Sanguine is an adjective that means cheerfully optimistic. It can also be an adjective that means consisting of or related to blood or a noun that refers to a moderate to strong red.

The Latin word for blood is sanguis (SAN gwis). From this we get the meaning of ‘blood red’ or ‘related to blood’ as well as our word of the day’s other meaning ‘marked by eager hopefulness.’

In spite of the early results of polling, we remained sanguine about our candidate’s chances. Last year’s election gave us plenty of reason to feel upbeat.

Conduce is a verb that means to lead to a particular result.

The origin of our word of the day is from the Latin word conducere (cone do CHAIR ay) which means to conduct. I used to smoke six packs a day until I started making an effort to live healthier. Once I realized that smoking doesn’t conduce to a healthy life, I stopped.

Sui generis is an adjective that means of its own kind or unique.

Our word of the day is a phrase taken directly from Latin. Its literal translation is ‘of its own kind.’ It’s used to describe people or things that are one of a kind.

Max may have had others who looked a lot like him, but when it came to playing his guitar, he was truly Sui generis.

Syncretic is an adjective that means combining different forms of belief or practice.

The Greek word synkrētismos (sink ray TISS mos) refers to a federation of Cretan states. By the 19th century, its offspring syncretic had entered English. Although frequently used in a religious context, it may also refer to music, cultures or anything else characterized by a melding of more than one tradition.

The music of that tribe is very syncretic. It evolved from the influence of a number of nearby tribes.

Vitiate is a verb that means to corrupt or make ineffective.

Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word vitium (VEE tyoom) which means ‘fault’ or ‘moral flaw.’ It shares this root with words like ‘vicious’ and ‘vice.’ But it's not always used in a moral context. For example: For me that awful pie fight scene really vitiates the movie. From that point on, I could not overlook the movie’s flaws.

Cohere is a verb that means to be united.

Our word of the day comes from the Latin word cohaerēre (koe hay RARE ay) which means ‘to stick together.’

In order for the company to function properly, each office must cohere in purpose. If we don’t stick together, we’ll never get anything done

Etesian is an adjective that means occurring every year.

The Greek word etos (ETT ose) means year. From this we get our word of the day which first entered English in the early 17th century.

These etesian inspections can really be a problem. One year is simply not enough time to get every part of our van in working order.

Pharisaical is an adjective that means hypocritical.

Our word of the day is derived from the Pharisees, an ancient sect that was known among readers of the Bible for having a strict adherence to traditional law but a tendency to behave in pretentious, self-righteous ways. By the 17th century, the word pharisaical had come to English, having come from Greek through Aramaic.

Like many politicians, the mayor has been called pharisaical, but I don’t think the charge is fair. He’s very devoted to his faith and he follows its teachings faithfully.

Luddite is a noun that refers to a person who avoids the use of new technology.

It’s not certain which language our word of the day comes from but we know the term was first used to describe a group of textile mill workers in Nottingham, England in the early 19th century who rioted for the destruction of new machinery that was slowly replacing them. A man known as Ned Ludd seemed to be involved in the movement.

In more recent years, the word is used to describe anyone who is opposed to, or uncomfortable with, technology.

I used to be a luddite but getting an iPhone for my birthday has cured me. From now on, I’ll never oppose technology again.

Extenuate is a verb that means to lessen the severity of.

The Latin word tenuare (TEN ooh are ay) means ‘to make thin.’ Combined with the prefix EX, we get the basis of our word of the day. Extenuate is often used in a legal context as in ‘extenuating circumstances,’ but you don’t need to be in a courtroom to find a use for it. For example: I didn’t think anything could extenuate the damage from the flood. But it turned out that all I had to do was soak up the floor with rags and harm was immediately eased.