Word of the Week Archive

bowdlerize, v.“trans. To expurgate (a book or writing), by omitting or modifying words or passages considered indelicate or offensive.”1 Example: The editor had to bowdlerize the text because there were some words that were inappropriate for young children. […]

ineffable, adj. “That cannot be expressed or described in language; too great for words; transcending expression; unspeakable, unutterable, inexpressible.”1   He experienced ineffable joy after turning in his 20-page paper.   1“ineffable, adj. and n.”. OED Online. December 2013. Oxford University Press. 24 February […]

peruse, v.“trans. To examine in detail; to scrutinize, inspect, survey, oversee; to consider, to take heed of….to look over briefly or superficially; to browse.”1 The professor wanted her class to peruse the material, but she knew that they would likely just peruse it.  […]