Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Subscribe

Archives



May 10, 2016
This week’s theme
Forgotten positives

This week’s words
licit
peccable
clement
effable
scrutable

Internet Anagram Server
I, Rearrangement Servant
May I try your name?
Bookmark and Share Facebook Twitter Digg MySpace Bookmark and Share
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

peccable

PRONUNCIATION:
(PEK-uh-buhl)

MEANING:
adjective: Imperfect; flawed; capable of sinning.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin peccare (to err or sin). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ped- (foot), which also gave us pedal, podium, octopus, impeach, peccavi, and peccadillo (alluding to a stumble or fall). Earliest documented use: 1604.

USAGE:
“We picked up a Peugeot 406 automatic at Toulouse airport. I approached the glossy woman at the airport desk and announced in extremely peccable French: ‘The car is here, brothel-owning lady, for us.’”
Mark Dapin; Lost in France; The Times (London, UK); Aug 21, 2004.

See more usage examples of peccable in Vocabulary.com’s dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
The higher up you go, the more mistakes you are allowed. Right at the top, if you make enough of them, it's considered to be your style. -Fred Astaire, dancer, actor, singer, musician, and choreographer (10 May 1899-1987)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith