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tomfoolery

[ tom-foo-luh-ree ] [ ˌtɒmˈfu lə ri ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun,

foolish or silly behavior

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Why Dictionary.com chose tomfoolery

More about tomfoolery

  • First recorded in 1805–15; see tomfool + -ery.

EXAMPLES OF TOMFOOLERY

  • Their constant tomfoolery at the party made everyone laugh, though some found it slightly annoying.
  • The office meeting was interrupted by a round of tomfoolery that lightened the mood.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

nephogram

[ nef-uh-gram ] [ ˈnɛf ə ˌɡræm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a picture of a cloud or clouds

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Why Dictionary.com chose nephogram

More about nephogram

  • Apparently first used in the early 1900s in academic and meteorological circles.
  • Formed from the Greek nepho-, “cloud” + -gram², “drawing.”

EXAMPLES OF NEPHOGRAM

  • The meteorologist studied the nephogram to determine the cloud cover over the region.
  • To better understand cloud dynamics, the team analyzed a series of nephograms taken throughout the day.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

disingenuous

[ dis-in-jen-yoo-uhs ] [ ˌdɪs ɪnˈdʒɛn yu əs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity

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Why Dictionary.com chose disingenuous

More about disingenuous

  • First recorded in 1645–55; see dis-1 + ingenuous.
  • Note the spelling between ingenuous and ingenious, a commonly confused pair sharing the same Latin root meaning “inborn quality; innate ability.”

EXAMPLES OF DISINGENUOUS

  • It was disingenuous of the gym teacher to claim that the exercises were easy, knowing they were challenging for most of the students.
  • My disingenuous smile didn’t fool anyone; everyone knew I was still upset about the situation.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar