After searching around for a good word to use today, I discovered something about the search bar in my kindle app on my phone: it suggests words that are actually in the book, so I don't have to type out the entire word before I know whether or not it's in there. Very handy tool.
And it was the tool I used to find today's word: pallid.
Pallid | pa-ləd: adjective: deficient in color, wan; lacking sparkle or liveliness, dull
Oftentimes, when I see this word used in novels, it's used to describe a person's appearance, primarily their skin tone. A person with pallid skin is often sickly or so wrought with worry that they are beginning to make themselves ill. It's a good use to portray a character's nervousness or just how sick they may be. However, I particularly like Cambrige's definition for the word.
Pallid | pæl.ɪd: very pale in a way that looks unhealthy or not attractive; showing no enthusiasm or excitement
A pallid expression means so much more than just a sickly body. Someone who is monotone, refusing to budge on something that others may have already expressed great conviction for, would show a pallid expression. They may even go so far as to cross their arms and furrow their brow or raise a brow in question at the original source of excitement. There's so much to do with this word in order to describe a scene!
Today's quote goes through the first definition, which is where it is more often used. However, it is still a wonderful representation of the word.
The cadaver's eyes were rimmed in red, his hair thin and dry. Dark blue veins could be seen through the pallid skin of his hands and face.
-A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
Pallid just has a better, more defining ring to it than pale or translucent. Almost sickly in the way it sounds. Not the best image one wants to keep in their head, but still a good word to keep in the mental dictionary for later.
Until we see where tomorrow takes us, happy reading.
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