Cover image of Word Matters

Word Matters

Word Matters is a show for readers, writers, and anyone who's curious about the English language. Join Merriam-Webster editors as they challenge supposed grammar rules, reveal the surprising origins b... Read more

Ranked #1

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6. Sorry, But Shakespeare Didn't Create That Word

6. Sorry, But Shakespeare Didn't Create That Word

One of the most cherished and enduring myths about the English language is that its vocabulary was largely populated thr... Read more

2 Sep 2020

19mins

Ranked #2

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9. In Defense of 'Like'

9. In Defense of 'Like'

'Like' is a wildly versatile, fascinating word and we're here with guest editor Serenity Carr to give it its due. Seriou... Read more

23 Sep 2020

24mins

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Ranked #3

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28. The Onomatopoeia Episode

28. The Onomatopoeia Episode

O-N-O-M-A-T-O-P-O-E-I-A. The forming of a word in imitation of a sound.First, we'll look at some words that first descri... Read more

17 Feb 2021

26mins

Ranked #4

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27. What's the Longest Word in the Dictionary?

27. What's the Longest Word in the Dictionary?

This episode is all about dictionary myths and mysteries. Is the longest word the one you think it is? Probably not. Are... Read more

10 Feb 2021

15mins

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Ranked #5

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How do you pronounce 'often'?

How do you pronounce 'often'?

First, we examine the common word 'often.' Is one way of saying it more correct than the other? And does the English lan... Read more

3 Feb 2021

21mins

Ranked #6

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How do you even pronounce 'antennae' anyway?

How do you even pronounce 'antennae' anyway?

After a job well done, you might receive kudos. But today we ask: can you ever receive just one? Or is it just the sound... Read more

19 Aug 2020

25mins

Ranked #7

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14. Everything Is 'Awesome.' Or is it?

14. Everything Is 'Awesome.' Or is it?

On a dark and stormy night many years ago in Springfield, Massachusetts, a fake word rose to take its place among the li... Read more

28 Oct 2020

30mins

Ranked #8

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15. Why are American and British English different?

15. Why are American and British English different?

This week is all about spelling. Some attempts to reform it have succeeded. (You've probably noticed that words are spel... Read more

4 Nov 2020

24mins

Ranked #9

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A Collection of Obscure Words That You Might Find Useful

A Collection of Obscure Words That You Might Find Useful

Few parts of the English language fascinate its users more than obscure and obsolete words. Today, our in-house collecto... Read more

14 Aug 2020

10mins

Ranked #10

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12. A Collection of Obscure Words for People Who Annoy You

12. A Collection of Obscure Words for People Who Annoy You

If there's one activity that has bonded English users throughout the centuries, it is the creation of new words to descr... Read more

14 Oct 2020

9mins

Ranked #11

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'Scofflaw' and Inventing Words for Money

'Scofflaw' and Inventing Words for Money

It's nothing personal, but most of the time, the word you invented won’t make it into the dictionary. Except, on occasio... Read more

26 Aug 2020

26mins

Ranked #12

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11. Can something be 'very unique'?

11. Can something be 'very unique'?

Most adjectives can be ranked — something can be good, better, or best — but are there some that can't? Are some adjecti... Read more

7 Oct 2020

22mins

Ranked #13

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13. What's up with 'biweekly'? And Other Listener Questions

13. What's up with 'biweekly'? And Other Listener Questions

You asked, we answered. This week, we go to the mailbag to look into some of the questions, complaints, and vexing langu... Read more

21 Oct 2020

16mins

Ranked #14

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How *Not* to Start a Sentence

How *Not* to Start a Sentence

You've probably, at some point, been taught that there are certain words that should never, ever start a sentence. Today... Read more

30 Sep 2020

21mins

Ranked #15

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21. Oops: Words Born Out of Mistakes

21. Oops: Words Born Out of Mistakes

Some words are borrowed from elsewhere. Some are created for a purpose. Others are, well, a bit of an accident. Today we... Read more

16 Dec 2020

22mins

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