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.
To lapidify is to turn into stone or cause something else to become stone. The word is as comfortable in geology as it is in ancient legends — think of lava cooling into rock, or statues forming from mythic curses. There's no turning back when something lapidifies.
Example: The magical spring water was said to have the power to lapidify any living creature that touched it.
While some people might view emoji as silly little characters, that's not how we see it. There's a sophisticated system in the way people use emoji, and that's something we take very seriously!
Whether it's a rant at a town hall or a tirade in a drama, a harangue tends to leave its audience more annoyed than enlightened. The word was used for centuries to describe any public address, but over time, it picked up a sharper edge. Today, if someone launches into a harangue, you're probably in for a lecture, not a dialogue.
Example: The politician delivered a lengthy, self-important harangue to the bored and dwindling crowd.
