Monday, July 1, 2013

Word of the Day lenitive

Word of the Day

  • lenitive
  • audio pronunciation
  • \LEN-uh-tiv\
  • DEFINITION
adjective
: alleviating pain or harshness : soothing
  • EXAMPLES
Peppermint, chamomile, and ginger are all reputed to have alenitive effect on the digestive system.

"They sing of thunder and driving rain, upon occasion, but the lenitive electro pop of Canadian boy-girl duo Purity Ring is decidedly more calming." — From an announcement by Jason Bracelin in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, April 7, 2013
  • DID YOU KNOW?
"Lenitive" first appeared in English in the 15th century. It derived from the Latin verb "lenire" ("to soften or soothe"), which was itself formed from the adjective "lenis," meaning "soft" or "mild." "Lenire" also gave us the adjective "lenient," which usually means "tolerant" or "indulgent" today but in its original sense carried the meaning of "relieving pain or stress." Often found in medical contexts, "lenitive" can also be a noun referring to a treatment (such as a salve) with soothing or healing properties.

Read more at http://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/#SI2FWWiMQBDLO0xo.99 















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