Merriam-Webster Online top 5 word searches for 2005

This could be a study in our culture in itself. Hope some of you enjoy it.


#5 Insipid

Pronunciation: in-'si-p&d
Function: adjective
Etymology: French & Late Latin; French insipide, from Late Latin insipidus, from Latin in- + sapidus savory, from sapere to taste -- more at SAGE
1 : lacking taste or savor : TASTELESS
2 : lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : DULL, FLAT
- in•si•pid•i•ty /"in-s&-'pi-d&-tE/ noun
- in•sip•id•ly /in-'si-p&d-lE/ adverb
synonyms INSIPID, VAPID, FLAT, JEJUNE, BANAL, INANE mean devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character. INSIPID implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest . VAPID suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit . FLAT applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest . JEJUNE suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance . BANAL stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy . INANE implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality .



#4 filibuster

Pronunciation: 'fi-l&-"b&s-t&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Spanish filibustero, literally, freebooter
1 : an irregular military adventurer; specifically : an American engaged in fomenting insurrections in Latin America in the mid-19th century
2 [2filibuster] a : the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly b : an instance of this practice


#3 Contempt
Pronunciation: k&n-'tem(p)t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin contemptus, from contemnere
1 a : the act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises : DISDAIN b : lack of respect or reverence for something
2 : the state of being despised
3 : willful disobedience to or open disrespect of a court, judge, or legislative body


#2 Refugee
Pronunciation: "re-fyu-'jE, 're-fyu-"
Function: noun
Etymology: French réfugié, past participle of (se) réfugier to take refuge, from Latin refugium
: one that flees; especially : a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution


#1 Integrity
Pronunciation: in-'te-gr&-tE
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : INCORRUPTIBILITY
2 : an unimpaired condition : SOUNDNESS
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : COMPLETENESS
synonym see HONESTY