New english word for the day

In terms of vocabulary development, we were all little geniuses in childhood, learning hundreds of new words every year. By the time we entered first grade, most of us had active vocabularies of several thousand words.

Unfortunately, we weren’t geniuses for very long. By age 11 or 12, equipped with a sizable survival vocabulary, most of us lost some of our early enthusiasm for language, and the rate at which we picked up new words began to decline significantly. As adults, if we don’t make deliberate efforts to increase our vocabularies, we’re lucky to pick up even 50 or 60 new words a year.

The English language has so much to offer (between 500,000 and 1 million words, by most accounts) that it would be a shame to let our vocabulary-building talents go to waste. So here’s one way that we can regain some of our youthful brilliance: learn a new word each day.

Whether you’re a student preparing for the SAT, ACT, or GRE, or simply an unabashed logophile (or lover of words), starting each day with a fresh word can be intellectually nourishing—and more enjoyable than a bowl of All-Bran.

Here are three of our favorite daily word sites: all are free and available through e-mail subscriptions.

A.Word.A.Day (AWAD)

Founded in 1994, A.Word.A.Day at Wordsmith.org is the creation of Anu Garg, an India-born computer engineer who clearly enjoys sharing his pleasure in words. Simply designed, this popular site (nearly 400,000 subscribers from 170 countries) offers concise definitions and examples of words that relate to a different theme every week. The New York Times has called this «the most welcomed, most enduring piece of daily mass e-mail in cyberspace.» Recommended for all word lovers.

Oxford English Dictionary Word of the Day

For many of us, the Oxford English Dictionary is the ultimate reference work, and the OED Word of the Day provides a complete entry (including a wealth of illustrative sentences) from the 20-volume dictionary. You can sign up to have the OED’s Word of the Day delivered by e-mail or RSS web feed. Recommended for scholars, English majors, and logophiles.

Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day

Less expansive than the OED site, the daily word page hosted by this U.S. dictionary-maker offers an audio pronunciation guide along with basic definitions and etymologies. The Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is also available as a podcast, which you can listen to on your computer or MP3 player. Recommended for high school and college students as well as advanced ESL students.

Other Daily Word Sites

These sites should also be useful to high school and college students.

• Dictionary.com Word of the Day
• The Learning Network (The New York Times)
• The Quotations Page Word of the Day

Of course, you don’t have to go online to learn new words. You can simply begin making a list of new words that you encounter in your reading and conversations. Then look up each word in a dictionary and write down the definition along with a sentence that illustrates how the word is used.

But if you need a little encouragement to work on building your vocabulary every day, sign up for one of our favorite word-a-day sites.

If you are learning a new language, it is essential to new words each day. Gaining a powerful vocabulary will guarantee that you will be able to express yourself effectively and sophisticatedly. Designating a “word of the day” for yourself will also ensure that you understand grammar to a greater extent and the lengths to which the language you are studying is developed. In this article, I will be discussing websites that are great for learning new English words. Each website has its benefits and disadvantages, so it is better to use several websites at a time to gain the most out of your learning process. Many of these websites have a word of the day app that you can download on your smartphone or tablet for easy usage. It is best to be connected to new words in any way you can!

1. A.Word.A.Day (AWAD)

You can see the word of the day, and yesterday’s word of the day, on the website or through an email subscription. The website is strikingly simple, but highly useful. It provides the pronunciation, meaning, etymology, and usage of the selected word. Below the entry, the owner, Anu Garg, also presents a thought of the day. The New York Times commented that this website is “The most welcomed, most enduring piece of daily mass e-mail in cyberspace.” In fact, it has over a million subscribers from over 170 countries.

2. Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day

One of the most respected dictionaries in the world, Merriam-Webster has a sophisticated layout for its word-of-the-day page. It provides a definition (with sound of the word spoken included), a “Did you know” section, examples of its usage, a “Name that synonym” section, podcasts, and a word of the day calendar at the bottom. Those who are truly interested in words and their histories, this dictionary will be a treat. Its “Did you know” section is expansive, and allows readers to understand the nuances of each selected word. On the left of the presentation is an easy way to share the word of the day through Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can even get the word of the day emailed to you through a subscription. It even has a section for learners called a learner’s dictionary. This dictionary also has a word-of-the-day category.

