Quiddity is a noun that refers to a distinctive feature.

The Latin word Quidditas means ‘the essence of things.’ Our word of the day maintains this same basic meaning.

James has a tendency to ramble on during his conversations, but this is just one of his quiddities. He simply wouldn’t be James without this habit.

Sine qua non is a noun that refers to an essential element.

The literal translation of our word of the day is ‘without which not.’ This is a helpful way to understand how to use our word of the day. For example: at cooking school, we didn’t learn about the using the oven for the first three months. This didn’t make sense, because the oven is the sine qua non of the kitchen. You could say that without an oven, a kitchen is just a big pantry with food.

Provident is an adjective that means making provisions for the future.

Our word of the day began in Latin and has evolved into English with the same pronunciation and meaning. When someone behaves in a provident fashion, they are preparing for the future in a prudent way.

Growing up poor, my parents learned to be provident with their finances. They saved almost everything they earned.

Quisling is a noun that refers to one who collaborates with an enemy.

Our word of the day comes from a Norwegian army officer who became known for collaborating with the German occupying forces during World War Two. His name evolved into a synonym of ‘traitor’ even before his death in 1945. Quisling is still used today in this same context. For example: A few of us spotted Donna having conversations with members of the other softball team at the bar. I think we may have a quisling on our hands, guys.

Penitent is an adjective that means feeling regret for past sins.

Our word of the day takes its origin from Middle English where it meant ‘regretful.’ In its earliest incarnation, it was used often by the Catholic church, but penitent can refer to any kind of regret a person may have. For example: I felt penitent about my angry outburst at the bar and, in retrospect, I deeply regret lashing out at Ryan simply for being a Red Sox fan.

Colloquy is a noun that refers to a conversation.

Our word of the day comes from the Latin word colloquium (coe LOW kwim) which means ‘conversation.’ The word has evolved into English, holding on to its same basic meaning. Colloquy is typically used in a formal context. For example: After our brief chat over a beer about the meaning of life, the four of us attended the theological conference where we had an official colloquy over the meaning of life. If you ask me, the chat over beers was a little more fun.

Superannuate is a verb that means to make or declare obsolete.

The Latin prefix S-U-P-E-R means ‘over,’ while annus (AH noose) — a word related to ‘annual’ — means ‘year.’ When someone is superannuated in a workplace, they are sent into retirement.

Being superannuated is something that can happen to an object as well as a person, for example: I can’t believe how much superannuated technology I was using in my old job at the printing press. Here we were in the mid-nineties using obsolete stuff like typewriters and fax machines like it was 1986.

Apothegm is a noun that refers to a brief saying or aphorism.

The Greek word apophthegma (ah poe THEG ma) translates literally into ‘something clearly stated.’ An apothegm is a saying that is not only clear but brief.

My old English teacher would often finish each day with a terse, witty saying. But after a while it became clear that he had run out of apothegms and was just reading from fortune cookies.

Assiduous is an adjective that means showing great care.

The Latin word assiduus (ah see DUECE) means ‘constant’ or ‘persistent.’ This word later evolved into our word of the day which is best used in a context that suggests constant care or attention to a particular goal. For example: I owe a great deal to the assiduous work of the medical staff. Without their around the clock care, I would never have recovered from that agonizing toothache.

Boutade is a noun that refers to a sudden outburst.

Our word of the day comes from a Middle French word that means ‘to thrust.’ When a person has a boutade, they often thrust a tirade on others. For example: The boutade Elaine delivered at the meeting hurt many people’s feelings. But in the end we all came to understand that these kinds of outbursts were common for her.