Word of the Day - 10/31/25
ignis fatuus
/'ɪgnɪs_'fæʧuəs/(n.): a pale light sometimes seen at night over marshy ground. a.k.a. will-o'-the-wisp
Local folklore often attributes the mysterious ignis fatuus to lost spirits wandering the marsh.
(n.): an illusion that misleads
The promise of quick riches proved to be an ignis fatuus, leading many investors to ruin.
Word Origin
The word 'ignis fatuus' originates from Latin. It is composed of two parts: 'ignis', meaning 'fire', and 'fatuus', meaning 'foolish' or 'fatuous'. Therefore, the literal translation is 'foolish fire'. The term refers to a phosphorescent light sometimes seen over marshy ground, often attributed to combustion of gases, which appears to recede as one approaches it. Figuratively, it denotes something deceptive or misleading; a hope or goal that is impossible to achieve.
Words sharing origin with 'ignis' include 'ignite' (to set on fire), 'ignition' (the act of igniting), and 'igneous' (related to fire, especially in geology for rocks formed from lava). Words stemming from 'fatuus' include 'fatuous' itself (silly and pointless) and 'infatuation' (an intense but short-lived passion or admiration, implying a foolish or irrational attachment).