3. Wordnik

This website is all about words, with a word community, word of the day, and random word pages. On its word-of-the-day page, it has concise definitions of words with ample example sentences with the chosen word being used, extra notes on nuances, and also stats on its usage and even its Scrabble score. The fantastic thing about this page is that each word is accompanied with real examples from literature, not just sentences made up on the spot that sound unnatural. So, not only will you learn a new word each day, but also become knowledgeable in literature through this website. It also has an easy-to-access archive, and a convenient way of sharing words via social media.

4. Duolingo

This is perhaps the best language learning app and website out there. In turn, it is a great tool for learning new words. You can compete with your friends and family through the app, so you can gain that motivation needed to learn new words. It has a simple but pleasant layout, with many different exercises for learning: speaking, listening, writing, multiple choice questions, matching word exercises, and more. You can either strengthen what you already know, or venture into the world of new words each day. Duolingo focuses on obtaining a streak, so you know how many days in a row you have been learning a certain language (in our case, it is most likely English). There are many other language learning apps on the market, but it seems Duolingo takes the cake in terms of efficiency, user-friendliness, and motivation. It even has a cute owl mascot that cheers you on as you go through the exercises. I think that most people use the app rather than the website; however, both can be useful. It is important to download the necessary keyboards for the languages you are learning, though.

5. Dictionary.com’s Word of the Day

This is another popular option for learning new words easily. It shows the definitions in the form of a meme or picture you can conveniently share on social media (including showing the pronunciation and what kind of word it is). Below the definitions are citations of the word of the day’s usage from literature. Lastly, there is a section that discusses the origin of the word. You can sign up for an email subscription to the page, and seeing the visual archive of the word of the day for the previous day is just a scroll away.

6. Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Day

Maybe the most trusted dictionary in the world, the Oxford Dictionary website also has a webpage that features a word of the day. For each entry, you have an audio pronunciation guide, a definition, the word’s origin, and an easy-to-share picture of the word with a pronunciation guide across social media. I like that the Oxford Dictionary focuses on archaic usages of words as well, as for wordaholics, these archaic definitions can be useful to know and interesting to understand. Like most sites of this nature, it also has an email subscription option. Another section of this website to check out if you have time is “Explore the English Language,” which has wordlists and word origin features.

7. New York Times’ Word of the Day

A standard in the news industry, it is also a fantastic tool for learning. The New York Times presents a word of the day daily, attached with a quiz. What is also useful is that it shows words in context of The New York Times itself. So, they will show how the word was used in news articles from the Times. Each entry has sections for definitions, examples of its usage in news articles, and a quiz at the bottom. After you finish the quiz, you will see a more detailed look into the chosen word, discussing its nuances. A great tool for learning more words, and more about them.

8. WordReference.com’s Word of the Day

The special thing about this website is that it offers two categories: basic word of the day, and intermediate word of the day. The basic word of the day is aimed at beginners and the intermediate word of the day is focused on people who have been learning English for some time. Though each category has entries that are filled with detail, there is a clear difference between basic and intermediate entries. In the basic section, entries have sections dedicated definitions, common uses, usage within pop culture, and a button that reads “see full definition,” which leads a user to an elaborated entry. For the intermediate entries, there are sections devoted to expanded definitions, example sentences, words most often used with the chosen entry, usage within pop culture, “did you know,” origins, and once again a “see full definition” button. This seems like the most comprehensive website for learning words and their background stories, so to say. You can get these definitions sent to you by email, and can also share them easily via Facebook and Twitter. You can scroll through entries as if you were on a common blogging site.

