Today's Words: Nebulize, Sibylline and Hobnob

Nebulize

(neb-yuh-lahyz) Verb

to become vague, indistinct, or nebulous

More about Nebulize

First recorded in 1870–75.

From Latin nebula(a) ("mist, cloud") + ize, verb-forming suffix

Examples of Nebulize

The details of the contract slowly nebulized in my mind, making it difficult to remember specific terms.

The once-clear skyline began to nebulize, obscured by layers of smog and mist.

Sibylline

(sib-uh-leen) Adjective

mysterious; cryptic

More abbout Sibylline

First recorded in 1570–80.

From Latin Sibyllīnus, “pertaining to a sibyl.”

See origin at sibyl, -ine1.

Examples of Sibylline

His sibylline smile suggested he knew more than he was letting on.

The letter contained a sibylline message that only she could decipher.

Hobnob

(hob-nob) Verb

to associate on very friendly terms

More about Hobnob

First recorded in the 1700s. The sense of “socialize” was first used around the 1860s.

From Old English habban, “to have” + nabbn, “not to have” and from the phrase hab or nab meaning “have or have not.”

Rooted in the history of people toasting one another, taking turns to buy drinks, and essentially having a good time together, socializing.

Examples of Hobnob

The author spent the evening hobnobbing with fellow writers.

During the gala, I hobnobbed with influential business leaders.

Inputs Courtesy: Dictionary.com

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