Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Impervious"
Episode Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Introduction
In the latest episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day," host Peter Sokolowski introduces and delves deep into the word "impervious." Released on May 15, 2025, this episode offers listeners not only the definition of the word but also its practical applications, etymology, and contextual usage, enriching their vocabulary and understanding of nuanced English terms.
Definition and Pronunciation
Peter Sokolowski begins by spelling out the word: I-M-P-E-R-V-I-O-U-S, emphasizing its correct pronunciation as an adjective. He elucidates two primary definitions:
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Literal Sense: Describing something that does not allow substances like water or light to penetrate or pass through.
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Figurative Sense: Indicating a state of being unaffected or not bothered by external factors.
Timestamp [00:41]
Usage in Context
To illustrate "impervious" in action, Peter references a sentence from a Variety article by Rebecca Rubin:
"All of this ups the already sky-high stakes for Superman, which relaunches the DC Universe. Under the direction of Gunn and Peter Safran, the film is the studio's best hope at fielding a billion-dollar blockbuster in 2025. But even the man impervious to box office Kryptonite."
In this context, "impervious" conveys Superman's resilience against significant challenges, metaphorically referring to his ability to remain unaffected by obstacles that might hinder others.
Timestamp [01:20]
Etymology and Historical Background
Peter delves into the origins of "impervious," tracing it back to its Latin roots. He explains:
- Latin Ancestor: Impervius
- Prefix: Im- meaning "not"
- Root: Pervius meaning "passable" or "penetrable"
- Further Breakdown: Pervious derives from per- ("through") and via ("way").
Thus, "impervious" literally means "not passable," aligning with its primary definition of being impenetrable. Peter notes that the word entered the English language in the early 1600s and has maintained a straightforward history without significant shifts in meaning.
Timestamp [01:45]
Practical Examples and Applications
Peter provides both literal and figurative examples to solidify understanding:
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Literal: "Surfaces like asphalt and concrete are impervious to rain, preventing water from seeping through."
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Figurative: "Despite the harsh criticism, she remained impervious to the negative feedback, focusing solely on her goals."
These examples showcase the versatility of "impervious" in various contexts, enhancing descriptive language whether discussing physical properties or personal resilience.
Timestamp [02:10]
Antonyms and Related Terms
Highlighting the importance of understanding opposites, Peter introduces the antonym "pervious," which also entered English around the same time as "impervious" but remains less commonly used. "Pervious" means allowing passage or penetration, directly contrasting with "impervious."
Timestamp [02:25]
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, Peter reaffirms the significance of expanding one's vocabulary with words like "impervious," which offer precise expression in both everyday and specialized language contexts. He encourages listeners to explore more words and their rich histories to enhance their language proficiency.
Timestamp [02:35]
Resources and Further Learning
For listeners eager to delve deeper, Peter directs them to visit Merriam-Webster.com for comprehensive definitions, engaging wordplay, and trending word lookups. This platform serves as a valuable tool for continuous learning and vocabulary enhancement.
Notable Quote:
"Impervious describes things that don't allow a way through something, whether literally, as in asphalt, concrete and other surfaces that are impervious to rain, or figuratively, as in impervious to the criticism or pressure."
— Peter Sokolowski [02:10]
This detailed exploration of "impervious" not only defines the term but also enriches the listener's understanding through contextual examples and historical insights, making it a valuable addition to anyone's vocabulary arsenal.