9. Vocabulary.com

This website tries its best to make learning new words enjoyable. It has word games to play, you can look up words, and it has word lists. They say if you start playing with language, you will learn it quickly. This website seems to take this approach. When learning is fun and flexible, words will be retained at a better rate. A great thing about its quizzes is that when you answer a question, it will describe the word in detail. The search option has examples sentences written by humans, not computers (it happens often it seems), examples sentences that are in touch with the real world of how English is being used, and claims to be the fastest-working dictionary. Its layout is user-friendly and intuitive. In the lists section, there are myriad lists focused on different subjects, ranging from baseball to movies. It is a highly enjoyable and engaging website for learning new words, and for studying English in general.

10. Word of the Day! App

For people who are crazy about checking other dictionaries for varying definitions, this is the app for them. This app features the following sources:

• Merriam-Webster
• Dictionary.com
• Oxford English Dictionary
• The Free Dictionary
• The Learning Network
• WordSpy
• Latin Word of the Day
• MedTerms
• Yahoo! Education

You can conveniently compare definitions, and discover the nuances of words you want to delve into. In addition, you can “star” and “favorite” certain definitions and words. These starred and favorited words can be shared with friends, and the app will also alert you when new words have been entered into its system. It’s a free app, so it is a catch for those who don’t want to spend to learn. The entries for the words have audio recordings of pronunciation, root meanings, examples sentences, and connotations of chosen words.

Language is always changing. In 2022, 650 new English words were added to the Oxford English Dictionary – ranging from slang terms to professional titles and sports manoeuvers. As the world around us evolves, so too do the ways that we describe it and our experiences within it. And, with more people traveling the globe and working remotely, it’s no surprise that many of the new words in English are inspired by other languages. 

Beyond impressing your friends with the latest phrases, staying up to date with new words is great to improve your English language skills. Understanding new words expands your vocabulary pool, helps you contextualize terms, and develops your confidence. 

Below, we’ve collected some of the new English words you need to know in 2023. Try using them in your next English conversation and you may just find yourself teaching native English speakers a thing or two!

Words of the year

Did you know there’s an annual competition for English words? Dictionaries announce the word of the year based on factors like popularity, cultural significance, and the number of searches for a term. The word of the year changes depending on the dictionary. In 2022, these were the winners for three of the most popular ones. 

Oxford Dictionary: Goblin mode

A goblin is a fictional creature from European folklore, known for being mischievous and messy. ‘Goblin mode’ is therefore a funny way to refer to someone who is being lazy and self-indulgent. The slang term was first used in 2019, but became widespread during the pandemic lockdown, when people were indoors for long periods of time and embraced being goblin-like.

Example: I’m in goblin mode, so I can’t come to meet you.

Cambridge Dictionary: Homer

‘Homer’ is short for ‘home run’, which is when a player scores a point in baseball by hitting the ball and running around all the bases before the ball is retrieved. ‘Homer’ was one of the most searched terms in the Cambridge Dictionary in 2022 after it was the winning word in the game Wordle. In one day, ‘Homer’ was searched 65,000 times.

Example: He hit 12 homers – a new record for the team.

Dictionary.com: Woman

Although one of the oldest words in English, the word ‘woman’ has been at the center of cultural conversations in 2022. High-profile events and debates have sparked conversations about the definition of ‘woman’, and in this year alone, searches for the word increased by 1,400%.

Example: Georgina identified as a woman.

New English words to learn in 2023

1. Copypasta

Data (including text) that has been copied and pasted online is known as ‘copypasta’. It can be lighthearted content that is spread for likes, or it can be a serious political message. ‘Copypasta’ was prominent in the pandemic, where people claimed it was used for misinformation around the virus and its treatment.

Example: The copypasta on Twitter is getting out of hand.

2. Trip stacking

A strategy used to make reservations for multiple separate vacations. ‘Trip stacking’ includes booking accommodation, restaurants, and activities for different locations in one go. The strategy became popular during the pandemic, when travel plans were heavily disrupted.

Example: We’re trip stacking for the summer break.

