Words with Friends 2 - Word of the Day: New Words - Reviewed
Introduction
Words with Friends 2 is a popular word puzzle game that challenges players to expand their vocabulary while competing against friends or random opponents. One of its standout features is the "Word of the Day", which introduces players to new and interesting words daily. In this article, we will review some of the most intriguing "Word of the Day" entries, exploring their meanings, origins, and usage in modern language.
Whether you're a seasoned Words with Friends player or just looking to enhance your vocabulary, this review will help you discover fascinating new words to impress your opponents.
1. "Quixotic" – A Dreamer’s Word
Definition: Extremely idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical.
Origin: Derived from Don Quixote, the famous literary character by Miguel de Cervantes, who pursued lofty but impossible dreams.
Example Sentence:
"His quixotic plan to end world hunger with a single fundraiser was noble but ultimately unachievable."
Why It’s Great for the Game:
- High-scoring word (23 points without bonuses).
- Contains a 'Q' and 'X', which are valuable in word games.
2. "Zenith" – The Peak of Perfection
Definition: The highest point or peak of something.
Origin: From Arabic "samt ar-ra’s" (path over the head), later adapted into Latin as "cenit."
Example Sentence:
"Her career reached its zenith when she won the prestigious award."
Game Strategy:
- Short but powerful (17 points).
- Ends with 'H', which can be useful for extending words.
3. "Obfuscate" – To Confuse Intentionally
Definition: To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.
Origin: Latin "obfuscare" (to darken).
Example Sentence:
"The politician tried to obfuscate the truth with vague answers."
Why It’s a Strong Play:
- High-scoring (18 points).
- Contains 'B', 'F', and 'C', which are less common but valuable.
4. "Serendipity" – A Happy Accident
Definition: The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Origin: Coined by Horace Walpole, inspired by the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of Serendip.
Example Sentence:
"Finding that rare book at the flea market was pure serendipity."
Game Advantage:
- Long word (12 letters), great for bonus tiles.
- Contains 'D', 'P', and 'Y', which can help in tricky spots.
5. "Ephemeral" – Fleeting Beauty
Definition: Lasting for a very short time.
Origin: Greek "ephēmeros" (lasting only a day).
Example Sentence:
"The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, making them even more special."
Strategic Play:
- High-scoring (17 points).
- Ends with 'L', useful for pluralizing or extending words.
6. "Ubiquitous" – Everywhere at Once
Definition: Present everywhere at the same time.
Origin: Latin "ubique" (everywhere).
Example Sentence:
"Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society."
Why It’s Useful in the Game:
- Contains 'Q' and 'U', a strong combo.
- Long word (10 letters), great for bonus tiles.
7. "Lugubrious" – Overly Mournful
Definition: Looking or sounding sad and dismal.
Origin: Latin "lugere" (to mourn).
Example Sentence:
"His lugubrious expression made everyone at the party uncomfortable."
Game Benefits:
- High-scoring (14 points).
- Contains 'G', 'B', and 'R', which can be tricky to use.
8. "Pulchritudinous" – A Beautiful Word for Beauty
Definition: Physically beautiful.
Origin: Latin "pulcher" (beautiful).
Example Sentence:
"The pulchritudinous sunset left everyone in awe."
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- One of the highest-scoring words (27 points without bonuses).
- Extremely rare, making it a great surprise move.
9. "Defenestration" – A Dramatic Exit
Definition: The act of throwing someone out of a window.
Origin: Latin "de" (out of) + "fenestra" (window).
Example Sentence:
"The historical defenestration of Prague sparked a major conflict."
Game Impact:
- Long and unusual (13 letters).
- Contains 'F', 'N', and 'T', which can be useful.
10. "Sesquipedalian" – A Word for Long Words
Definition: Characterized by long words; long-winded.
Origin: Latin "sesquipedalis" (a foot and a half long).
Example Sentence:
"His sesquipedalian speech bored the audience."
Why It’s Perfect for Words with Friends 2:
- Ironically long (15 letters).
- Contains 'Q', 'D', and 'L', making it a strategic play.
Conclusion
The "Word of the Day" feature in Words with Friends 2 is an excellent way to expand your vocabulary while improving your gameplay. The words reviewed here—quixotic, zenith, obfuscate, serendipity, ephemeral, ubiquitous, lugubrious, pulchritudinous, defenestration, and sesquipedalian—are not only fascinating but also highly valuable in competitive word games.
By incorporating these words into your strategy, you can outsmart opponents and enjoy the richness of the English language. Keep playing, keep learning, and may your next game be filled with high-scoring surprises!
