Moravian
Of or pertaining to Moravia, or to the United Brethren. See Moravian, n.
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Humanitarian
Pertaining to humanitarians, or to humanitarianism; as, a humanitarian view of Christ's nature.
Counterturn
The critical moment in a play, when, contrary to expectation, the action is embroiled in new difficulties.
Ceratobranchial
Pertaining to the bone, or cartilage, below the epibranchial in a branchial arch.
Adjuration
The act of adjuring; a solemn charging on oath, or under the penalty of a curse; an earnest appeal.
Default judgment
a judgment entered in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant defaults (fails to appear in court)
This week’s guided exploration
Feelings That Resist Simple Translation
Longing, belonging, anticipation and the emotions between familiar categories.
Discover words that name emotional states English often needs a phrase to explain.
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Connected vocabulary
Building an academic argument
Words for presenting a position, explaining its basis and drawing a reasoned conclusion.
9 connected words → Connected vocabularyDiplomatic disagreement
Professional phrases and verbs for challenging ideas without creating unnecessary conflict.
8 connected words → Connected vocabularyStrategic business vocabulary
Core vocabulary for strategy, planning, governance and transformation.
8 connected words → Connected vocabularyGreek roots in science
Scientific words connected by reusable Greek roots.
7 connected words → Connected vocabularyLegal reasoning
Core vocabulary for claims, evidence, authority and judicial decisions.
8 connected words → Connected vocabularyProfessional alternatives to help
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History inside language
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These short etymology stories are drawn from editorial editions and refreshed each week. Open the full entry to continue from origin to present-day meaning.
Sonder
Coined in the modern project The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.
Apricity
From Latin apricitas, “sunny warmth”.
Government
Through Old French governement from Latin gubernare, “to steer, govern”.
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