Word Every Day

crux • / KRUKS / • noun Crux refers to the most important part of something (such as a problem, issue, or puzzle). It is often used in the phrase "the crux of." • The crux of the problem is that the project's budget is totally inadequate.

permutation • / per-myoo-TAY-shun / • noun Permutation is a formal word for any one of the many different ways or forms in which something exists or can be arranged. It can also refer to a major or fundamental change in something based primarily on rearrangement of its existing elements. Permutation is usually used in its plural form. • Early permutations of the design look nothing like the final result. • The system has gone through several permutations.

cohort • / KOH-hort / • noun Cohort refers to a group or band of individuals, as in “a cohort of supporters.” It can also be used for a group of individuals who have a statistical factor (such as age) in common in a demographic study, as in “a cohort of people born in the 1980s.” Cohort can be used for individuals too, as for a friend, companion, or colleague, but it is almost always used in its plural form. • I wouldn’t have made it through graduate school without the help of my supportive cohort.

Gordian knot • / GOR-dee-un-NAHT / • noun Gordian knot refers to a complicated and difficult problem. It is often used in the phrase cut the Gordian knot, which means “to solve a difficult problem in a very direct way by doing something forceful or extreme.” • The organization’s change in leadership is being widely applauded as a step toward stability, but many are less than optimistic about the new director’s ability to cut the Gordian knot at the center of its troubles.

affable • / AF-uh-bul / • adjective Affable describes someone who is friendly and easy to talk to. It can also describe something, such as someone’s personality, that is characterized by ease and friendliness. • The restaurant’s affable owner can be seen most nights welcoming his guests and making light conversation. • In the hallways, the principal has an affable demeanor; however, when called to her office, students know she is all about business.

kiki • / KEE-kee / • noun Kiki is a slang term used for an informal gathering among close friends, especially to share lively gossip or frank conversation. It can also refer more broadly to gossipy conversation. Kiki is especially used in and associated with LGBTQ+ and Black communities. • The performers had a kiki backstage before the show.

imbroglio • / im-BROHL-yoh / • noun Imbroglio is a formal word that refers to a complex dispute or argument. • Much of the sisters’ text thread involves the the latest imbroglios on their favorite reality show—who’s mad at who for what, and why.

paragon • / PAIR-uh-gahn / • noun Paragon is a formal word that refers to a person or thing that is perfect or excellent in some way and should be considered a model or example to be copied. • In Arthurian legend, Sir Galahad is depicted as a paragon of virtue.

dudgeon • / DUJ-un / • noun Dudgeon is typically used in the phrase “in high dudgeon” to describe someone who is angry and offended by something they perceive to be unfair or wrong. • The customer stormed out of the store in high dudgeon after the manager refused to give them a refund for their purchase.

flamboyant • / flam-BOY-ant / • adjective Someone or something described as flamboyant has a very noticeable quality that attracts a lot of attention. Such a person or thing is often strikingly elaborate or colorful in their behavior or display. • Reality television attracts millions of viewers for its depictions of flamboyant, larger-than-life personalities living equally flamboyant lifestyles.

métier • / MET-yay / • noun Métier, sometimes styled metier, is a formal word that refers to something that a person does very well. • After trying several careers, she found her true métier in computer science.

exasperate • / ig-ZASS-puh-rayt / • verb To exasperate someone is to cause them irritation or annoyance, or to make them angry. • We were all exasperated by the delays.

brazen • / BRAY-zun / • adjective Brazen describes someone who is acting, or something that is done, in a very open and shocking way without shame or embarrassment. • The opposition party’s campaign has not been shy in assailing the brazen corruption of the incumbent for funneling public funds into private coffers.

mayhem • / MAY-hem / • noun Mayhem refers to needless or willful damage or violence, and especially to a scene or situation that involves a lot of violence. In figurative use, it may refer to any instance of excited activity. • The director's newest thriller is brimming with murder and mayhem.

enjoin • / in-JOIN / • verb Enjoining is about requiring or prohibiting. To enjoin a person is to direct or order them to do something. To enjoin an act or practice is to prohibit it; in legal contexts, that prohibition is by way of a judicial order. • Our guide enjoined us to take great care as we began our journey. • The court has enjoined the ban. • We were enjoined from speaking on the tour.

kibitzer • / KIB-it-ser / • noun A kibitzer is someone who watches other people and makes unwanted comments about what they are doing. • It wasn't long after they bought their house that the couple heard from neighborhood kibitzers offering tips on landscaping and remodeling.

subterfuge • / SUB-ter-fyooj / • noun Subterfuge is a formal word that refers to the use of tricks to hide, avoid, or get something. • They obtained the documents by subterfuge.

glaucous • / GLAW-kus / • adjective Glaucous as a color word can describe things of two rather different shades: a light bluish-gray or bluish-white color, or a pale yellow-green. It can also mean "having a powdery or waxy coating that gives a frosted appearance and tends to rub off." • His glaucous eyes grew wide with curiosity. • The tree's glaucous leaves help prevent sun damage.

cotton • / KAH-tun / • verb The verb cotton is used with on or on to to mean “to begin to understand something; to catch on.” Cotton used with to alone means “to begin to like someone or something.” • It took a while, but they are finally starting to cotton on. • She quickly cottoned on to why her friend was nudging her, and stopped talking just before their teacher entered the room. • We cottoned to our new neighbors right away.

wiseacre • / WYZE-ay-ker / • noun A wiseacre is someone who says or does things that are funny but annoying. Wiseacre is an informal and old-fashioned word, as well as a synonym of smart aleck. • Some wiseacre in the audience kept heckling the comedian throughout the performance.