Skip to content

The word for today is…

overweening (adjective):

1: arrogant, presumptuous
2: immoderate, exaggerated

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology : “The overweening conceit which the greater part of men have of their own abilities is an ancient evil remarked by the philosophers and moralists of all ages.” So wrote the Scottish philosopher Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations. But while overweening conceit might be an age-old evil, the word overweening is of 14th century vintage. It developed from a form of the Middle English verb overwenen, meaning “to be arrogant.” That term built on wenen, meaning “to think” or “to suppose.” Today, the adjective overweening is the most widely used of the wenen descendants, but historical texts also occasionally include the verb overween, meaning “to think too highly of one’s own opinion.” It was also possible at one time to ween just enough, without overdoing it. All things in moderation—even self-esteem—after all.

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

Latest

Face of the Day

Face of the Day

“Families, workers, and small businesses have carried the cost of bad decisions, wasteful spending, and red tape that makes it harder to get ahead. I’ll never forget that I’m in this role to be their advocate, fix what matters and deliver better value for the people who pay the bills.” – McKee.

Members Public
The Good Oil Word of the Day

The Good Oil Word of the Day

The word for today is… nexus (noun) - 1: connection, link, also : a causal link 2: a connected group or series 3: center, focus Source : Merriam-Webster Etymology : When nexus came into English in the 17th century, it meant “connection” or “link.” Eventually, people began using it to refer to a

Members Public
The Good Oil Daily Bible Verse

The Good Oil Daily Bible Verse

And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.

Members Public