{"word":"stigma","date":"2026-09-09","partOfSpeech":"noun","pronunciation":"STIG-muh","definition":"a set of negative beliefs people have about something","example":"The organization is animated by a commitment to challenging stigmas associated with the condition.","etymology":"The word stigma comes from Greek stigma, meaning a mark or tattoo, which referred to a brand or tattoo used to signify a person's social status or shame. It entered English in the 16th century, initially retaining its literal sense before evolving to describe a social mark of discredit or disapproval.","source":"merriam-webster","sourceUrl":"https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/stigma-2026-09-09","fetchedAt":"2026-09-09T07:27:42.096Z","cached":false}