Word of the Day - 01/26/26
pallid
/'pælɪd/(adj.): abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress
After a week of illness, her face remained pallid and drawn.
(adj.): (of light) lacking in intensity or brightness; dim or feeble
The pallid morning light struggled to penetrate the thick fog.
(adj.): lacking in vitality or interest or effectiveness
Critics described the new play as a pallid imitation of its vibrant predecessor.
Word Origin
The word 'pallid' originates from the Latin word 'pallidus', meaning 'pale' or 'wan'. 'Pallidus' is derived from the Latin verb 'pallere', meaning 'to be pale'.
Words with similar origins include 'pale', which comes via Old French from Latin 'pallidus', and 'pallor', directly from Latin 'pallor', meaning 'paleness'. 'Appall' also shares this root, coming from Old French 'apalir' ('to grow pale'), formed from Latin 'ad-' and 'pallere'.