Word of the Day - 01/15/26
pert
/pɜrt/(adj.): boldly forward in speech or behavior; impertinent; saucy
Her pert smile and lively eyes revealed a mischievous and energetic personality.
Word Origin
The word 'pert' originates from Middle English 'pert' or 'apert', which came from the Old French 'apert' meaning 'open', 'frank', or 'bold'. This Old French word, in turn, derived from the Latin 'apertus', the past participle of 'aperire', meaning 'to open'. The initial 'a' was dropped in English over time.
Words with similar origins include 'aperture', which comes directly from Latin 'apertura', related to 'aperire' (to open). Another closely related word is 'overt', also derived from Old French 'apert' and ultimately from Latin 'apertus', meaning 'open' or 'public'.