Word of the Day - 07/07/26
mendacious
/mɛn'deɪʃəs/(adj.): given to lying
The mendacious mountebank was known for exaggerating the features of every product he sold.
(adj.): intentionally untrue
Her mendacious excuse for missing the deadline was easily debunked by her colleagues.
Word Origin
The word 'mendacious' originates from the Latin word 'mendax', meaning 'lying' or 'false'. 'Mendax' itself is derived from the Latin verb 'mentiri', which means 'to lie' or 'to deceive'. The English word incorporates the Latin root 'mendac-' and the adjectival suffix '-ious'.
Words with a similar origin include 'mendacity', which directly comes from the same Latin root 'mendax' meaning the quality of being untruthful.