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.

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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.

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 its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

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

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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?

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Is It 'day today' or 'day-to-day'?

 

What about Day Tomorrow?

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Is singular 'they' a better choice?

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

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What is a malaprop?

 

We'll tell you all the perpendiculars