High School 18 Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Spell: affluence (noun) /ˈæf lu əns/
Definition: A state of abundance, wealth, or prosperity, typically characterized by a high standard of living and the possession of considerable material resources.
Example Sentence: "Generations of hard work led to their family's affluence."
Word origin: The noun 'affluence' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: aggressive (adjective) /əˈgrɛs ɪv/
Definition: Forceful, assertive, or confrontational in nature.
Example Sentence: "The team's aggressive strategy led to victory."
Word origin: The adjective 'aggressive' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: agile (adjective) /ˈædʒ əl/
Definition: Moving quickly, efficiently, and adaptively.
Example Sentence: "Our development team is known for its agile approach to problem-solving."
Word origin: The adjective 'agile' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: altruism (noun) /ˈæltruɪzᵊm/
Definition: The selfless concern for the well-being and welfare of others.
Example Sentence: "Her acts of altruism brightened many lives."
Word origin: The noun 'altruism' finds its etymological roots in the French language, particularly from the word 'altruisme,' which was coined in the 19th century by the philosopher Auguste Comte.

Spell: articulated (adjective) /ɑːˈtɪkjʊleɪtɪd/
Definition: Connected or joined together in a way that allows for flexibility and movement.
Example Sentence: "An articulated ladder made the high reach safe."
Word origin: The adjective 'articulated' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'articulatus,' which is the past participle of 'articulare,' meaning 'to divide into joints' or 'to connect by joints.

Spell: ashamed (adjective) /əˈʃeɪmd/
Definition: Deep regret, guilt, or embarrassment resulting from one's actions, words, or perceived shortcomings.
Example Sentence: "He was ashamed of his outburst, regretting his harsh words instantly."
Word origin: The adjective 'ashamed' has an etymology rooted in Old English.

Spell: balderdash (noun) /ˈbɔl dərˌdæʃ/
Definition: Senseless, nonsensical, or absurd talk or writing.
Example Sentence: "The article was filled with balderdash, lacking any factual basis."
Word origin: The noun 'balderdash' has a whimsical and somewhat uncertain etymology.

Spell: byname (noun) /ˈbaɪˌneɪm/
Definition: An additional or alternative name given to a person, often as a descriptive or informal term.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's hilarious byname earned him a dedicated following."
Word origin: The noun 'byname' has an etymology rooted in the Old English language.

Spell: cancel (verb) /ˈkæn səl/
Definition: To terminate, void, or revoke something that was previously arranged, planned, or scheduled.
Example Sentence: "The event organizers had to cancel the concert due to low ticket sales."
Word origin: The verb 'cancel' has its roots in the Latin language.

Spell: carriage (noun) /ˈkær ɪdʒ/
Definition: A vehicle designed for transporting people or goods.
Example Sentence: "We took a romantic ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the park."
Word origin: The noun 'carriage' has an etymology rooted in Old French and Latin.

Spell: chamber (noun) /ˈtʃeɪm bər/n
Definition: A room, space, or enclosed area that is typically distinct from surrounding areas.
Example Sentence: "The king held court in the grand chamber of the palace."
Word origin: The noun 'chamber' has a diverse etymology with origins in Latin and Old French.

Spell: contradiction (noun) /ˌkɒn trəˈdɪk ʃən/
Definition: A situation or statement in which two or more elements, ideas, or facts are mutually exclusive or conflict with one another.
Example Sentence: "The contradiction between his words and actions undermined his credibility."
Word origin: The noun 'contradiction' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'contradictio,' which is formed from 'contra' meaning 'against' and 'dicere' meaning 'to speak' or 'to say.

Spell: corrupt (adjective) /kəˈrʌpt/
Definition: Morally compromised, dishonest, or involved in unethical practices.
Example Sentence: "A corrupt official's arrest shook the small town, casting a shadow over its once-tranquil atmosphere."
Word origin: The adjective 'corrupt' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'corruptus,' which is the past participle of 'corrumpere.

Spell: customary (adjective) /ˈkʌstəm(ə)ri/
Definition: In accordance with prevailing social conventions or cultural practices.
Example Sentence: "It's customary to greet with a handshake in formal settings."
Word origin: The adjective 'customary' has an etymology rooted in the Latin word 'consuetudinarius,' derived from 'consuetudo,' meaning 'custom' or 'habit.

