What Is Your Word?

'Copious or meaningless talk or writing; nonsense.' A late-sixteenth-century alteration of 'argue.'

'The action or habit of estimating something as worthless.' Mid eighteenth century, from Latin. Pronunciation: flok-suh-naw-suh-nye-hil-uh-pil-uh-fi-kay-shun. One of the longest words in the English language.

'A person who believes everything he or she is told; a gullible or credulous person.' French, from 'gober' (to swallow, to eat) and 'mouche' (fly), from Latin 'musca.'

'Peep surreptitiously.' Late Middle English, primarily used in Scotland and perhaps related to Dutch 'kijken,' which means 'to have a look.' Example: He keeked through the window to see if Santa was really his dad in disguise.

'A wish or inclination not strong enough to lead to action.' Early seventeenth century: from Latin 'velle,' which means 'to wish.'

'Proceeding by inquiry.' Mid-seventeenth century, from Greek 'zetein,' which means 'to seek.'