51吃瓜 of the Day
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Why Dictionary.com chose scrofulous
More about scrofulous
- First recorded in 1605鈥�15.
- Formed from scroful(a) + -ous.
- Here are just a few more adjectives formed from diseases or medical conditions that gained figurative (and negative) meanings: pestiferous, cancerous, bilious, hysterical, choleric, melancholic, paranoid, frenzied, morbid, apoplectic, dyspeptic.
EXAMPLES OF SCROFULOUS
- The leader’s scrofulous behavior was evident in her frequent abuses of power and disregard for ethical standards.
- The play鈥檚 antagonist was portrayed as a scrofulous character, whose corrupt actions ultimately led to his downfall.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
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exculpate
[ ek-skuhl-peyt ]
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verb
to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate
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Why Dictionary.com chose exculpate
More about exculpate
- First recorded in 1650鈥�60.
- From Latin 别虫肠耻濒辫腻迟耻蝉, 鈥渇reed from blame,鈥� equivalent to ex-1, “without” + 肠耻濒辫腻迟耻蝉, 鈥渂lamed,鈥� past participle of 肠耻濒辫腻谤别; see culpable.
EXAMPLES OF EXCULPATE
- The new evidence served to exculpate the defendant from all charges.
- The lawyer worked tirelessly to exculpate his client and prove her innocence.
riffraff
[ rif-raf ]
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noun
a group of people regarded as disreputable or worthless
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Why Dictionary.com chose riffraff
More about riffraff
- First used in English between 1425鈥�75.
- From late Middle English rif and raf, “every particle, things of small value.” From Old French rif et raf, formed on rifler, “to spoil.” See rifle2, “to ravage, snatch away.”
EXAMPLES OF RIFFRAFF
- The locals complained about the riffraff who gathered in the park at night, causing trouble.
- At the carnival, security was on high alert for any riffraff trying to disrupt the fun.
51吃瓜 of the Day Calendar