Spell: dainty (adjective) /ˈdeɪnti/
Definition: Delicate, small, and often characterized by a sense of refinement and elegance.
Example Sentence: "The pastry chef created a plate of dainty desserts for the party."
Word origin: The adjective 'dainty' has its etymological roots in the Old French word 'dain,' which meant 'worthy' or 'elegant.

Spell: defer (verb) /dɪˈfɜr/
Definition: To delay or postpone something, often by choice or as a matter of respect or courtesy to another person's wishes, authority, or priority.
Example Sentence: "The committee chose to defer the decision until they had more information."
Word origin: The verb 'defer' has its roots in Latin, originating from the word 'deferre.

Spell: dilatory (adjective) /ˈdɪlət(ə)ri/
Definition: Characterized by a tendency to delay, procrastinate, or be slow in taking action.
Example Sentence: "The student's dilatory study habits resulted in poor academic performance."
Word origin: The adjective 'dilatory' traces its origins to Latin, specifically from the word 'dilatorius,' which is derived from 'dilatus,' meaning 'delayed' or 'procrastinated.

Spell: disturbance (noun) /dɪˈstɜr bəns/
Definition: A state or condition of disruption, agitation, or interference with the normal functioning or peaceful nature of something.
Example Sentence: "The sudden power outage was a temporary disturbance to our daily routine."
Word origin: The noun 'disturbance' shares its etymological roots with the verb 'disturb.

Spell: drool (verb) /drul/
Definition: To allow saliva to flow or drip uncontrollably from one's mouth.
Example Sentence: "The delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies made everyone drool."
Word origin: The verb 'drool' has an etymology closely connected to the physical act it describes.

Spell: encouraging (adjective) /ɪnˈkʌrɪʤɪŋ/
Definition: Providing support, motivation, or inspiration.
Example Sentence: "The team's captain delivered an inspiring and encouraging speech before the game."
Word origin: The adjective 'encouraging' is derived from the verb 'encourage' and maintains its parent word's etymology.

Spell: enlarge (verb) /ɛnˈlɑrdʒ/
Definition: To make something bigger, larger, or more expansive in size, dimensions, or scale.
Example Sentence: "They decided to enlarge the kitchen by knocking down a wall."
Word origin: The verb 'enlarge' has a well-documented etymology that sheds light on its meaning.

Spell: exponential (adjective) /ˌɛkspə(ʊ)ˈnɛnʃl/
Definition: Describing a rapid and significant increase or growth that occurs at an accelerating rate over time.
Example Sentence: "His skills in coding improved at an exponential pace."
Word origin: The adjective 'exponential' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'exponentia,' which is the feminine form of 'exponent,' meaning 'one who expounds' or 'one who sets forth.

Spell: fluke (noun) /fluk/
Definition: A stroke of luck or an unexpected, fortunate occurrence.
Example Sentence: "Winning the lottery was a complete fluke; I never expected it."
Word origin: The noun 'fluke' has a somewhat uncertain etymology.

Spell: gumption (noun) /ˈgʌmp ʃən/
Definition: A remarkable quality of individual initiative, resourcefulness, and determination.
Example Sentence: "His gumption allowed him to start his own business and thrive in a competitive market."
Word origin: The noun 'gumption' has a fascinating etymology that reflects its essence of individual initiative and determination.

Spell: hollow (adjective) /ˈhɒl oʊ/
Definition: Relating to a void or empty space within an object or structure.
Example Sentence: "The hiker discovered a hidden hollow in the side of the cliff, offering shelter from the rain."
Word origin: The adjective 'hollow' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'holwe' or 'hul,' and it can be traced back to the Old English word 'holh,' which meant 'a hollow place' or 'a cavity.

Spell: howl (verb) /haʊl/
Definition: To emit a deep, eerie, and often haunting vocalization that carries over long distances.
Example Sentence: "The wind would howl through the trees on stormy nights."
Word origin: The verb 'howl' traces its etymology back to the Old English word 'hulian,' which evolved from the Proto-Germanic root 'hul-.

