Word of the Day

: September 18, 2006

delectation

noun dee-lek-TAY-shun

What It Means

: delight, enjoyment

delectation in Context

"To summarize the plot in a 'novel of suspense' is usually to deny . . . the pleasures hidden for the reader's delectation and surprise. . . ." (Nicholas Meyer, The New York Times Book Review, January 10, 1988)

Did You Know?

"Pleasure," "delight," and "enjoyment" are all synonyms and all signify the agreeable emotion accompanying the possession or expectation of what is good or greatly desired. Why, then, use "delectation," that not-so-familiar synonym? Because, as with most synonym groups, each word has its own subtle distinctions. "Pleasure" stresses satisfaction or gratification of the senses. "Delight" adds the idea of liveliness or obviousness in that satisfaction, often less enduring than pleasure. "Enjoyment" suggests a wide range of deep pleasure, from merely transient though complete gratification to deep-seated happiness. "Delectation" (which is from the Latin word for "delight") suggests a reaction to pleasurable experience consciously sought or provided. More than all the others, it connotes mere amusement or diversion.