English word of the day

Definition: (adjective) Marked by or exhibiting sorrow, grief, or pain. Synonyms: lachrymose, weeping, tearful. Usage: She always speaks with a wailing, dolorous voice—you are nervously expecting her to burst into tears every moment.

Definition: (noun) A black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink. Synonyms: crock, smut, soot. Usage: Our pilgrims would have liked very well to get out their lampblack and stencil-plates and paint their names on that rock.

Definition: (adjective) Rigidly formal. Synonyms: buckram, stiff. Usage: Though I often poke fun at the butler's starchy manner, I secretly love the formality and sophistication he brings to my everyday life.