Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 30, 2026 is epistemic. This adjective means relating to knowledge or the process of knowing. For example, a teacher might possess epistemic humility, acknowledging that learning is a lifelong endeavor. The word can be used to describe the enrichment of our understanding of life through experiences like reading novels. Delving into its etymology reveals its Greek roots. The Greek word epistḗmē signifies skill, expertise, and specifically scientific knowledge. This word derives from epístamai, meaning to know how or to have knowledge. Epístamai itself is formed from the prefix epi-, meaning upon, and hístēmi, meaning to cause to stand. These roots connect to English words like system and understand. The philosophical study of knowledge is called epistemology. An individual involved in this study is an epistemologist.