Spell: illegitimate (adjective) /ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
Definition: Lacking proper authorization, validity, or legality, often due to a lack of adherence to established rules, norms, or procedures.
Example Sentence: "The court declared the document to be illegitimate due to forged signatures."
Word origin: The adjective 'illegitimate' has a notable etymology with roots in Latin.

Spell: immaterial (adjective) /ˌɪməˈtɪərɪəl/
Definition: Not relevant, significant, or important in a particular context or situation.
Example Sentence: "In this case, your personal feelings are immaterial; we need facts."
Word origin: The adjective 'immaterial' finds its origins in the Latin language.

Spell: immense (adjective) /ɪˈmɛns/
Definition: Extraordinarily large in size, extent, or magnitude.
Example Sentence: "The waves crashed against the shore with immense force, shaking the ground beneath our feet."
Word origin: The adjective 'immense' originates from the Latin word 'immensus,' which is a combination of 'in' (meaning 'not') and 'mensus' (meaning 'measured').

Spell: impromptu (adjective) /ɪmˈprɒm(p)tjuː/
Definition: Done or spoken without preparation or advance planning.
Example Sentence: "She performed an impromptu dance routine for the crowd."
Word origin: The adjective 'impromptu' has its etymology rooted in French.

Spell: infamy (noun) /ˈɪn fə mi/
Definition: A state or quality of being well-known or remembered for a negative reason or an act that is widely regarded as shameful, disgraceful, or morally reprehensible.
Example Sentence: "The scandal rocked the political world, leading to the politician's swift fall into infamy."
Word origin: The noun 'infamy' has its origins in Latin.

Spell: infatuated (adjective) /ɪnˈfatjʊeɪtɪd/
Definition: Intense but short-lived admiration or attraction towards someone.
Example Sentence: "The young boy was utterly infatuated with the idea of becoming a superhero."
Word origin: The adjective 'infatuated' finds its etymological roots in the Latin language.

Spell: inflate (verb) /ɪnˈfleɪt/
Definition: To increase or expand the size, volume, or quantity of something, often by introducing air or gas.
Example Sentence: "The company's advertising campaign aimed to inflate sales figures."
Word origin: The verb 'inflate' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: infringement (noun) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ mənt/
Definition: The act of violating or breaching a legal or moral principle, right, or privilege, typically relating to intellectual property, copyrights, patents, or trademarks.
Example Sentence: "The artist discovered an infringement of their artwork when they saw an identical piece being sold online."
Word origin: The noun 'infringement' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: install (verb) /ɪnˈstɔl/
Definition: To set up, place, or fit something, typically equipment, machinery, software, or systems, in a designated location or position.
Example Sentence: "Please install the latest software update to ensure your computer's performance."
Word origin: The verb 'install' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'installare,' which is a combination of 'in,' meaning 'in,' and 'stallum,' meaning 'a place' or 'a stall.

Spell: irrelevant (adjective) /ɪˈrɛl ə vənt/
Definition: Not connected, applicable, or pertinent to the matter at hand.
Example Sentence: "She ignored the irrelevant comments and focused on the main points of the presentation."
Word origin: The term 'irrelevant' has its roots in Latin, specifically in the word 'irrelevans,' which is a combination of 'ir-' meaning 'not' and 'relevans' derived from 'relevare,' meaning 'to lift' or 'to lighten.

Spell: luscious (adjective) /ˈlʌʃ əs/
Definition: Highly pleasing to the senses, particularly the sense of taste or touch.
Example Sentence: "She wore a dress made of luscious silk that shimmered in the light."
Word origin: The adjective 'luscious' has a delectable etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: macho (adjective) /ˈmɑ tʃoʊ/
Definition: Associated with exaggerated masculinity or traditional male stereotypes.
Example Sentence: "The movie portrayed the protagonist as a macho hero, saving the day with his strength and bravery."
Word origin: The adjective 'macho' has an etymology rooted in Spanish.

Spell: manumit (verb) /ˌmæn yəˈmɪt/
Definition: To legally free or emancipate a person from slavery or servitude.
Example Sentence: "The law required the master to manumit each slave upon their 30th birthday."
Word origin: The verb 'manumit' has its etymological origins deeply rooted in Latin.

