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polemics

[ puh-lem-iks ] [ pəˈlɛm ɪks ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the art or practice of disputation or controversy

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Why Dictionary.com chose polemics

More about polemics

  • First recorded in 1630–40.
  • From Greek ±è´Ç±ô±ð³¾¾±°ìó²õ, meaning “of war.”

EXAMPLES OF POLEMICS

  • Among urban planners, polemics sometimes drowns out dialogue about shared goals.
  • The panel descended into heated polemics before the moderator could restore order.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

solstitial

[ sol-stish-uhl ] [ sɒlˈstɪʃ əl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

occurring around the time of a solstice

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Why Dictionary.com chose solstitial

More about solstitial

  • First recorded in 1550–60.
  • Combines solstice, from Latin solstitium, meaning “the sun standing still” + the adjective-forming suffix -²¹±ô².

EXAMPLES OF SOLSTITIAL

  • In desert climates, the solstitial heat of the summer can press down like a weight.
  • With solstitial light extending the day, the birds sang well past dinnertime.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

hotch

[ hoch ] [ hɒtʃ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to fidget or shift one's weight from one foot to the other

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Why Dictionary.com chose hotch

More about hotch

  • First recorded between 1350–1400.
  • From French hocher, meaning “to shake;” related to German hotzen, meaning “to tremble or move up and down.”

EXAMPLES OF HOTCH

  • The actors would hotch just offstage, waiting for their cue.
  • After the therapeutic massage, pins and needles made her hotch restlessly at the bus stop.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar