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.
Something quaggy is swampy, wet, and probably a bit mucky, too. The word brings to mind boots sinking into the earth and the unmistakable squelch that follows. A quaggy field is the sort of place you'll want to cross carefully — or avoid altogether!
Example: The surveyors struggled to walk through the quaggy wetlands.
Wondering if your desk strewn with empty coffee cups and papers is messy or unkempt? Both describe a lack of neatness, but one can also be figurative, while the other usually refers to physical appearance.
A votary is someone deeply devoted to a particular pursuit. The word originally referred to a person bound by a religious vow, and traces of that commitment still linger in its modern use. A votary doesn't merely enjoy a hobby; they weave it into their lifestyle.
Example: As a lifelong votary of classical music, she attended as many local orchestral concerts as she could afford.
