stipulate

Summary

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day Podcast Summary
Episode: "Stipulate"
Host: Merriam-Webster
Release Date: August 11, 2025

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Introduction

In the August 11, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski introduces the word "stipulate." This episode delves into the meaning, usage, and historical background of the term, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of its application in both modern and historical contexts.

Definition of "Stipulate"

Peter Sokolowski begins by defining "stipulate" as a verb. He explains:

"To stipulate is to demand or require something as part of an agreement."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:41]

This definition underscores the word's relevance in contexts where conditions or requirements are being set within agreements or contracts.

Usage Example

To illustrate the usage of "stipulate," Sokolowski references a sentence from the New York Times discussing Christine Nilsson, a renowned soprano from the 19th century:

"Christine Nilsson, the Met's first diva in 1883, could not only stipulate by contract her choice of roles, but could prohibit their performance by any other soprano in the same season."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:55]

This example highlights how Nilsson leveraged her authority to set specific terms for her performances, showcasing the practical application of stipulating terms in contractual agreements.

Etymology and Historical Context

Sokolowski delves into the origins of "stipulate," tracing it back to its Latin roots:

"Stipulate is an English word since the 1600s, stemming from the Latin stipulatus, the past participle of stipulari, meaning to demand a guarantee from a prospective debtor."
— Peter Sokolowski [01:15]

He further explains that in Roman law, oral contracts were only considered valid if they followed a specific question and answer format, a process sometimes referred to as stipulation. This historical usage underscores the term's longstanding association with formal agreements and legal contexts.

Contemporary Usage

While rooted in legal terminology, "stipulate" has evolved to encompass any condition or requirement set within an agreement. Sokolowski notes:

"The meaning of stipulate also dates to the 17th century and is the sense of the word most often encountered today."
— Peter Sokolowski [01:45]

This contemporary usage extends beyond legal contracts, making the term applicable in everyday situations where conditions are being established or negotiated.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Peter Sokolowski reinforces the importance of understanding and using the word "stipulate" correctly to enhance one's vocabulary and communication skills. He encourages listeners to explore more definitions and word uses at Merriam-Webster's website:

"Visit Merriam Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."
— Peter Sokolowski [02:06]

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This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their vocabulary, particularly with words that have rich historical backgrounds and versatile applications in both formal and informal contexts.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign It's Merriam Webster's Word of the Day podcast for August 11th.

[B]

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[A]

Today'S word is stipulate Spelled S T I P U L A T E Stipulate is a verb. To stipulate is to demand or require something as part of an agreement. Here's the word used in a sentence from Vogue. Nilsson's reputation preceded her, the New York Times wrote of her Christine Nilsson, the Met's first diva in 1883, could not only stipulate by contract her choice of roles, but could prohibit their performance by any other soprano in the same season. Like many terms used in the legal profession, stipulate, an English word since the 1600s, has its roots in Latin. It comes from stipulatus, the past participle of stipulari, a verb meaning to demand a guarantee from a prospective debtor. In Roman law, oral contracts were deemed valid only if they followed proper question and answer format. Stipulate was sometimes used specifically of this same process of contract making, though it could also be used more generally for any means of making a contract or agreement. The to specify as a condition or requirement. Meaning of stipulate also dates to the 17th century and is the sense of the word most often encountered today. With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.

[B]

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