parse: M-W's Word of the Day

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The Word of the Day for December 7 is:

parse \PARSS\ verb
1 : to analyze a sentence by naming its parts and their functions
*2 : to examine in a minute way : analyze critically

Example sentence:
Prosecutors parsed every word of the defendant's testimony, looking for a slip that might reveal the truth.

Did you know?
If "parse" brings up images of elementary school and learning the parts of speech, you've done your homework regarding this word. "Parse" comes from the first element of the Latin term for "part of speech" -- "pars orationis." It's an old word that has been used in the schoolroom since the 16th century, but it did not graduate to its extended, non-grammar-related sense until the late 18th century. Remember this extended sense, and you're really at the head of the class.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

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