Skip to content

Table of Contents

The word for today is…

disaster (noun):

1: a sudden calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction
natural disasters
2: someone or something that is very bad
a: someone or something that is extremely unsuccessful
b: someone or something that has a very bad effect or result
c: someone who is in a very agitated emotional state : wreck
d: someone or something that is in a very disordered state or condition : mess
3obsolete, occult : an unfavorable aspect (see aspect sense 2a) of a planet or star

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology : Disaster has its roots in the belief that the positions of stars influence the fate of humans, often in destructive ways; its original meaning in English was “an unfavorable aspect of a planet or star.” The word comes to us through Middle French and the Old Italian word disastro, from the Latin prefix dis- and Latin astro, meaning “star.” Another unfortunate word that comes to us from astrological beliefs is “ill-starred.” Now generally used in the sense of “unlucky” or “having or destined to a hapless fate,” “ill-starred” was originally used literally to describe someone born under or guided by an evil star. We also have star-crossed, meaning “not favored by the stars” or “ill-fated.”

If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest

The Good Oil Word of the Day

The Good Oil Word of the Day

The word for today is… inhere (verb) - : to be inherent Source : Merriam-Webster Etymology : You're probably familiar with inherent, the adjective meaning "part of the constitution or natural character of something," but were you aware of its less common relative inhere? This verb looks like it

Members Public
Night Cap

Night Cap

If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your support keeps

Members Public
Science Saturday

Science Saturday

If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your support keeps

Members Public