Words at Play : Top 10 Most Frequently Searched Words on M-W.com
Prev

#1: Pretentious

Although certain definitions spike in our search results based on current events (see Trend Watch), this list presents the eternally vexing words that remain among the most looked up over time.

Definition:

expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature

Example:

"You spent 10.5 hours composing your profile and changed the movie choices twice because it was skewing too self-consciously pretentious. You changed the picture three times; now it's both quirky and unstudied." – Sadie Stein, Jezebel.com, August 19, 2010

Prev
goto slidegoto slidegoto slidegoto slidegoto slidegoto slidegoto slidegoto slidegoto slidegoto slide
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears