Brume is a noun that refers to a mist or a fog.

The Latin word bruma (BROOM uh) means ‘winter.’ The word soon evolved to describe a fog or haze — something often seen in the winter. The view on the beach is usually lovely. But when that fog comes in, it has a tendency to obscure the waters and the distant shore. Nothing messes up a breathtaking view like a brume.

Gracile is an adjective that means slender.

Coming from the Latin word gracilis (GROTCH ee lease) which means ‘thin,’ our word of the day is a synonym of ‘lean’ or ‘slight.’

My daughter’s efforts to try out for the wrestling team didn’t work out so well. Having a petite, gracile body may be great for gymnastics, but it doesn’t help you much on the wrestling mat.

Clamber is a verb that means to climb awkwardly.

Deriving from Old English, our word of the day is often used to describe people climbing over or past obstacles like rocks. For example: For most of us having all those boxes laying around the office was a huge problem. But for Rhonda, all those years of mountain climbing made her an expert at clambering past obstacles.

Evanescent is an adjective that means vanishing like vapor.

Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word evanescent (ay ven uh SHENT) which means ‘to disappear.’ Evanescent may be used to refer to something that disappears in a literal sense or it can be used more figuratively as a synonym of ‘ephemeral’ or ‘temporary.’ For example: That recollection of our family singing around the fireplace at Christmas will stay with me forever. The moment itself may have been evanescent, but the memory is eternal.

Phonate is a verb that means to make vocal sounds.

The Greek word Phone (PHONE) means ‘sound.’ Our word of the day is a synonym of words like ‘talk,’ and ‘speak’ but it’s a broader term that refers to the making of any kind of sound from a person’s mouth.

The microphones we used in the studio were so sensitive they picked up any sounds from the speaker’s mouth — even if they weren’t aware of making them. When people would phonate in any way — lick their lips, breathe or even open their mouths — the evidence would be right there in the listener’s ears.

Proffer is a verb that means to present for acceptance. It is also a noun that refers to an offer being made.

Our word of the day’s origin is similar to that of the word ‘offer.’ Both are derived from Anglo-French, but ‘proffer’ is a word that stresses the kindness of the act. For example, When Wendy needed a place to stay, her friend Lisa presented her with an opportunity to live rent-free in one of her apartments. The generous proffer brought tears to Wendy’s eyes.

Pelion is a noun that refers to a huge or difficult task.

Our word of the day refers to an imposingly high mountain range in Northeastern Greece. It’s been referenced in many Ancient Greek works of art. In addition to its geographical definition, it may be used to refer to any imposing or difficult task. For example: Rodney has faced many challenges in his life, but making it as an art dealer might be his biggest pelion yet. Compared to this, running a marathon was nothing.

Reciprocity is a noun that refers to mutual benefit.

The Latin word reciprocus (ray CHEAP roe coos) means ‘returning the same way.’ Our word of the day may be used to describe a state where two or more people engage in behavior that helps everybody or ‘returns the same way’ for all. For example, After years of getting free tax advice from Shelly, I decided to repay her by coaching her son’s baseball team. She greatly appreciated the reciprocity.

Felicific is an adjective that means tending to cause happiness.

The Latin word Felix (FAY licks) means ‘happy.’ This word has given birth to words like felicidad (fay LEASE ee dod) the Spanish word for ‘happiness’ as well as names like Felix, Felicity and Felicia — all of which have a meaning related to happiness. If something is felicific, it tends to make people happy.

I enjoyed volunteering to help people in ways that brought happiness to their lives. Having a felicific hobby is a great way to brighten people’s life.

Penurious is an adjective that means marked by suffering.

Our word of the day comes from the Latin word penuria (pen YOOR ee uh) which means ‘poverty.’ The strict definition of penurious is ‘to be in poverty,’ but the ‘poverty’ in this case doesn’t only refer to not having much money. It can also refer to someone suffering a great deal. For example: I’m glad to hear that Cassie has been feeling much better these days. She’s seen some penurious days immediately after her surgery.