Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Imperturbable"

Podcast Information

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host: Peter Sokolowski (attributed as "B" in the transcript)
• Episode: Imperturbable
• Release Date: March 10, 2025
• Description: A free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts.

Introduction to "Imperturbable"

In the March 10, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski introduces the word "imperturbable" as the featured term. The episode aims to enrich listeners' vocabulary by providing comprehensive insights into the word's meaning, usage, and origins.

Definition of Imperturbable

Peter Sokolowski begins by clearly defining "imperturbable":

"Imperturbable is an adjective. It describes someone or something marked by extreme calm, such as a person or thing that is very hard to disturb or upset."

(Timestamp: 00:42)

This definition sets the foundation for understanding the word's application in various contexts.

Usage Example

To illustrate the word in context, Sokolowski shares a sentence from The Daily Californian:

"The thick heat is not letting up after a long stretch of nearly 90-degree days, though the crowd has not seemed to notice. Instead, these thousands of people emanate a truly imperturbable energy as they get to see gospel legend Mavis Staples for free."

(Timestamp: 01:10)

This example demonstrates how "imperturbable" can describe a group's composed demeanor despite challenging circumstances.

Etymology and Linguistic Roots

Delving deeper, Sokolowski explores the origin of "imperturbable":

"This word, as well as its antonym, perturbable, comes from the Latin verb perturbare, meaning to agitate, trouble or throw into confusion. Perturbare comes in turn from the combination of per, meaning thoroughly, and turbare, meaning to disturb."

(Timestamp: 01:50)

He further explains the connection to other English words derived from "perturbare":

"Unsurprisingly, perturbare is also the source of the English verb perturb. Other perturbare descendants include disturb, as in to destroy the tranquility or composure of, and turbid, meaning thick or opaque with or as if with roiled sediment."

(Timestamp: 02:10)

This exploration highlights the word's rich linguistic heritage and its relation to other commonly used terms.

Speaker Attribution and Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski wraps up the word exploration with a concise summary:

"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."

(Timestamp: 02:15)

He encourages listeners to visit Merriam-Webster's website for further definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, reinforcing the podcast's mission to enhance vocabulary and language appreciation.

Notable Quotes

• Definition:
  "Imperturbable is an adjective. It describes someone or something marked by extreme calm, such as a person or thing that is very hard to disturb or upset."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:42)

• Usage Example:
  "These thousands of people emanate a truly imperturbable energy as they get to see gospel legend Mavis Staples for free."
  — Peter Sokolowski (01:10)

• Etymology Insight:
  "Perturbare comes in turn from the combination of per, meaning thoroughly, and turbare, meaning to disturb."
  — Peter Sokolowski (01:50)

Conclusion

The episode effectively breaks down the word "imperturbable," offering listeners a clear definition, practical usage example, and an in-depth look at its etymology. By understanding both the meaning and the roots of the word, audiences can better incorporate "imperturbable" into their vocabulary, enhancing their language proficiency and expressive capabilities.

For those interested in expanding their word power further, Merriam-Webster's platform provides additional resources, including definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.