3. Place lag

The sensation of surprise and disorientation after you make a long plane journey and arrive in a new place. Similar to ‘jet lag’ but refers to an emotional feeling toward an unfamiliar location. Like ‘trip stacking’, ‘place lag’ became popular after pandemic lockdowns, when people’s perspective on travel and the world was dramatically altered. 

Example: The place lag hit him hard when he stepped off the plane.

4. Deplatform

The act of taking away someone’s ability to spread a message on a large scale. To ‘deplatform’ is a figurative act, and typically refers to removing someone from a social media platform. ‘Deplatform’ is linked to cancel culture, and the responsibility of tech companies to police hate speech and misinformation.

Example: The website has taken action to deplatform the brand after recent events.

5. Shrinkflation

The reduction in size of goods over time but the price stays the same. Normally refers to food items but can apply to other purchases. ‘Shrinkflation’ results in a higher cost per unit for customers. Many people were concerned about ‘shrinkflation’ in the recession and economic uncertainty of 2022.

Example: Shrinkflation made it difficult for Tony to buy groceries for a big family on a budget.

6. At (don’t ‘at’ me)

The use of ‘at’ as a verb, particularly to argue with another person on social media or disagree with someone’s opinion. ‘At’ in this context stems from the @ sign, where people tag usernames to reply to content that they have shared.

Example: The band’s second album was disappointing. Don’t at me. 

7. Churn rate

The number or percentage of employees that leave a company in a specified time frame. ‘Churn rate’ surged in popularity in 2022, when The Great Resignation happened, where millions of workers left their jobs. ‘Churn rate’ can also be applied to other contexts, such as a metric to measure the number of people who have stopped using a product or service.

Example: The company’s churn rate increased after it required employees to work from the office.

Read more about tech layoffs in 2022 and how you can future proof your career. 

8. Greenwash

The verb to intentionally promote something as environmentally-friendly (or less environmentally damaging) than is true – typically to gain more customers or improve sentiment toward a brand. Many organizations were accused of ‘greenwashing’ in 2022, after new laws were introduced to encourage lower carbon emissions.

Example: We’ll greenwash the public if we don’t include all operation numbers in the report. 

9. Level up

To advance or improve. ‘Level up’ originates from games, where users unlock new levels as they progress. Normally refers to a person or a particular skill.

Example: I want to level up my wardrobe with some new clothes. 

10. Hard pass

To firmly say ‘no’ to something or reject an offer. ‘Pass’ is a less strong, and more polite, version of ‘hard pass’, which is better suited to informal settings. The term gained popularity in the pandemic, when people were more likely to turn down suggestions to socialize (especially if they were in ‘goblin mode’).

Example: They want to go to the city center on a Saturday? Hard pass from me.

These are just a sample of the hundreds of new words in English this year. For a more extensive list of new words in 2023, take a look at the Oxford Dictionary, Collins Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Merriam-Webster Dictionary blogs.

Discover the ELSA Dictionary feature 

If you come across any new words in English and don’t know what they mean (or are unsure of how to say them) – don’t worry! With our Dictionary feature you can: 

• Check the definition of a word 
• Listen to the pronunciation
• Read an example sentence
• Add it to a study set (or create a new one)
• And even watch other people saying the word in context! 

Download the app now.

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A new year is a perfect opportunity to focus on your language goals. Maybe you are working towards an official exam. Perhaps this is the year you are going to spend summer abroad in an English language speaking country. 2023 might be the year you finally have the courage to stand up and sing your favourite song in English at the local open mic night! Why not give yourself a head start and begin incorporating these new English words into your vocabulary?

Last year we brought you 8 new English words you need for 2022. Now, we are introducing you to 7 of the new words which people are using in their day-to-day conversations.

Carry on reading to discover 7 new English words and how you can use them in 2023.

1. Side hustle

Definition: Are you trying to scrimp and save for your holiday but you still haven’t got enough money? Perhaps you need a side hustle.

A side hustle is the term we use for a way to earn extra money on top of your regular income.

How do you use it?

