Today's Words: Tenebrous, Riffraff and Exculpate

Tenebrous

(ten-uh-bruhs) Adjective

dark; gloomy; obscure

More about Tenebrous

First recorded in 1375–1425.

Late Middle English word from the Latin phrase tenebrōsus, “dark.”

In Catholicism, the Tenebrae service during Holy Week involves gradually extinguishing candles to symbolize the darkness of Christ’s death.

Tenebrer, “bearer of darkness,” was one name (among many) for Satan.

Examples of Tenebrous

The artist was known for his tenebrous paintings, often depicting mysterious, shadowy figures.

The tenebrous cave was filled with echoes, making it both eerie and intriguing.

Riffraff

(rif-raf) Noun

a group of people regarded as disreputable or worthless

More about Riffraff

First used in English between 1425–75.

From late Middle English rif and raf, “every particle, things of small value.” From Old French rif et raf, formed on rifler, “to spoil.”, “to ravage, snatch away.”

Examples of Riffraff

The locals complained about the riffraff who gathered in the park at night, causing trouble.
At the carnival, security was on high alert for any riffraff trying to disrupt the fun.

Exculpate

(ek-skuhl-peyt) verb

to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate

More about Exculpate

First recorded in 1650–60.
From Latin exculpātus, “freed from blame,” equivalent to ex-1, “without” + culpātus, “blamed,” past participle of culpāre;

Examples of Exculpate

The new evidence served to exculpate the defendant from all charges.
The lawyer worked tirelessly to exculpate his client and prove her innocence.

Inputs Courtesy: Dictionary.com

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