Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Abject"

Episode Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction

In the July 16, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, hosted by Peter Sokolowski, the featured word is "abject." This episode delves into the nuances of the term, exploring its definitions, usage in literature, historical origins, and related linguistic insights.

Definition and Usage

"Abject" is presented as an adjective with multifaceted meanings. The host articulates:

"Abject is an adjective. It usually describes things that are extremely bad or severe. It can also describe something that feels or shows shame or someone lacking courage or strength."
[00:30]

This duality in definition highlights the word's capacity to convey both dire circumstances and profound emotional states.

Literary Example

To contextualize "abject," the podcast references an excerpt from the Los Angeles Times:

"This moment points toward the book's core. A question of how to distinguish tenderness from frugality is homework about a child who took a remarkably frictionless path, aided by a nation that had invested in civic institutions from monetary hardship to the ivory tower. Merely technically is it a story of how members of a family, protected by a social safety net from abject desperation, developed different ideas about how to relate to material circumstance."
[01:00]

This example illustrates "abject" in the context of "abject desperation," underscoring its association with extreme distress and hopelessness.

Etymology and Historical Context

Peter Sokolowski provides a thorough exploration of the word's origins:

"In Middle English, it described those lowly ones who are rejected and cast out. By the 15th century, it was applied, as it still is today, to anything that has sunk to or exists in a low state or condition."
[02:15]

The term's Latin roots are also examined:

"The word's Latin source is the verb 'abicere,' meaning to throw away, throw down, overcome, or abandon. Like 'reject,' its ultimate root is the Latin verb 'jacquere,' meaning to throw."
[02:45]

This etymological insight connects "abject" to the notions of rejection and abandonment, enriching the understanding of its contemporary usage.

Related Words and Linguistic Connections

Delving into related vocabulary, the podcast notes:

"Subject is also from 'jacquere,' and we'll leave you with that word as a way to change the subject with your word of the day."
[03:15]

This playful linguistic connection not only highlights the shared root between "abject" and "subject" but also provides listeners with an engaging mnemonic device to remember the word.

Practical Applications

The host emphasizes the versatility of "abject" in modern language:

"In modern use, it often comes before the words poverty, misery, and failure. Applied to words like surrender and apology, it connotes hopelessness and humility."
[03:45]

This segmentation illustrates how "abject" can modify various nouns and verbs to intensify their meanings, making it a powerful descriptor in both written and spoken contexts.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Peter Sokolowski invites listeners to further engage with words:

"Visit Merriam Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."
[04:10]

This call-to-action encourages continual learning and exploration of language, reinforcing Merriam-Webster's role as a resource for word enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes

• Definition of "Abject":

  "Abject is an adjective. It usually describes things that are extremely bad or severe. It can also describe something that feels or shows shame or someone lacking courage or strength."
  [00:30]

• Literary Example:

  "Protected by a social safety net from abject desperation, developed different ideas about how to relate to material circumstance."
  [01:00]

• Etymology:

  "The word's Latin source is the verb 'abicere,' meaning to throw away, throw down, overcome, or abandon."
  [02:45]

Insights and Reflections

Through this episode, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of "abject," appreciating its depth and versatility. The exploration from definition to etymology not only clarifies the word's meaning but also situates it within the broader tapestry of the English language. By providing literary examples and related terms, Merriam-Webster ensures that listeners can effectively incorporate "abject" into their vocabulary with confidence and precision.

For more enriching word explorations, visit Merriam-Webster's website.