Spell: memento-mori (noun) /məˈmɛn toʊ ˈmɔr aɪ/
Definition: An object or symbol intended to serve as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life.
Example Sentence: "The graveyard was filled with memento mori symbols like skulls and hourglasses."
Word origin: The term 'memento mori' has its origins in Latin, where 'memento' means 'remember' and 'mori' means 'to die.

Spell: messy (adjective) /ˈmɛs i/
Definition: Disorganized, untidy, or disorderly in appearance or condition.
Example Sentence: "The painter's studio was filled with messy paint splatters and brushes."
Word origin: The adjective 'messy' has its origins in the Middle English word 'messe,' which meant 'food' or 'dish of food.

Spell: montage (noun) /mɒnˈtɑʒ/
Definition: The technique or process of combining various images, sounds, or elements to create a unified and often expressive visual or auditory composition.
Example Sentence: "The film director used a montage to depict the protagonist's transformation."
Word origin: The noun 'montage' has its etymological roots in the French language, specifically from the word 'monter,' which means 'to mount' or 'to assemble.

Spell: monumental (adjective) /ˌmɒn yəˈmɛn tl/
Definition: Of great significance, importance, or magnitude.
Example Sentence: "The signing of the peace treaty was a monumental event in history."
Word origin: The adjective 'monumental' derives from the Latin word 'monumentalis,' which is derived from 'monumentum,' meaning 'a monument' or 'a structure built to commemorate something.

Spell: motto (noun) /ˈmɒt oʊ/
Definition: A short, memorable phrase or expression that embodies the guiding principles, values, or aspirations of an individual, group, organization, or institution.
Example Sentence: "Our family motto is "Unity in Diversity," reflecting our values."
Word origin: The noun 'motto' has its etymological origins in the Italian word 'motto,' which means 'word' or 'saying.

Spell: muggy (adjective) /ˈmʌg i/
Definition: Characterized by high humidity and a sense of dampness or stickiness in the air.
Example Sentence: "The air conditioner provided some relief from the muggy atmosphere indoors."
Word origin: The adjective 'muggy' finds its etymological origins in the word 'mug,' which initially referred to a thick, heavy, and oppressive atmosphere or air.

Spell: notable (adjective) /ˈnoʊ tə bəl/
Definition: Worthy of attention, recognition, or distinction due to significant or remarkable qualities, achievements, or characteristics.
Example Sentence: "The artist's work is exhibited in several notable galleries around the world."
Word origin: The adjective 'notable' traces its origins to the Latin word 'notabilis,' which is derived from 'notare,' meaning 'to mark' or 'to note.

Spell: obsessed (adjective) /əbˈsɛst/
Definition: Consumed or preoccupied with a particular thought, idea, or person.
Example Sentence: "He became obsessed with a new video game, playing it day and night."
Word origin: The adjective 'obsessed' derives its etymological origins from the Latin word 'obsidere,' which combines 'ob,' meaning 'against' or 'towards,' and 'sidere,' meaning 'to sit' or 'to besiege.

Spell: occultism (noun) /əˈkʌl tɪz əm/
Definition: The study, practice, or belief in hidden or secret knowledge, supernatural powers, and mystical or esoteric principles.
Example Sentence: "She devoted her life to the study of occultism and mysticism."
Word origin: The noun 'occultism' draws its etymological roots from the Latin word 'occultus,' which means 'hidden' or 'concealed.

Spell: omniscient (adjective) /ɒmˈnɪsɪənt/
Definition: Having complete, all-encompassing knowledge or awareness of everything.
Example Sentence: "The detective's keen observation and intuition made her seem almost omniscient."
Word origin: The adjective 'omniscient' originates from the Latin words 'omnis,' meaning 'all,' and 'scientia,' meaning 'knowledge.

Spell: option (noun) /ˈɒp ʃən/
Definition: A choice or alternative that is available for consideration or selection.
Example Sentence: "She had the option of taking the bus or walking to work."
Word origin: The noun 'option' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'optio,' which means 'choice' or 'selection.

