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.
Au fond is a phrase for when you mean something at its core or in its deepest sense. It's the kind of expression used when peeling back surface impressions to reach what really matters. Borrowed from French, it literally translates to "at the bottom." Au fond, let's get down to the bottom of this and find out what you really mean.
Example: She knew, au fond, that leaving the city was the right choice for her future.
The U.S. minted its final penny in November. As it enters a long afterlife in jars and under couch cushions, its cultural imprint lives on through expressions that were already in circulation long before the penny itself.
Catch up on this week in words. | Each week, we scan the latest headlines to spot words in action. From major news stories to pop culture buzz, this feature highlights language as it’s unfolding.
Stories about fast walkers, a “67” battle, and a fireworks-free town all contributed to the vocabulary from this week’s news. Each week, we scan the latest headlines to spot words in action. From major news stories to pop culture buzz, this feature highlights language as it’s unfolding.
