Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: “Sedentary”

Episode Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode introduces and explores the word "sedentary," providing listeners with its definitions, usage, etymology, and related words. The host, Peter Sokolowski, breaks down the word's context in modern English, discusses its Latin origins, and highlights notable derivatives. The episode aims to enrich vocabulary while deepening understanding of word history and meaning.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Usage (00:00–01:00)

• Spelling and Part of Speech:

  • "Sedentary, spelled S E D E N T A R Y. Sedentary is an adjective..." [Peter Sokolowski, 00:05]

• Primary Meanings:

  • Something described as sedentary involves a lot of sitting.
  • It can also mean not physically active, as in "a sedentary lifestyle."
  • Can describe things or beings that are not migratory, like "sedentary birds" or a "sedentary civilization."

2. Contemporary Usage Example (00:20–00:30)

• Usage in a Modern Context:
  • "Employees across industries invested in sit stand setups with the hope of counteracting sedentary lifestyles." (Forbes, quoted by Peter Sokolowski, 00:22)
  • This highlights the modern concern with inactivity due to office work and remote work environments.

3. Etymology and Related Words (00:30–00:55)

• Origin of the Word:

  • "The word sedentary comes from the Latin verb sedere, meaning 'to sit.'" [Peter Sokolowski, 00:33]

• Family of Related Words:

  • Other English words from the Latin "sedere" include:
    • dissident
    • insidious
    • preside
    • reside
    • subsidy

• Rare Related Word:

  • "Sedere is also the base of the rare sedence, a noun that refers to a person who remains a resident of the place or region of their birth." [Peter Sokolowski, 00:45]

4. Memorable Quotes

• "Sedentary is an adjective. Something described as sedentary does or involves a lot of sitting."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:05]

• "The word sedentary comes from the Latin verb sedere, meaning to sit."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:33]

• "Sedere is also the base of the rare sedence, a noun that refers to a person who remains a resident of the place or region of their birth."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:45]

Notable Timestamps

• 00:00 — Introduction and spelling of "sedentary"
• 00:10 — Definitions: physically inactive, not migratory
• 00:22 — Usage in a Forbes article (modern workplace reference)
• 00:33 — Etymology: from the Latin "sedere"
• 00:40 — Related English words (dissident, insidious, preside, reside, subsidy)
• 00:45 — Rare related word: "sedence"

Episode Tone

The tone remains informative and accessible, focusing on practical knowledge and etymological curiosity, delivered in Peter Sokolowski’s clear and engaging style.

Summary

This brief yet thorough episode helps listeners expand their vocabulary by unpacking "sedentary" in depth—its spelling, meanings, cultural relevance, etymology, and word family. A memorable application in workplace culture and a rare word derivative make the entry comprehensive for word enthusiasts and everyday listeners alike.