Spell: orbicular (adjective) /ɔːˈbɪkjʊlə/
Definition: Spherical or circular in shape.
Example Sentence: "The scientist studied the formation of orbicular crystals under a microscope."
Word origin: The adjective 'orbicular' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'orbiculus,' which is a diminutive form of 'orbita,' meaning 'circle' or 'disk.

Spell: percolate (verb) /ˈpɜrkəˌleɪt/
Definition: To filter or pass through a porous material, allowing a liquid to gradually penetrate and move through it.
Example Sentence: "The rainwater slowly started to percolate through the layers of soil."
Word origin: The verb 'percolate' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: postponement (noun) /poʊstˈpoʊn mənt/
Definition: The act of delaying or rescheduling an event, activity, or obligation to a later time or date.
Example Sentence: "The postponement of the project launch allowed the team to address unforeseen issues and ensure a more successful outcome."
Word origin: The noun 'postponement' derives its etymology from the combination of two Latin words: 'post,' meaning 'after,' and 'ponere,' which means 'to place' or 'to put.

Spell: probe (verb) /proʊb/
Definition: To investigate, explore, or examine something thoroughly and systematically, often with the intention of obtaining information or understanding a particular subject or situation.
Example Sentence: "I need to probe deeper into the issue to understand its root causes."
Word origin: The verb 'probe' has its etymology rooted in the Latin word 'probus,' meaning 'good' or 'upright,' and 'probare,' which means 'to test' or 'to prove.

Spell: prohibition (noun) /ˌprəʊ(h)ɪˈbɪʃn/
Definition: The act of forbidding or prohibiting something, typically by law.
Example Sentence: "The government imposed a prohibition on the sale of certain drugs."
Word origin: The noun 'prohibition' has its etymology rooted in the Latin word 'prohibitio,' which is derived from 'prohibere,' meaning 'to forbid' or 'to prevent.

Spell: propitious (adjective) /prəˈpɪʃəs/
Definition: Favorable, auspicious, or likely to lead to a positive outcome.
Example Sentence: "The timing of the launch was propitious, as the market was ready for the product."
Word origin: The adjective 'propitious' has its roots in Latin and Old French.

Spell: proximity (noun) /prɒkˈsɪm ɪ ti/
Definition: The state or quality of being near or close in space, time, or relationship.
Example Sentence: "The proximity of the two houses created a sense of community among the neighbors."
Word origin: The noun 'proximity' traces its etymological roots to the Latin word 'proximitas,' which is derived from 'proximus,' meaning 'nearest' or 'next.

Spell: reaction (noun) /riˈækʃən/
Definition: A response or behavior that occurs as a result of a stimulus, event, or situation.
Example Sentence: "I couldn't help but smile at his adorable reaction to the puppy."
Word origin: The noun 'reaction' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: rejoice (verb) /rɪˈdʒɔɪs/
Definition: To express elation or jubilation in response to a positive event, outcome, or situation.
Example Sentence: "When you complete your homework, you can rejoice in your dedication and hard work."
Word origin: The verb 'rejoice' has its etymological roots in Middle English and Old French.

Spell: renounce (verb) /rɪˈnaʊns/
Definition: To formally give up, reject, or disown something, typically a belief, right, or claim.
Example Sentence: "He will renounce his inheritance to pursue his own path in life."
Word origin: The verb 'renounce' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'renuntiare.

Spell: resounding (adjective) /rɪˈzaʊndɪŋ/
Definition: Unmistakable or emphatic.
Example Sentence: "Her decision to move was met with resounding support from her friends."
Word origin: The adjective 'resounding' has its etymological roots in the Latin language.

Spell: saturated (adjective) /ˈsætʃ əˌreɪ tɪd/
Definition: Filled or soaked to its maximum capacity.
Example Sentence: "The sponge was completely saturated with soap, ready for cleaning."
Word origin: The adjective 'saturated' owes its etymology to the Latin word 'saturatus,' which is the past participle of 'saturare.

Spell: schooling (noun) /ˈsku lɪŋ/
Definition: The formal process of education and instruction provided within a structured educational system.
Example Sentence: "He cherished his memories of schooling, as they shaped his passion for learning."
Word origin: The noun 'schooling' derives its etymology from the Middle English word 'scolage,' which, in turn, comes from the Old French term 'escolage.

