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Word History

The History of 'Cynic'

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

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Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

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The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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'All over sudden' vs. 'All of a sudden'

 

Figuring it out at once

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Why is there a 'd' in 'fridge' but not in 'refrigerator'?

 

Thawing one of the mysteries of English

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Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

 

How to remember which is which

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Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
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Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
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