English word of the day

Definition: (noun) Model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal. Synonyms: nonesuch, nonpareil, apotheosis, ideal, saint. Usage: Nowadays, with our modern mania for morality, everyone has to pose as a paragon of purity, incorruptibility, and all the other seven deadly virtues.

Definition: (adjective) Expressing or manifesting praise or approval. Synonyms: approbative, affirmative. Usage: Her father's plausive nod was likely as much praise as Jane would receive from her stoic parents.

Definition: (noun) An effigy in the shape of a man to frighten birds away from seeds. Synonyms: straw man. Usage: She was determined, therefore, to contrive as lifelike a scarecrow as ever was seen … so that it should begin its sentinel's duty that very morning.