I wasn’t earning enough money in my full-time job, so I started a side hustle making and selling crafts.

2. Sentient

Definition: To be sentient means to be conscious, to be able to sense, to be alive. So, hang on a minute … this is definitely not a new concept!

With the rise of A.I. (artificial intelligence) and the growing interest in making bots as human-like as possible, there is constant conversation about the distinction between a bot and a human. This quality is being sentient. Expect this to be a controversial topic!

How do you use it?

Wow! This new chatbot seems so realistic. It has an answer for everything. It is almost sentient!

3. Permacrisis

Definition: Do you ever feel like nothing is going your way? Like things are going from bad to worse? Perhaps you are in a state of permacrisis.

Permacrisis is a term used to describe permanently being in a crisis. As you can probably see, we form it from the words permanent and crisis. When we add two words together to make a new one, this is called a ‘portmanteau’.

Permacrisis has been used to describe the ongoing series of global events which have had a negative effect on people.

How do you use it?

I thought everything would improve after the pandemic finished, but the effect it had on the economy and job market put us in a permacrisis. When will things get better?

4. Sportswashing

Definition: This media term came into the public eye this year. We use it to describe the promotion of sporting events in order to take the attention away from something else.

Another example of a portmanteau, this time from sports and brainwashing. Sportswashing is when someone, for example, a newspaper, tries to deflect attention from something negative by focusing on a big sports event.

Sportwashing was on everyone’s lips in the buildup to the World Cup in Qatar. In this case, some of the controversy behind the tournament was pushed to the back of everyone’s minds as soon as the first game kicked off.

How do you use it?

The public soon forgot about their anger towards their president when he posed for a photo with the national team before the big match. They were all victims of sportswashing.

5. Jabbed/Vaxxed

Definition: In a world so affected by the global pandemic, it was inevitable that words connected to it would come into our everyday lives.

To be jabbed/vaxxed means to have received a vaccination. Although it is not a new word, it has become such a necessary part of life. We often use it with prefixes like double-, triple- and fully-.

How do you use it?

I had to prove I was double-jabbed in order to travel. Luckily, I’d had two vaccinations.

6. Gaslighting

Definition: Have you ever felt like someone isn’t being totally clear with you? Perhaps you’ve felt like someone might be lying to you in order to take advantage of you or a situation. Maybe you’ve experienced gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a term used to describe psychological exploitation used on someone over a long period of time. This can lead to the person feeling confused, losing their self-esteem and even questioning their own sanity!

Gaslighting is often linked to psychological abuse, with the victim experiencing terrible long-term emotional damage. In a world where we are constantly searching for the truth, be very careful if you feel gaslighting may be happening.

How do you use it?

The therapist made him feel like he was going insane, just to make him continue paying for sessions. Absolute gaslighting!

7. Cringe

Definition: Oh no! Have you ever felt so embarrassed that you wanted to disappear? That moment was probably cringe.

We have used cringe as a verb for a long time. It describes the face you make when something is incredibly embarrassing. However, recently the adjective cringeworthy has been shortened to cringe.

How do you use it?

Did you see her dad trying to dance like a teenager? Oh my god, it was absolutely cringe!

We hope you achieve all your goals in 2023. Remember, the best way to remember new vocabulary is with personal examples, and the best way to incorporate new vocabulary is to try and include it in your speaking and writing. Your teacher will always be available to help you. Practice makes perfect!

If you’re interested in learning English in the new year check out our new courses starting in 2023.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

courage (n): bravery.

head start (n): advantage over others.

scrimp (v): to spend as little money as possible.

income (n): the money you receive, usually from a job.

ongoing (adj): continuous.

brainwash (v): make someone believe something is true by repeatedly telling them something, and not allowing other information to get to them.

deflect (v): change the course of something.

buildup (n): an increase or accumulation of something, usually before an event.

kick off (pv): to start or resume a football match.

take advantage of (id): make something from a situation, can be both positive and negative.

Key

adj = adjective

n = noun

pv = phrasal verb

v = verb

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