January 14, 2021
- servile (audio pronunciation)
- very obedient and trying hard to please more »
A Thing About Words: The Blog
‘Intra-‘ and ‘Inter-‘: Getting Into It
Although they look similar, the prefix intra- means “within,” as in happening within a single thing, while the prefix inter- means “between,” as in happening between two things. For example, intranational refers to things that happen [...] more »
The Editors
Recent Videos
"Is None Singular or Plural?"
Or both? Or neither?
"How to Read a French Menu"
How to amuse-bouche without begging pardon for your French
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Both words imply motion, but the difference may be all in your head
"There, They're, Their"
There, there. We'll sort it out.
"Sneaked vs. Snuck"
How the irregular snuck sneaked into the dictionary
"2015 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes"
Editor Peter Sokolowski talks about our Word of the Year selections.
"Further vs. Farther"
They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.
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Tripping up English Speakers for 700 years.
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When you're not sure which is right, try to remember to use 'try to.'
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"Fun, Funner, Funnest"
Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'
"2014 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes"
The inside scoop behind our 2014 Word of the Year selections.
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December comes from the Latin word for "tenth." So then why is it our twelfth month?
"Webster's Dictionary of 1864"
The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.
"Old-School Grammar"
Many of today's grammar rules can be traced to the opinions of one 18th century writer.
"Schwa"
The most common vowel sound in English causes many spelling problems.
"'It is I' vs. 'It's me'"
Which is right? The answer is complicated. ...
"Cynic"
How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit ...
"That vs. Which"
When to use each (and when not to get annoyed about their use).
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Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.
"Our Dictionary Through Time"
Webster's legendary editions - from 1828 through today.
"The Longest Word in the Dictionary"
It's not what you think, and here's the short, sweet reason why.
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Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.
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One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?
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Why both words are equally good for you.
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The story of those iconic illustrations.
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Where the "and" symbol comes from.
Quizzes
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Our Little List is Not the Whole Megillah, But it Ain't Bubkes