Episode Overview

Title: tempestuous
Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Date: August 16, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

This episode delves into the word "tempestuous," exploring its meanings, literary applications, origin, and related vocabulary. The episode draws connections between meteorological phenomena and human emotion, highlighting how English words often bridge these realms.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Usage ([00:41])

• "Tempestuous" is spelled T-E-M-P-E-S-T-U-O-U-S.
• It is an adjective used to describe things related to or resembling a violent storm.
  • Literal sense: Synonymous with "turbulent."
  • Figurative sense: Means full of strong emotions such as anger or excitement.

2. Example in Context ([01:10])

• Quote from AV Club:

  "Whether it's facing down a motley vessel manned by weird little nut pirates or the tempestuous waves of the stormy climax, a deluge of words in English do double duty in describing both the weather and the various emotions, relationships and travails of humankind."
  — Peter Sokolowski quoting AV Club

• The example sentence showcases "tempestuous" describing both literal stormy seas and emotionally intense situations.

3. Broader Insight: Weather Words in English ([01:27])

• English abounds in words that describe both weather and human mood or actions:
  • "Sunny disposition," "windy speech."
• Tempestuous is part of a broad category of such words.

4. Etymology and Historical Background ([01:45])

• "Tempestuous" first appeared in English in the 15th century.
• It has always been used:
  • For literal storms (e.g., "tempestuous seas"),
  • For figuratively stormy personalities or arguments.
• Root word: "Tempest," meaning a violent storm or uproar.
  • "Tempestuous" comes via Anglo-French from Latin "tempestas," which meant stretch of time, season, and stormy weather.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Literal and Figurative Usage:

  "Tempestuous describes something or someone full of strong emotions such as anger or excitement."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:41]

• Weather & Emotions Connection:

  "A deluge of words in English do double duty in describing both the weather and the various emotions, relationships and travails of humankind."
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:22]

• Etymology Illuminated:

  "'Tempestuous' hails via Anglo-French from the Latin word 'tempestas,' which has multiple meanings, including stretch of time, season and stormy weather."
  — Peter Sokolowski [02:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:41: Introduction, spelling, and definition of "tempestuous"
• 01:10: Example sentence from AV Club, showing literal and figurative uses
• 01:27: Commentary on weather words as metaphors for emotion
• 01:45: Historical and etymological background
• 02:31: End of content

Language & Tone

The host, Peter Sokolowski, maintains an instructive and engaging tone throughout, seamlessly weaving linguistic detail with accessible examples and a touch of humor.