synonym   syn-o-nym / ˈsi-nə-ˌnim   noun   one of two or more words that have the same meaning in the same language ‘Google’ is not a synonym for ‘research’. Dan Brown, 1964-   a word or phrase that has become so closely associated with something that it comes to embody it Greatness is so often a courteous synonym for great success. Philip Guedalla,... Read More

men-tor / ˈmen-ˌtȯr   noun   an experienced person who is seen as a guide and advisor A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you. Bob Proctor, 1934-   a tutor Mentors and apprentices are partners in an ancient human dance, and one of teaching’s great rewards is... Read More

need / ˈnēd   noun   an obligation One who believes in himself has no need to convince others. Laozi, 601 BC-c. 531 BC   a lack of something vital or useful There is no need like the lack of a friend. Irish Proverb   a physical or mental requirement Above and beyond looking after your physical needs, it can be very helpful to... Read More

ex-is-ten-tial / eg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shəl   adjective   of or relating to the state of being or existing We are always doing something to cover up our basic existential anxiety. Charlotte Joko Beck, 1917-2011   grounded or based in the experience of being The rightful claim to dissent is an existential right. Friedrich Dürrenmatt, 1921-1990   having a place or being in time and space The... Read More

rye   rye  /  rī   noun   a cool climate annual grass (Secale cereale) A shallow, worn-out soil should not be used for corn, but for cowpeas or rye. From “Agriculture for Beginners” by Charles William Burkett, 1873 – 1962   the grain of Secale cereale which is ground into flour, used to make whiskey or used as food for livestock Every New... Read More

they / ˈt͟hā   pronoun   those people, animals, etc. Some people want to be praised for the rest of their lives for what they have done well for one day. Chinese Proverb   used to refer to an unspecified person or people, or people in general Listen to what they say of the others and you will know what they say about you.... Read More

ten-u-ous / ˈten-yə-wəs   adjective   lacking substance; very flimsy or weak The same thing that makes friendship so valuable is what makes it so tenuous: it is purely voluntary. from ‘We Learn Nothing’ by Tim Kreider, ?-   very thin As we drove out of Louton and the road began a series of sweeping curves that climbed up the mountain, the tenuous thread... Read More

ea-gle / ˈē-gəl   noun   any large bird of prey belonging to hawk family Accipitridae which lives primarily in North America Even the mightiest eagle comes down to the treetops to rest. Ugandan Proverb   in golf, a score of two below par on a single hole There’s no question that the galleries still like to see birdies and eagles. Arnold Palmer, 1929-2016... Read More

game / ˈgām   noun   organized play or amusement Life is more fun if you play games. Roald Dahl, 1916-1990   an activity that is competitive or cooperative in nature with a set of rules, usually done for fun or sport Bridge is the king of all card games. Bill Gates, 1955-   an instance of such an activity A man of high... Read More

pov-er-ty / ˈpä-vər-tē   noun   the state of having little to no money or possessions Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor. James A. Baldwin, 1924-1987   deficiency of necessary qualities If the incidence of disease depends on the poverty of the soil, it would seem that there must be something very wrong somewhere... Read More