51吃瓜 of the Day
oxymoron
[ ok-si-mohr-on ]
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noun
a figure of speech that produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect.
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Why Dictionary.com chose oxymoron
More about oxymoron
- First recorded in 1650鈥�60.
- Comes from the Late Latin word oxymorum.
- Oxymorum is from the presumed but unrecorded Greek neuter of 辞虫媒尘艒谤辞蝉, meaning 鈥渟harp-dull.鈥�
EXAMPLES OF OXYMORON
- The song’s title, “Bittersweet Symphony,” perfectly captures the essence of an oxymoron by evoking both positive and negative emotions.
- The comedian’s act was filled with witty oxymorons that left the audience laughing and scratching their heads at the same time.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
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sesquipedalian
[ ses-kwi-pi-dey-lee-uhn ]
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adjective
(of a word) containing many syllables.
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Why Dictionary.com chose sesquipedalian
More about sesquipedalian
- First recorded in 1650鈥�60.
- Comes from the Latin word 蝉别蝉辩耻颈辫别诲腻濒颈蝉, meaning 鈥渕easuring a foot and a half.鈥�
- The first part, sesqui-, means “one and a half,” and pedal, means “of the feet,” which also forms聽pedestrian,听pedicure, and聽pedal, as in “a foot-operated lever.”
EXAMPLES OF SESQUIPEDALIAN
- The poet’s use of sesquipedalian words in their verses added an air of sophistication to their work.
- A love of language and her sesquipedalian speech made her a captivating public speaker.
coffee nap
[ kaw-fee nap, kof-ee ]
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noun
a short nap, usually 15鈥�30 minutes, taken immediately after drinking a cup of coffee, the claimed benefit being that the energizing effect of caffeine may be bolstered by a sleeping body鈥檚 drop in adenosine levels.
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Why Dictionary.com chose coffee nap
More about coffee nap
- First recorded in 2010鈥�15.
- Added to Dictionary.com on September 5, 2023.
EXAMPLES OF COFFEE NAP
- As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee engulfed the room, she eagerly anticipated a rejuvenating coffee nap to combat her afternoon slump.
- Feeling drowsy, he gulped down a strong espresso shot, hoping it would kick in before his scheduled coffee nap.
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