play video cynic
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.

Up next

play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

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

play further vs farther video
Further vs. Farther

 

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

play onomatopoeia video
A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia

 

Some imitative words are more surprising than others

play alright allright video
Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

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 how to use a dictionary
How to Use a Dictionary

 

The best way to find information in the dictionary

play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.