Word a Day
sesquipedalian
What does sesquipedalian mean?
sesquipedalian (adjective): pertaining to or given to the use of overly long words.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use sesquipedalian in a sentence?
- Our dinner guest was so sesquipedalian that no one could understand what he said. (Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where does sesquipedalian come from?
From sesquipedal + -ian (adjective- and noun-forming suffix), root from Latin sēsquipedālis (literally “a foot and a half long”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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What does “sesquipedalian” mean?
well skilled; completely versed; thoroughly proficient
Not quite: that's what adept means.
without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
Not quite: that's what blatant means.
caused by or evidencing a mentally disturbed condition
Not quite: that's what pathological means.
pertaining to or given to the use of overly long words
Right! That's what “sesquipedalian” means.
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