Word of the Day: September 14, 2026 Empirical adjectiveim-PEER-uh-kul What It Means When we describe something, such as data, as empirical, we mean that it originated in, or was based on, observation or experience. Empirical can also be used to describe something that can be verified or disproved by observation or experiment, as in “empirical laws.” // The … Continue reading Word of the Day: Empirical
Word of the Day: Crucible
Word of the Day : November 17, 2025 Crucible noun KROO-suh-bul What It Means A crucible, in the word’s literal use, is a pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted. But crucible is more often encountered in figurative use referring to a difficult test or challenge, or to a … Continue reading Word of the Day: Crucible
Word of the Day : Ostensible
Word of the Day : April 24, 2025 Ostensible adjective ah-STEN-suh-bul What It Means Ostensible is used to describe something that seems or is said to be true or real, but is possibly not true or real. In other words, it is plausible rather than demonstrably true or real. // The ostensible purpose of a filibuster is to extend debate, but in reality … Continue reading Word of the Day : Ostensible
Word of the Day : Sublimate
Word of the Day : December 11, 2024 Sublimate What It Means To sublimate something—such as an impulse, desire, or feeling—is to express it in a changed form that is socially acceptable. Sublimate can also mean "to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state." // Nora later came to understand that she had used painting … Continue reading Word of the Day : Sublimate
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