Word Every Day

deference • / DEF-uh-runss / • noun Deference refers to respect and esteem that is appropriate to show to someone, such as a superior or elder. Something done in deference to, or out of deference to, someone or something is done in order to show respect for the opinions or influence of that person or thing. • The children were taught to show proper deference to their elders. • In deference to those who voted against the change, we'll be having another meeting to discuss how we can mitigate people's concerns.

cardinal • / KAHRD-nul / • adjective Cardinal is an adjective used to describe things—usually abstract things such as rules or principles—that are of basic or main importance. The word is also used, especially in the phrase “cardinal sin,” with the meaning “very serious or grave.” • “Seek out multiple sources” is a cardinal rule of good news reporting. • The four cardinal points on a compass are North, South, East, and West.

zero-sum • / ZEER-oh-SUM / • adjective Zero-sum describes something, such as a game, mentality, or situation, in which any gain corresponds directly with an equivalent loss. • Dividing up the budget is a zero-sum game.

remuneration • / rih-myoo-nuh-RAY-shun / • noun Remuneration is a formal word that refers to an amount of money paid to someone for a service, loss, or expense, or to the act of paying such an amount. It is synonymous with recompense and pay. • The actor was offered a modest speaking fee by the host as remuneration for giving her speech at the awards ceremony.

clandestine • / klan-DESS-tun / • adjective Clandestine describes something done secretly, or in a private place or way. • The wedding was a clandestine affair in Las Vegas.

polemic • / puh-LEM-ik / • noun A polemic is a strong written or spoken attack against someone else’s opinions, beliefs, practices, etc. • Her book is a fierce polemic against societal inequalities.

supersede • / soo-per-SEED / • verb Supersede is a verb meaning "to take the place of (someone or something that is considered old, inferior, or no longer useful)." It is used synonymously with replace and displace. • This edition of the manual supersedes the previous one.

vulnerable • / VUL-nuh-ruh-bul / • adjective A person described as vulnerable in a general way is someone who is easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally. Vulnerable can also describe a person, group, or thing that is open to attack, harm, or damage. Both senses of vulnerable are often followed by the preposition to. • It is common to feel especially vulnerable in the wake of major change. • The patient will be most vulnerable to infection immediately after surgery. • Your computer is vulnerable to viruses without the proper antivirus software.

hue and cry • / HYOO-und-KRYE / • noun Hue and cry refers to a clamor of alarm or protest in response to something. It can also be used as a synonym of hubbub to refer to general noise or uproar. • After the popular professor was fired by the college, there was such a hue and cry from students that the administration was forced to reconsider its decision.

jubilee • / JOO-buh-lee / • noun Jubilee usually refers to a special anniversary or a celebration of such an anniversary. It can also refer generally to a season of celebration or act of rejoicing, or to a religious song of African Americans referring to a time of future happiness. • My grandparents will be celebrating their golden jubilee this year—as Grandpa puts it, "50 years of wedded bliss and occasional blisters." • The town is planning a year-long jubilee in celebration of its founding 200 years ago.