Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Vouchsafe"

Episode Information

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host: Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster
• Episode: Vouchsafe
• Release Date: April 9, 2025
• Description: A free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts.

Introduction to "Vouchsafe"

In the April 9, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the nuanced and historically rich word "vouchsafe." Starting the podcast promptly at [00:00], Sokolowski introduces the word with clarity and enthusiasm:

“Today's Word is vouchsafe. Spelled V O U C H S A F E. Vouchsafe is a verb. It's a formal and old fashioned word meaning to give something to someone as a promise or a privilege.”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]

Defining "Vouchsafe" with Contemporary Context

Sokolowski seamlessly transitions from definition to application by presenting a sentence from The Daily Telegraph. This example not only illustrates the word's meaning but also situates it within modern literary usage:

“Arthur Conan Doyle wrote several horribly chilling tales of the supernatural, although this might surprise readers who only know his Sherlock Holmes stories. When there are eerie goings on in the Holmes yarns, a rational explanation is inevitably vouchsafed a la Scooby Doo.”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:30]

This comparison to Scooby Doo serves to demystify "vouchsafe" by aligning it with familiar cultural references, thereby making the word more accessible to contemporary audiences.

Historical Significance and Shakespearean Usage

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the historical roots of "vouchsafe," particularly its prominence in Shakespearean literature. Sokolowski provides an enlightening overview of the word's evolution:

“Shakespeare fans are well acquainted with the word vouchsafe, which in its Middle English form meant to grant consent, ordain. The word, which was borrowed with its present meaning from Anglo French in the 14th century, pops up fairly frequently in the Bard's work. Sixty times, to be exact.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:15]

He further enriches the discussion by citing specific instances from Shakespeare's plays, demonstrating the word's versatility and enduring relevance:

“Vouchsafe me yet your picture for my love beseeches Proteus of Silvia in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Vouchsafe me raiment, bed and food. King Lear begs his daughter Regan.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:45]

These examples not only highlight "vouchsafe's" usage but also showcase its ability to convey deep emotional and relational nuances within literary contexts.

"Vouchsafe" in Modern Writing

Transitioning from historical contexts, Sokolowski emphasizes that "vouchsafe" remains a valuable tool for today's writers. He underscores the word's capacity to add a formal or poetic flavor to contemporary writing:

“But you needn't turn to Shakespeare to find vouchsafe. Today's writers still find it to be a perfectly useful word.”
— Peter Sokolowski [02:10]

This assertion encourages listeners to incorporate "vouchsafe" into their own vocabularies, enhancing their expressive capabilities.

Conclusion and Further Resources

In wrapping up the episode, Sokolowski reaffirms the enduring power of "vouchsafe" and invites listeners to continue their linguistic journey with Merriam-Webster:

“With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit Merriam-Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups.”
— Peter Sokolowski [02:30]

Key Takeaways

• Definition: "Vouchsafe" is a formal, archaic verb meaning to grant something as a promise or privilege.
• Literary Usage: Prominently featured in Shakespeare's works, embedding rich emotional and relational contexts.
• Modern Relevance: Continues to be a useful and expressive word for contemporary writers and speakers.
• Engagement: The podcast effectively blends definitions with literary examples and modern applications, making the word both educational and engaging.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Introduction & Definition:
  “Today's Word is vouchsafe. Spelled V O U C H S A F E. Vouchsafe is a verb. It's a formal and old fashioned word meaning to give something to someone as a promise or a privilege.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:00]

• Contemporary Example:
  “When there are eerie goings on in the Holmes yarns, a rational explanation is inevitably vouchsafed a la Scooby Doo.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:30]

• Shakespearean Context:
  “Shakespeare fans are well acquainted with the word vouchsafe, which in its Middle English form meant to grant consent, ordain... Sixty times, to be exact.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:15]

• Modern Usage Affirmation:
  “Today's writers still find it to be a perfectly useful word.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [02:10]

• Closing Invitation:
  “With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit Merriam-Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [02:30]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day not only imparts the meaning of "vouchsafe" but also enriches the listener's understanding through historical context and literary examples. Peter Sokolowski's engaging narration ensures that both language enthusiasts and casual learners find value and inspiration to incorporate such a distinguished word into their daily lexicon.