Pronounced: bih-SAHT, verb
Notes: I know the general meaning (you probably do, too), but I was a little off because I attempted to parse the word… and I was wrong
Yesterday’s word
The word irenic means “tending to promote peace and reconciliation”
First usage
This word came into English in the mid-1800s
Background / Comments
Our word comes from the Greek word eirēnikós (peaceful), with the root of eirḗnē (peace). I’m guessing that the name “Irene” comes from this same source and means “peace” or “peaceful”.
Rejected Word
I think most people know what exonerate (verb) means – at least one definition (to clear from blame). This seems to be the commonly used one, so I didn’t add it. However, there is another meaning that I’m not familiar with: to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship. I didn’t know that meaning, and it appears to be the original one by combining ex- (no longer) and onus (load or burden). It was a near thing, but I decided not to add it.
Richard's Vocabulary Word-of-the-Day 