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withershins

[ with-er-shinz ] [ ˈwɪð ərˌʃɪnz ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

in a direction contrary to the natural one; counterclockwise

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Why Dictionary.com chose withershins

More about withershins

  • First recorded in 1505–15; primarily Scottish.
  • From the Middle Low German widdershinnes; combined from Old High German widar, meaning “opposite,” + sinnes, meaning “of the course or way.”

EXAMPLES OF WITHERSHINS

  • The ferris wheel began to turn withershins, surprising the riders.
  • Superstition held that circling the grave withershins could summon spirits.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

doctrinaire

[ dok-truh-nair ] [ ˈdɒk trəˈnɛər ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

dogmatic about others' acceptance of one's ideas

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Why Dictionary.com chose doctrinaire

More about doctrinaire

  • First recorded in 1810–20 as a noun to refer to a member of a specific French political party.
  • Combines doctrine + the suffix -aire, meaning “someone characterized by or occupied with.”

EXAMPLES OF DOCTRINAIRE

  • The doctrinaire editor prioritized rigid requirements over the writer’s creativity.
  • The doctrinaire tone of the lecture discouraged open discussion from the students.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

evergreen

[ ev-er-green ] [ ˈɛv ərˌgrin ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

retaining its relevance, popularity

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Why Dictionary.com chose evergreen

More about evergreen

  • First recorded in 1545–55 to describe the foliage of plants.
  • °ä´Ç³¾²ú¾±²Ô±ð²õÌýeverÌý+Ìý²µ°ù±ð±ð²Ô¹.
  • Replaced the Old English ²õ¾±²Ô²µ°ùŧ²Ô±ð, meaning “eternal green.”

EXAMPLES OF EVERGREEN

  • The band’s evergreen songs continue to resonate with fans across generations.
  • Her evergreen tips on finance have made her the go-to expert on major news stations.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar