Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, February 7, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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foment
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Forming Irregular PluralsThere are some nouns that are irregular and do not adhere to spelling rules. "Child" is an irregular plural noun. Can you name any others? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Vestal VirginsThe Vestal Virgins were a revered and privileged group of Roman priestesses. They maintained the sacred fire of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, collected water from a sacred spring, and cared for sacred objects in the temple's sanctuary. The six priestesses were selected as children for 30 years of service, during which time they had to remain virgins. Their well-being and chastity were considered essential to the security of Rome. What was done to a Vestal who broke her vow of chastity? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Maastricht Treaty Establishes the European Union (1992)The history of the European Union (EU) began soon after World War II, when there developed in Europe a strong revulsion against national rivalries and parochial loyalties. European strength and security seemed to lie in a united Europe, and the European Coal and Steel Company—established in 1952—was the first attempt at accomplishing such a union. In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty, formally the Treaty on European Union, officially established the EU. How many member states does the EU have? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Sir Thomas More (1478)More was an English lawyer, writer, and politician who earned a reputation as a leading humanist scholar. He held many public offices during Henry VIII's reign, including that of lord chancellor. He is remembered for his book Utopia, which describes an ideal state founded entirely on reason, and for his principled refusal to accept the king as the head of the Church of England—a decision that resulted in his execution on the grounds of treason. What recognition was he accorded in 2000? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Friendless, adj.: Having no favors to bestow. Destitute of fortune. Addicted to utterance of truth and common sense.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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arm candy— An especially attractive person who acts as a romantic escort or date to social events, but who is not romantically attached to or involved with the person he or she is accompanying. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Grenada Independence Day (2023)This is a national holiday commemorating Grenada's independence from Britain on this day in 1974. Britain had held the island since the 18th century, when France ceded it under the Treaty of Paris. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: offerbid - Derives from Old English beodan, "to offer or command." More... carrot-and-stick - Refers to an offer of reward countered by the threat of punishment. More... blind fold - Worn by the Greek statue for justice so she cannot see the bribes being offered to her, hence, blind justice. More... cast pearls before swine - To offer something valuable to someone who does not appreciate it. More... | |