naught naught / nôt   adjective 1. (archaic) meaningless; useless Good impulses are naught, unless they become good actions. Joseph Joubert, 1754 – 1824   2. (archaic) corrupt; bad; ruined; worthless O it is a happy thing to feel ourselves helpless and naught, for then the presence of God is felt to wrap us about so lovingly! William Mountford, 1816 – 1885   adverb 1. (obsolete) not at... Read More

beget be-get / bĭ-gĕt   verb (past tense begot or begat; past participle begot or begotten; present participle begetting) 1. to produce offspring (particularly referring to a male parent); to procreate Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. Solomon, 990 BC – 931 BC   2. to cause; to give rise to; to produce as an effect Kindness... Read More

warmth warmth / wôrmth   noun 1. friendship, generosity, kindness, or affection Even more important than the warmth and affection we receive, is the warmth and affection we give. It is by giving warmth and affection, by having a genuine sense of concern for others, in other words through compassion, that we gain the conditions for genuine happiness. Dalai Lama, 1935 –   2. moderate or... Read More

sled sled / slĕd   noun 1. a small, light vehicle with runners on the bottom of a platform, used to travel over snow or ice High tax rates are followed by attempts of ingenious men to beat them as surely as snow is followed by little boys on sleds. Arthur Melvin Okun, 1928 – 1980   2. a vehicle with runners on the bottom, often drawn... Read More

crèche crèche / krĕsh   noun 1.  a representation or tableau of Christ’s Nativity, depicting the scene at the stable in Bethlehem, usually with statues or figurines During the first 13 centuries after the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, no one thought of setting up a creche to celebrate Christmas. Nancy Pearcey, 1952 –   2. a hospital or home for abandoned babies They knew what Jasmin... Read More

thoughtful thought-ful / thôt-fəl   adjective 1. considerate; caring for the needs or happiness of others The kinder and more thoughtful a person is, the more kindness he can find in other people. Leo Tolstoy, 1910   2. displaying or demonstrating careful thought Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind. Theodore Roosevelt, 1858 – 1919   3. completely absorbed in... Read More

saffron saf-fron / săf-rən noun 1.  a plant, Crocus sativus, with purple or white flowers and orange stigmas, native to the Eastern Mediterranean region It is filled with saffron, poppies, and other soothing plants; so lay your little head on it to-night, sleep sweetly without a dream, and wake to-morrow without a pain. From “Eight Cousins” by Louisa May Alcott, 1832 – 1888 2. the dried stigmas of... Read More

contrite con-trite / kən-trīt, kŏn–trīt   adjective 1. arising from a sense of guilt or regret Judge Jackie Glass said Simpson’s contrite words in court were not as powerful as his angry words, as caught on tape, during the confrontation. “O J Simpson gets at least 15 years for robbery, kidnapping”, ‘The Times of India’, December 6, 2008   2. feeling regret and sorrow; remorseful; penitent... Read More

reprehensible rep-re-hen-si-ble / rĕp-rĭ-hĕn-sə-bəl adjective 1.  deserving of a reprimand, sharp criticism or blame What is reprehensible is that while leading good lives themselves and abhorring those of wicked men, some, fearing to offend, shut their eyes to evil deeds instead of condemning them and pointing out their malice. Saint Augustine, 354 – 430

posh posh / pŏsh adjective 1. elegant, fashionable or luxurious We want everybody to have the best facilities in which to work, but we do not believe in posh and impressive private offices. Akio Morita, 1921 – 1999 2. characteristic or typical of the upper class, especially in the United Kingdom When I went to school, everyone had elocution lessons, not to sound posh but so you could... Read More