vapid

<font size="-1" face="arial, helvetica"> <p> <strong> <font color="#000066">Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 9, 2023 is:</font> </strong> </p> <p> <strong>vapid</strong> &#149; \VAP-id\&nbsp; &#149; <em>adjective</em><br /> <p>Someone or something described as <em>vapid</em> is lacking in liveliness, force, or spirit. As such, <em>vapid</em> is often synonymous with <em>dull</em> or <em>boring</em>. </p> <p>// Finn preferred to watch the game in silence, with the TV on mute, rather than listen to the <em>vapid</em> chatter of the play-by-play announcer.</p> <p><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vapid">See the entry ></a></p> </p> <p> <strong>Examples:</strong><br /> <p>“Demi Lovato stood beneath a spotlight Tuesday night, the steady chug of her electric guitar accompanying the superstar’s contemplation, which for most other artists might resemble <em>vapid</em> melodrama. But few have endured what Lovato has—and fewer have lived to sing the tale.” — Bobby Olivier, <em>NJ.com</em>, 19 Oct. 2022</p> </p> <p> <strong>Did you know?</strong><br /> <p>“Then away goes the brisk and pleasant Spirits and leave a vapid or sour Drink.” So wrote John Mortimer—an early 18th-century expert on agriculture, orchards, and cider-making—in his book on <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/husbandry">husbandry</a>. His use was typical for his day, when <em>vapid</em> was often used specifically in reference to liquor. The term comes from Latin <em>vapidus</em>, meaning “flat-tasting,” a possible relative of <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vapor"><em>vapor</em></a>. That use still occurs today; you might, for example, hear an uninspiring wine described as vapid. More likely, however, you’ll hear <em>vapid</em>, along with the synonyms <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insipid"><em>insipid</em></a>, <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flat"><em>flat</em></a>, and <a href="htt