Spell: sectarian (adjective) /sɛkˈtɛːrɪən/
Definition: Relating to or characteristic of a particular religious, political, or ideological group or sect.
Example Sentence: "It's important to rise above sectarian politics to address the needs of the nation."
Word origin: The adjective 'sectarian' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: souvenir (noun) /ˌsu vəˈnɪər/
Definition: An item or memento that is kept as a reminder or keepsake of a person, place, event, or experience.
Example Sentence: "The souvenir shop had a wide selection of local crafts."
Word origin: The noun 'souvenir' has a fascinating etymology, originating from the French language.

Spell: speculative (adjective) /ˈspɛk yəˌleɪ tɪv/
Definition: Based on conjecture, theory, or assumptions rather than concrete evidence or facts.
Example Sentence: "The writer engaged in speculative thinking, exploring various scenarios for the plot of their novel."
Word origin: The adjective 'speculative' traces its linguistic roots to the Latin word 'speculativus,' which was derived from 'speculum,' meaning 'mirror' or 'reflection.

Spell: spindle (noun) /ˈspɪndəl/
Definition: A cylindrical rod or pin that rotates around its axis, typically used for spinning fibers into thread or yarn.
Example Sentence: "The spinning wheel's spindle turned with rhythmic precision."
Word origin: The noun 'spindle' has its origins in Old English, where it was known as 'spindel.

Spell: tailored (adjective) /ˈteɪ lərd/
Definition: Specifically designed, customized, or modified to fit a particular purpose, individual, or situation.
Example Sentence: "The restaurant offered a tailored menu for guests with dietary restrictions."
Word origin: The adjective 'tailored' finds its etymological roots in the Old French word 'taillier,' which means 'to cut' or 'to shape.

Spell: tranquility (noun) /træŋˈkwɪl ɪ ti/
Definition: A state of calmness, serenity, and peace.
Example Sentence: "The spa retreat offered a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation."
Word origin: The noun 'tranquility' is derived from the adjective 'tranquil,' which in turn originates from the Latin word 'tranquilis.

Spell: trickle (verb) /ˈtrɪk əl/
Definition: To seep gradually and continuously in a thin, gentle stream
Example Sentence: "A small stream of honey started to trickle, sweetening the surface below."
Word origin: The verb 'trickle' can be linguistically linked to its root in the Old English word 'triclian,' which derives from the Proto-Germanic word 'triukilōną.

Spell: trinket (noun) /ˈtrɪŋkət/
Definition: A small ornament or decorative item that is often of little value or use.
Example Sentence: "She collects trinkets from around the world to display in her cabinet."
Word origin: The noun 'trinket' has its roots in the Old French word 'triengue,' which is believed to be derived from the Late Latin word 'trinca,' meaning 'a thing of little value.

Spell: unclear (adjective) /ʌnˈklɪə/
Definition: Not easily understood, vague, or lacking in clarity.
Example Sentence: "The message in the email was unclear, and I had to ask for clarification."
Word origin: The adjective 'unclear' can be understood by examining its root word, 'clear.

Spell: volatile (adjective) /ˈvɒl ə tl/
Definition: Highly unstable, unpredictable, or subject to rapid and significant changes.
Example Sentence: "The stock market experienced a volatile trading day, with prices constantly fluctuating."
Word origin: The adjective 'volatile' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: wacky (adjective) /ˈwæk i/
Definition: Peculiar, eccentric, or offbeat in a playful and unconventional manner.
Example Sentence: "She wore a wacky outfit to the costume party, complete with a mismatched hat and polka dot shoes."
Word origin: The adjective 'wacky' is believed to be of American origin, and its etymology is somewhat uncertain.

Spell: worthless (adjective) /ˈwɜrθ lɪs/
Definition: Lacking value, importance, or significance.
Example Sentence: "Despite his efforts, he felt worthless as he struggled to find a job."
Word origin: The adjective 'worthless' is formed by adding the suffix '-less' to the word 'worth,' which has its origins in Old English 'weorþ,' signifying value or merit.