Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

Archives

FAQ


Jan 20, 2005
This week's theme
Miscellaneous words

This week's words
odium
presentism
repine
diriment
animus

“All words are pegs to hang ideas on.” ~Beecher
Send some to friends & family
Bookmark and Share Facebook Twitter Digg MySpace Bookmark and Share
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

diriment

(DIR-uh-ment) Pronunciation

adjective: Nullifying.

[From diriment-em, present participle of dirimere (to separate or interrupt), from emere (to take). Ultimately from Indo-European root em- (to take or distribute) that is also the source of words such as example, sample, assume, consume, prompt, ransom, vintage, and redeem.]

"Arguably, sometime Illinois senatorial candidate Jack Ryan is a cad. One might even contend that he is a dummy. However, neither of these characteristics have ever been a diriment impediment to service in the United States Senate."
Andrew Greeley; Will Voters Reject the Media Feeding Frenzy?; Chicago Sun Times; Jul 2, 2004.

"Thus are we able to report that the Bishop of London's hamster has shuffled off the treadmill, that there is a lively correspondence over whether Worzel Gummidge may lawfully marry Aunt Sally ('surely there are two diriment impediments to such a union')."
Mike Amos; John North -- In Search of Kate Adie; Northern Echo (Darlington, UK); Sep 27, 2001.

X-Bonus

That man is truly good who knows his own dark places. -Beowulf

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