Rectitude is a noun that means morally correct behavior or thinking.

The Latin word rectus (RECK toos) means straight or direct. From this we get our word of the day which is often used in a high-brow setting. The Lord and Lady’s rectitude is admired across the land. Their conduct is above reproach.

Rectitude is spelled R-E-C-T-I-T-U-D-E.

Parry is a a verb that means to ward off or evade. 

Our word of the day comes from Latin. The word parare (puh RAH ray) means ‘to ward off or defend.’ It’s a good word to use to describe someone in a fight — whether the fight is physical or verbal. 

I tried to slip under Gerry’s guard with my sword. But he was fast enough to parry my blow.

Once again, parry is spelled P-A-R-R-Y. 

Hagridden is an adjective that means tormented by anxiety or stress. 

From Old Norse, the word hexe (HECKS uh) means witch. It’s also a distant cousin of the word ‘hag.’ Combine this with ridden and you get an adjective — hagridden — that means tormented by stress or anxiety, as if haunted by a witch. 

Doris was hagridden by all the paperwork needed to make the new sale. She felt like a trail of paper was haunting her every step. 

Hagridden is spelled H-A-G-R-I-D-D-E-N. 

Anodyne is a noun that means something that relieves distress or pain. 

The Greek word adodunos (ah no DOO noss) meaning ‘free from pain’ morphed over time, into anodyne, something that relieves stress or pain. It may refer literally to a medicine of some kind or more figuratively, to something that is a source of relaxation. 

At first, Marnie found the Crickets outside to be an annoyance. But in time, she found them to be an anodyne after a stressful day at work.

Once again, anodyne is spelled A-N-O-D-Y-N-E. 

Paramnesia is a noun that means a confusion of fact and fantasy. 

Paramnesia is a combination of a Greek word you’re probably already familiar with — Amnesia, meaning ‘loss of memory’ and the prefix ‘para’ which can mean a number of things depending on its context. In this case it means ‘against’ as in ‘against reality.’ Think of the word paranormal as a paramnesia’s second cousin. 

After that weird dream I had last night, I woke up with a weird case of paramnesia. I wasn’t sure if I had actually been chased by a dragon the night before or if that was part of my dream.

Paramnesia is spelled P-A-R-A-M-N-E-S-I-A. 

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Today’s word of the day is mondegreen. It’s spelled M-O-N-D-E-G-R-E-E-N.  Mondegreen is a noun that means a misheard or misunderstood phrase. 

The word mondegreen was born with a 17th century poem called ‘The Bonnie Earl o’ Moray.’

It contains two lines that read:

They have slain the Earl o’ Moray

And Lady Mondegreen.

When the last line was mistakenly heard as ‘And laid him on the green’ our word of the day came to life. Today, a ‘mondegreen refers to any phrase or song lyric that is mistaken for something else. 

My favorite mondegreen is contained in the song Purple Haze. For years, I thought Jimi Hendrix was saying ‘Excuse me while I kiss this guy,’ when he was really saying ‘excuse me while I kiss the sky.’ 

.Mondegreen is spelled M-O-N-D-E-G-R-E-E-N. 

"Alexa, open Volley FM"

Today’s word of the day is comportment, C-O-M-P-O-R-T-M-E-N-T. Comportment is a noun that means carriage or bearing.

Our word of the day comes directly from the French. It means something similar to — but not exactly the same as behavior. Behavior is all about what you do, but comportment is a more subtle concept that refers to the way you carry yourself. 

The most recent time he saw his nephew’s punk rock band, Max as able to keep his behavior in check. But there was something about his comportment that suggested he wasn’t happy to be there. 

Comportment is spelled C-O-M-P-O-R-T-M-E-N-T. 

"Alexa, open Volley FM"

Today’s word of the day is treacle. It’s spelled T-R-E-A-C-L-E. Treacle is a noun that means sentimentality or flattery.

The Latin word Theriaca (TER ee ah ca) referred to an antidote or cure, and as time went on, the word’s meaning shifted to refer to a thick, sugary liquid. When used to describe a work of art, it’s pretty much never meant as a compliment. 

Falling in love was the worst thing that could happen to our band’s songwriter. Now everything he writes is pure treacle. 

Once again, the spelling of treacle is T-R-E-A-C-L-E. 

"Alexa, open Volley FM"

Today’s word of the day is valorous, V-A-L-O-R-O-U-S. Valorous is an adjective that means brave. 

The Latin word valor (val OR) means ‘to be strong.’ From that we get our word of the day. But be warned, this is a word that historically referred to warriors in battle. It’s not to be used lightly.

I laughed when I heard Richard describe himself as valorous. It seems to me that taking on a stray cat doesn’t require that much bravery. 

Valorous is spelled V-A-L-O-R-O-U-S. 

Today’s word of the day is rutilant (ROO ti lant)  R-U-T-I-L-A-N-T. Rutilant is an adjective than means glowing or glittering. 

Rutilus (ROO tee loose) is Latin for ‘reddish.’ Something described as rutilant is usually a glowing reddish color, for example: the campfire gives off a rutilant glare at night. That reddish tint against the pitch black sky is just stunning.

Once again, rutilant is spelled R-U-T-I-L-A-N-T.