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Word History

The History of 'Cynic'

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'

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Further vs. Farther

 

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

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Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

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Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

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Sneaked vs. Snuck

 

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Games & Quizzes

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Missing Letter A crossword with a twist
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