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What does ‘Noel’ mean, exactly? Discover the true origin and history of this holiday word

Our modern English word "Noel" is derived from the Middle English word nowel and means "a shout of joy or Christmas song." However, the root of the word is actually French, meaning " Christmas season ...
Lehigh Valley Live

What does the word ‘insouciant’ mean? If you’re feeling footloose and fancy-free, here’s what to know

Some words embody a mood, vibe or personality all of their own. “Insouciant” is one of those words that just rolls off the tongue with effortless ease. But beneath its unbothered surface lies a ...
NJ.com

What does the word ‘obfuscate’ mean? If you’re feeling puzzled, here’s what to know

If clarity shines a light on something, obfuscating it is casting a shadow over it. The word “obfuscate” is cloaked in darkness, and often describes things that are shrouded in mystery, are ...
The Conversation

A new campaign wants to redefine the word ‘nature’ to include humans – here’s why this linguistic argument matters

Tom Oliver has received research funding from BBSRC, NERC and Natural England for quantifying climate change impacts on biodiversity and developing climate adaptation plans for humans and other ...
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Word of the Year 2025: What is it and what does it mean?

For a Word of the Year, this selection might be kind of so-so. Or it might be completely meaningless. Welcome to the slang term 6-7, selected by dictionary.com as its Word of the Year for 2025. Anyone ...