Word of the Day, December 30, 2022

[ ] December 30, 2022 Word of the Day [discomfit]( [Discuss]( Definition: (verb) To make uneasy or perplexed; disconcert. Synonyms: [discompose]( [untune]( [upset]( [disconcert]( Usage: Her extreme candor would often discomfit strangers who suddenly found themselves privy to her most private thoughts. Missing Idiom Contest The Free Dictionary has the largest collection of English idioms in the world. But we're always looking for more to add, and we want your help! Every so often we hear from users who have looked up an idiom on The Free Dictionary that it was not found in the database. Maybe it was some expression they heard at work, or some phrase they grew up hearing their grandmother say. If you know an idiom that isn't already defined on The Free Dictionary, [send it to us]( and you might win $150 USD. The Farlex Financial Dictionary [The Farlex Financial Dictionary] New! Define your success with the essential financial and business dictionary. ✔ 19,000+ entries covering both basic and advanced concepts—nearly 4X more than the leading financial dictionary! ✔ Cut through the jargon with clear, in-depth definitions backed by industry expertise. [Buy now](as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=farlex-el-20) Idiom of the Day [800-pound gorilla]( — A person, group, or organization so powerful (either by size or by influence) that it does not need to heed the rules or threats of others. It refers to the riddle "Where does an 800-pound gorilla sit?" (Answer: "Wherever it likes.") Primarily heard in US. [More...]( Article of the Day Gargoyles [Discuss]( Gargoyles are waterspouts that were used in medieval Europe to draw rainwater from church and cathedral roofs. They were fashioned imaginatively in the forms of human grotesques, beasts, and demons, supposedly to scare off evil spirits. This form of sculpture reached its peak in the Gothic period and declined with the introduction of lead drainpipes in the 16th century. A similar type of sculpture that does not work as a waterspout and serves only an ornamental function is called what? [More...]( Daily Grammar Lesson The Difference between Finite and Non-Finite Verbs [Discuss]( Finite verbs are verbs that have subjects and indicate grammatical tense, person, and number. These verbs describe the action of a person, place, or thing in the sentence. What are non-finite verbs? [More...]( This Day in History Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Formed (1922) [Discuss]( Traditionally considered the successor state of the Russian Empire, the USSR was established in 1922 and unified the Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian, and Transcaucasian Soviet republics under one government. The largest country in the world, the USSR occupied a seventh of the land surface on Earth. It became a superpower that rivaled the US in domination of global affairs until its collapse and dissolution in 1991. In what year were diplomatic relations between the US and USSR first established? [More...]( Today's Birthday Hideki Tojo (1884) [Discuss]( Tojo's accession as prime minister of Japan in 1941 marked the final triumph of the military faction that advocated war with the US and Great Britain. As the most powerful leader in the government during World War II, he approved the attack on Pearl Harbor and pushed the Japanese offensive in China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Tojo resigned after a string of military failures and later attempted suicide. He was arrested by the Allies and tried, convicted, and executed for what war crimes? [More...]( Today's Holiday Rizal Day [Discuss]( A national holiday in the Philippines, Rizal Day commemorates the execution of the national hero, Dr. [José Rizal]( on this day in 1896. Flags fly at half-staff throughout the country, and special rites are led by the president at the 500-foot Rizal Monument in [Manila](. Writing from Europe and denouncing the corrupt ruling of the Philippines by Spanish friars, Rizal became known as a leader of the Philippine reform movement. He had no direct role in the [nationalist insurrection]( but he was arrested, tried for sedition, and executed by a firing squad. [More...]( Quote of the Day [Discuss]( To be wise and love Exceeds man's might: that dwells with gods above. 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