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Do you want to give your child a head start in school? Try Hooked on Phonics. $20 Instant Savings - Click here! http://quinst.com/clk/mogelepgeichimmalt *************************************************************** The Word of the Day for October 22 is: epithet \EH-puh-thet\ (noun) 1 : a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing *2 : a disparaging or abusive word or phrase Example sentence: Whatever you do, just don't call Becky a "hillbilly" -- she considers the term to be an epithet and it makes her hopping mad. Did you know? Nowadays, "epithet" is usually used negatively, with the meaning "a derogatory word or phrase," but it wasn't always that way. "Epithet" comes to us via Latin from the Greek noun "epitheton" and ultimately derives from "epitithenai," meaning "to put on, add." In its oldest sense, an "epithet" is simply a descriptive word or phrase, especially one joined by fixed association to the name of someone or something (as in "Peter the Great" or the stock Homeric phrases "gray-eyed Athena" and "wine-dark sea"). Alternatively, epithets may be used in place of a name (as in "the Peacemaker" or "the Eternal"). These neutral meanings of "epithet" are still in use, but today the word is more often used in its negative "term of disparagement" sense. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. ---------------- Brought to you by Merriam-Webster, Inc. http://www.Merriam-Webster.com ---------------- *************************************************************** Do you have the skills you need to get a good job? If you want to secure your future, you need training. http://links.quinstreet.com/adclick?area=fensuihagunduo *************************************************************** Visit http://www.Merriam-Webster.com/service/subinst.htm to subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Word of the Day mailing list. To subscribe to the list by e-mail, send a blank e-mail to mw-wod-subscribe-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com. To unsubscribe via e-mail, send a blank e-mail to mw-wod-signoff-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com. If you have questions about your subscription, write to mw-wod-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com. Send other questions or comments about the Word of the Day to word@Merriam-Webster.com. © 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
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