dubious du-bi-ous / do͞o-bē-əs, dyo͞o-bē-əs adjective 1. uncertain, not yet determined The world is full of hopeful analogies and handsome, dubious eggs, called possibilities. George Eliot, pen name of Mary Ann Evans, 1819 – 1880 2. doubtful or suspicious; questionable He is a friend who, in dubious circumstances, aids in deeds when deeds are necessary.  Plautus, 254 BC – 184 BC 3. untrustworthy; suspect Information obtained under dubious... Read More

leftover left-o-ver / left–ō-vər adjective 1.  left as an unused portion or amount; remaining Always strive to give your spouse the very best of yourself; not what’s leftover after you have given your best to everyone else. Dave Willis, 1970 – noun 1.  a portion or amount remaining after use; remainder ‘Solid wastes’ are the discarded leftovers of our advanced consumer society. Jimmy Carter, 1924 –... Read More

spice spice / spīs noun 1. any of a number of aromatic plant substances used to add flavor You can make just about any foods taste wonderful by adding herbs and spices. Jorge Cruise, 1971 – 2. collectively, the aromatic plant substances used for flavoring If you cooked without spice or seasoning, you’d come up with something you could eat, but it wouldn’t satisfy. From “Dance Upon... Read More

thanks thanks / thăngks noun 1. an acknowledgment of gratitude for kindness, favor, or the like When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself. Tecumseh, 1768 – 1813 2. gratitude; thoughts or feelings of gratefulness... Read More

aroma a-ro-ma / ə-rō-mə noun 1. smell; scent; fragrance; a property that is detected by one’s sense of smell It’s not the aroma of the soup that tells you whether it’s sweet or not, but it’s the tongue’s taste. African Proverb 2. a pervading, subtle quality or tone Behave so the aroma of your actions may enhance the general sweetness of the atmosphere. Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862

palatable pal-at-a-ble / păl-ə-tə-bəl adjective 1. tasty; having an acceptable taste Water is said to be potable; indeed, some declare it our natural beverage, although even they find it palatable only when suffering from the recurrent disorder known as thirst, for which it is a medicine. From “The Unabridged Devil’s Dictionary” by Ambrose Bierce, 1842 – 1914 2. acceptable or agreeable to one’s mind or feelings Democracy... Read More

tenderly ten-der-ly / tĕn-dər-lē adverb 1. with kindness, gentleness and affection Speak tenderly; let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Mother Teresa, 1910 – 1997 2. In a way that is easy to cut or chew A hot, tenderly cooked heap of rice is comfort food, just the way it is. Tejal Rao, “Perfect... Read More

perspicacity per-spi-cac-i-ty / pûr-spĭ-kăs-ĭ-tē noun 1. the intellectual ability to keenly perceive, discern or understand I intend to bring you strength, joy, courage, perspicacity, defiance. André Gide, 1869 – 1951

defend de-fend / dĭ-fĕnd verb 1. to fight to protect something; to guard against attack or harm Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it. Pericles 495 BC -429 BC 2. to stand up for something in the face of criticism; uphold; justify Venture not to defend what your judgment doubts of. English Proverb 3. in an oral examination, to provide... Read More

brittle brit-tle / brĭt-l adjective 1. easily broken or snapped; fragile Man is harder than a stone and more brittle than an egg. Bulgarian Proverb 2. lacking compassion or sensitivity; cold “Now, my boy, times have changed,” Del Mar addressed him in cold, brittle tones. From “Michael, Brother of Jerry” by Jack London, 1876 – 1916 3. irritable; rudely brusque Bush gave a brittle reply, calling such remarks... Read More