tradition tra-di-tion / trə-dĭsh-ən   noun 1. the passing down of cultural customs, practices or beliefs through generations, particularly through word of mouth Tradition means handing on all that is of value to the next generation. Henry Lewis Bullen, 1857 – 1938   2. a custom, practice or belief passed within families or social groups from one generation to another All major religious traditions carry basically the... Read More

endeavor en-deav-or / ĕn-dĕv-ər noun 1. a sincere attempt, generally requiring effort Success in any endeavor requires single-minded attention to detail and total concentration. Willie Sutton, 1901 – 1980 2. an undertaking directed toward a goal or purpose He that fails in his endeavors after wealth or power will not long retain either honesty or courage.  Samuel Johnson, 1709 – 1784 verb 1. to try, to make... Read More

outstanding out-stand-ing / out-stăn-dĭng, out-stăn- dĭng adjective 1. extremely good; excellent; superior If you want to stand out, don’t be different, be outstanding. Meredith West, ? – 2. obvious, very noticeable What you see is that the most outstanding feature of life’s history is a constant domination by bacteria.  Stephen Jay Gould, 1941 – 2002 3. still in existence; not paid, settled, satisfied or resolved Purchases bought by... Read More

succor suc-cor / sŭk-ər noun 1. aid, assistance, relief You find in friendship the surety of good counsel, the emulation of good example, sympathy in our griefs, succor in our distress.  Anne-Therese de Marguenat de Courcelles, 1647 – 1733 2. someone or something that provides help, assistance or relief There is beauty in art, in literature, in science, and in every triumph of intelligence, all of which... Read More

disinfectant dis-in-fec-tant / dĭs-ĭn-fĕk-tənt adjective 1. causing the destruction of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms     I keep disinfectant wipes in my bag for when I have to use a supermarket trolley or something like that.  Paula Radcliffe, 1973 – noun 1. an element that destroys bacteria and other harmful microorganisms The best natural disinfectant, sunshine; the best germ disinfectant, formaldehyde; the best physical disinfectant, soap; the best... Read More

perseverance per-se-ver-ance / pûr-sə-vîr-əns noun 1. unwavering persistence in a purpose, belief or course of action even when difficulties are encountered Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.  Samuel Johnson, 1709 – 1784 2. in Calvinistic theology, the doctrine that all those called by God will remain in a state of grace until death, when salvation will be given This perseverance is the promise... Read More

grounding ground-ing / ground-ĭng noun the teaching or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge that reconnect you to the earth to have positive effects on the body. Grounding is most effective when you have someplace to go. When you know where you are going, grounding brings you strength and confidence; when you’re stagnant, you get caught in the past. Tony Curl,... Read More

superstition su-per-sti-tion / so͞o-pər-stĭsh-ən noun 1. excessive reverence for that which is unknown or mysterious Superstition is the religion of the feeble minds.  Edmund Burke, 1729 – 1797 2. an irrational belief that certain outcomes are caused by something that is not logically connected to the outcome According to a Russian superstition, bird poop that lands on you or something that belongs to you will bring... Read More

opinion o-pin-ion / ə-pĭn-yən noun 1. a belief stronger than an impression but not substantiated with proof The person who has no opinion will seldom be wrong.  French Proverb 2. the current, widespread or prevailing point of view A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows the public opinion.  Chinese Proverb 3. the judgement given by an expert If you have a doctor who would be... Read More

spooky spook-y / spo͞o-kē adjective 1. causing one to think of ghosts or phantoms; ghostly In Victorian Britain, spooky winter’s tales were part of the Christmas season, often told after dinner, over port or coffee. Michael Dirda, 1948 – 2. scary I’ve made up stuff that’s turned out to be real, that’s the spooky part. Tom Clancy, 1947 – 2013 3. nervous and jumpy; easily scared I was... Read More