indomitable

Summary

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Overview

Episode Theme:
The episode explores the word "indomitable"—its meaning, origins, and usage—offering listeners a concise yet illuminating dive into the etymology and application of this formal English adjective.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Definition and Usage (00:33)

• Word of the Day: Indomitable
  • Spelling: I-N-D-O-M-I-T-A-B-L-E
  • Part of Speech: Adjective
  • Definition: A formal word used to describe something that is impossible to defeat or discourage.
  • Example Sentence:

    "During his legendary NBA career, Michael Jordan was renowned not only for his athleticism and skill, but also for his indomitable will to win."
    (00:36, speaker A)

2. Pronunciation and Impressions (00:49)

• The host highlights the word’s "five punchy syllables" and describes it as "imposing," noting that while it might perplex some, a breakdown makes it accessible.

3. Etymology Breakdown (01:04)

• Word Parts:
  • Prefix: "in-" (or "im-" before b, m, and p), as in "innumerable."
  • Suffix: "-able" means "capable of, fit for or worthy of."
  • Root: Derived from Latin domitare, meaning "to tame."
• Combined Meaning: Indomitable literally means "not able to be tamed."
• Quote:

  "Combine those two English affixes with the Latin verb domitare, meaning to tame, and voila, indomitable."
  (01:17, speaker A)

4. Evolution of Meaning (01:29)

• The word indomitable first appeared in English to describe things that cannot be tamed (synonym of "wild").
• Over time, its meaning shifted to signify a particular kind of unyielding strength instead of general wildness.

5. Final Reflection and Sign-off (01:43)

• The connection to English vocabulary is succinctly summarized:

  "But over time, the wildness associated with indomitable developed into a specific kind of invulnerable strength."
  (01:39, speaker A)

• Listener is reminded of the value of expanding vocabulary and appreciating etymology.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Indomitable is an adjective. It's a formal word used to describe something that is impossible to defeat or discourage."
  (00:34, speaker A)

• "At five punchy syllables, the word indomitable is imposing. So it's inevitable that some are perplexed by this synonym for impregnable. But it's not so tough once you break it into parts."
  (00:49, speaker A)

• "Indomitable was first used in English as a synonym of wild, describing, appropriately enough, things that cannot be tamed. But over time, the wildness associated with indomitable developed into a specific kind of invulnerable strength."
  (01:29, speaker A)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:33 — Definition, spelling, and usage example (Michael Jordan reference)
• 00:49 — The word’s syllabic structure, impressions, and simple breakdown
• 01:04 — In-depth etymology and explanation of parts
• 01:29 — Historical usage and shift in meaning
• 01:43 — Episode summary and word of the day sign-off

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Language and Tone

• The episode is informative, engaging, and accessible, using illustrative examples and a friendly, educational tone characteristic of Merriam-Webster’s style.
• The host, Peter Sokolowski, combines scholarly insight with memorable anecdotes to foster a love of language.

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Wrap-Up and Further Resources

• Listeners are invited to visit merriamwebster.com for more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups (02:06).

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Transcript

[A]

Foreign. It's Merriam Webster's Word of the Day for June 19th.

[B]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[A]

Today's word is indomitable Spelled I, N, D, O, M, I, T, A, B, L, E Indomitable is an adjective. It's a formal word used to describe something that is impossible to defeat or discourage. Here's the word used in a sentence from the Chicago Tribune during his legendary NBA career, Michael Jordan was renowned not only for his athleticism and skill, but also for his indomitable will to win. At five punchy syllables, the word indomitable is imposing. So it's inevitable that some are perplexed by this synonym for impregnable. But it's not so tough once you break it into parts. The prefix in in spelled I am before b, m and p, not in an innumerable collection of English words. The common suffix able means capable of, fit for or worthy of. Combine those two English affixes with the Latin verb domitare, meaning to tame, and voila, indomitable. Indomitable was first used in English as a synonym of wild, describing, appropriately enough, things that cannot be tamed. But over time, the wildness associated with indomitable developed into a specific kind of invulnerable strength with your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.

[C]

Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups.