Word of the Day
: March 6, 2026vaunted
playWhat It Means
Vaunted describes someone or something that is often spoken of or described as very good or great.
// The team’s vaunted defense faltered in the second half of the game.
vaunted in Context
“After much initial hype, the much vaunted new production partnership fizzled out after just two seasons, leaving the franchise scrambling for a new direction and without a lead actor in its signature role.” — Lacy Baugher, Den of Geek, 22 Jan. 2026
Did You Know?
The verb vaunt has been used since the 15th century with the meaning “to make a vain display of one’s own worth or attainments”—in other words, “to brag or boast.” Over time, vaunt developed the meaning “to boast of (a particular thing),” as in “the promotional flier vaunts the natural beauty of the area,” and that use gave rise to the adjectival form vaunted. The history of vaunt and vaunted leads back to the Latin word vānus, with the meanings “lacking content, empty, illusory, marked by foolish or empty pride.” The word vain itself is also a descendant of vānus.
Test Your Vocabulary with M-W Quizzes
Test Your Vocabulary
Rearrange the letters to form a literary word meaning “boastful”: SLAGNIVOORIU
VIEW THE ANSWER
