The following are believed to be the words most frequently looked up in dictionaries, excluding vulgarities, based on studies of words looked up in online dictionaries between 1997 and 1998. The words are listed in reverse order of frequency, and brief definitions are given. For complete definitions, it is recommended that you look the words up in a proper dictionary.
paradigm
an example that serves as a pattern or model.
conundrum
a riddle answered by a pun; also, a paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem.
oxymoron
the juxtaposition of incongruous or contradictory terms.
ubiquitous
omnipresent.
bastion
a well-fortified position.
epiphany
a revelation.
serendipity
the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.
encephalopathy
any of various brain diseases.
portcullis
a wooden or iron grate, suspended in front of a gateway and lowered to block passage.
heuristic
a speculative formulation which serves as a guide in the investigation of a problem.
metaphor
implied comparison between two things by calling or implying that one is the other.
pedantic
characterized by a narrow, often ostentatious concern for book learning and formal rules.
eclectic
selecting and employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles.
misogynist
one who hates women.
hubris
overbearing pride; arrogance.
egregious
conspicuously bad or offensive.
acronym
a word fabricated from the initial letters of a name or phrase.
synergy
the interaction of multiple agents or forces in such a way that the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
ontology
the branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being.
nihilism
the belief that the destruction of existing political and/or social institutions is necessary for future improvement.
algorithm
a step-by-step procedure for solving a particular problem or set of problems.
epistemology
the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of knowledge.
esoteric
intended for or understood by only a particular group.
empirical
relying on or derived from observation or experiment; guided by practical experience rather than theory.
stochastic
conjectural; involving chance or randomness.
integrity
the state of being unimpaired, sound, whole, complete, or strictly moral.
hyperbole
an exaggeration.
symbiosis
a relationship of mutually beneficial or dependence.
paradox
an apparent contradiction which may nevertheless be true.
pragmatic
dealing with facts and actual occurrences; practical.
obsequious
exhibiting servile compliance.
caveat
a warning, qualification, or explanation.
euthanasia
the practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or incurable condition.
rhetoric
the art or study of using language effectively and persuasively; more generally, verbal communication.
hegemony
the predominant influence of one state over others.
holistic
emphasizing the whole and the interdependence of its parts.
kvetch
to complain persistently and whiningly
dichotomy
division into two usually contradictory parts or opinions.
sanguine
cheerfully confident or optimistic; also, having a healthy, reddish color.
semantic
of or relating to meaning.
deficit
inadequacy or insufficiency.
spongiform
soft and porous, as a sponge.
ambiguous
open to more than one interpretation.
superfluous
extraneous.
salient
strikingly conspicuous; prominent.
capricious
subject to whim; impulsive and unpredictable.
facetious
playfully jocular; humorous.
sycophant
one who attempts to gain a personal advantage by servile flattery.
fascist
a dictatorial person.
protocol
a code of correct conduct.
agnostic
one who believes that existence of God cannot be known but does not deny the possibility that God exists.
empathy
identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives.
loquacious
talkative; garrulous.
ethereal
characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; intangible.
anomaly
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