Master English one word at a time. World of Words provides a daily English word with its precise meaning, pronunciation, and practical usage examples to help you build a powerful vocabulary.
Verecund is a rare but poetic way to describe someone who's bashful or modest. It's one of many fancy synonyms for that trait, including "diffident" and "reticent." There's nothing dull about a verecund person — they're just unlikely to make themselves the center of attention.
Example: The verecund student looked down at the floor when the teacher praised her perfect test score.
A whirligig is a toy that spins or whirls. It could be set in motion by wind, a string, or just a quick twist of the hand. Pinwheels and spinning tops are familiar examples, but the word can cover all sorts of playful contraptions. You could even make your own whirligig if you're feeling creative!
Example: The toddler laughed as the colorful whirligig spun around and around.
