Overview

Episode Theme:
This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day explores the adjective "vociferous"—a word used to describe people or actions that are loud and insistent in expressing opinions or feelings. Host Peter Sokolowski delves into its definition, usage, etymology, and examples, aiming to enrich listeners’ vocabularies in a concise daily segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Pronunciation

• Word: vociferous
• Spelling: V-O-C-I-F-E-R-O-U-S
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Meaning:
  • Describes people who express their feelings or opinions loudly and insistently
  • Can also apply to things (like objections or support) that are expressed in the same manner

2. Example of Usage

• Sentence from the Denver Post:

  "Earlier, there was talk of building a sports complex with playing fields in Highlands Ranch 202-acre Wildcat Regional park, which is owned by the county. But that plan was met with vociferous opposition from residents last year."
  – [00:42]

3. Related Forms and Literal Meaning

• Verb Form: To vociferate
  • Definition: To cry out loudly and insistently
• Who qualifies as vociferous?
  • Anyone, especially when loudly or insistently showing support or displeasure
  • Typical actions: "hooting and hollering" – [01:25]

4. Etymology

• Root Language: Latin
  • Vociferate, Vociferous come from the Latin verb vociferari
  • vox ("voice") + ferre ("to carry")
  • The word literally means "to carry the voice" – [01:37]

5. Broader Use

• Who or what can be vociferous?
  • Individuals, critics, crowds, fans
  • Anything characterized by loud insistence:
    • "vociferous complaints"
    • "a vociferous defense"
    • "vociferous support" – [01:58]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Definition:

  “Vociferous is an adjective. It describes people who express their feelings or opinions loudly and insistently. It's also applied to things such as objections that are expressed in such a way.”
  – Peter Sokolowski [00:42]

• On Verb Form:

  “To vociferate is to cry out loudly and insistently. Those who vociferate qualify as vociferous, especially when they loudly or insistently show their support for or displeasure in something by hooting and hollering.”
  – Peter Sokolowski [01:25]

• On Etymology:

  “Both vociferate and vociferous come from the Latin verb voce ferrari, a combining of vox, meaning voice, with fere, meaning to carry."
  – Peter Sokolowski [01:37]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:42] – Word introduced, spelling and part of speech
• [00:45] – Usage example from the Denver Post
• [01:13] – Explanation of the verb “to vociferate”
• [01:25] – Who qualifies as vociferous and typical behaviors
• [01:37] – Etymology: Latin roots explained
• [01:58] – Broader applications: “vociferous” for crowds, complaints, defenses, and support

Conclusion

Through engaging definitions, real-world usage, and a bit of etymology, this episode enriches listeners’ word power by spotlighting “vociferous.” The tone is educational yet accessible, with host Peter Sokolowski providing clarity and memorable examples to make the word stick.