Word of the Day : July 16, 2021

omniscient \ahm-NISH-unt\ adjective

Definition

1 : having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight

2 : possessed of universal or complete knowledge

Did You Know?

One who is omniscient literally knows all. The word omniscient, which has been part of English since at least the beginning of the 17th century, brings together two Latin roots: the combining form omni-, meaning "all" or "universally," and the verb scire, meaning "to know." You will recognize omni- as the prefix that tells all in such words as omnivorous ("eating all" or, in actual use, "eating both plants and animals") and omnipotent ("all-powerful"). Scire likewise has a number of other knowledge-related descendants in English, including conscience, science, and prescience (meaning "foreknowledge").

Aired July 16, 2021

All Merriam-Webster content is available at www.merriam-webster.com