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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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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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'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'?

 

We're intent on clearing it up

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An Abbreviated History of American English Spelling

 

Soop, wimmen, and headake did not make the cut

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i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.

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Sneaked vs. Snuck

 

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary

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Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

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

Games & Quizzes

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Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
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Blossom Pick the best words!
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The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
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Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
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