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Why Dictionary.com chose cognate
More about cognate
- First recorded in 1635–45.
- Combines the prefix co-⁷ + the Latin root (g)nāscī, meaning “to be born” and related to the word nascent.
EXAMPLES OF COGNATE
- Music and math are cognate, both rooted in patterns and structure.
- The novel’s themes are cognate to those in the author’s earlier works, exploring identity and belonging.
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Why Dictionary.com chose torpor
More about torpor
- First recorded in 1600–10.
- From the Latin torpēre, meaning “to be stiff or numb.”
EXAMPLES OF TORPOR
- The bear emerged from its winter torpor hungry and ready to forage for food.
- The snowy weather cast a spell of quiet torpor over the entire village.
animadvert
verb
to comment unfavorably or critically
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Why Dictionary.com chose animadvert
More about animadvert
- First recorded in 1630–40.
- From the Latin animadvertere, meaning “to heed, censure;” combines animum, meaning “mind,” + advertere, meaning “to notice or advert¹.”
EXAMPLES OF ANIMADVERT
- The famous director was not afraid to animadvert on the lack of originality in modern filmmaking.
- The union leaders publicly animadverted on the company’s decision to cut wages, arguing it was retaliation.
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