play video healthy vs healthful
Commonly Confused

Healthy vs. Healthful

Why both words are equally good for you.


Why both words are equally good for you.

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play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

play ismo merriam webster tip
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'

play video how a word gets into the dicionary
How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

What our editors are looking for when they enter words in Merriam-Webster.

play video literally
Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts

play hot mess
Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

play emily-brewster-with-the-words-effect-affect-on-screen
How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

play woman and dog illustration
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there