351"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3351"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordofweek.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}