Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

Archives

FAQ


A.Word.A.Day--vulgate

Pronunciation RealAudio

vulgate (VUL-GAYT) noun

1. Everyday, informal speech of a people.

2. Any widely accepted text of a work.

3. The Latin version of the Bible made by Saint Jerome at the end of the 4th century.

[From Late Latin vulgata editio (popular edition), past participle of vulgare (to make public or common), from vulgus (the public).]

"A failure to communicate. That phrase, which wormed its way into the vulgate via the great Paul Newman movie, `Cool Hand Luke,' perfectly describes some of the recent imbroglios in which prominent public figures have lately found themselves." Alan Abelson, Up & Down Wall Street: Cloudy Forecast, Barron's (Chicopee, Massachusetts), Feb 12, 2001.

This week's theme: words about words.

X-Bonus

An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stoplight... The truly wise person is color-blind. -Albert Schweitzer, philosopher, physician, musician, Nobel laureate (1875-1965)

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