sparky spark-y / spär-kē adjective lively and energetic; vivacious What a child wants and deserves is a parent who is SPARKY! From “Danny the Champion of the World” by Roald Dahl, 1916 – 1990 etymology An adjective formed from the English noun “spark,” which comes from the Anglo-Saxon noun spearca (spark) through its Middle English variants sparke, sperke, spearke. Special thanks to Allen Ward for providing this etymology.

effort ef-fort / ĕf-ərt noun 1. an unwavering or sincere attempt Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.  Winston Churchill 1874-1965 2. a strenuous action, usually requiring great mental or physical energy What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.  Samuel Johnson, 1709 – 1784 3. an accomplishment It was his finest effort to date; he wanted... Read More

fate fate / fāt noun 1. one’s destiny; fortune or luck that follows a person or thing Venture all; see what fate brings.  Vietnamese Proverb 2. that which ultimately determines the course of events and outcome In the presence of Fate, the physician becomes a fool.  Arabian Proverb 3. the final result; the ultimate outcome No fate is worse than a life without a love. Mexican Proverb 4. destruction,... Read More

pool pool / po͞ol noun 1. a pond or other small body of still water, usually fresh I do not want a friend who smiles when I smile, who weeps when I weep; for my shadow in the pool can do better than that. Confucius, 551 BC – 479 BC 2. a puddle; a small collection of liquid gathered or spilled on a surface Standing pools gather filth. German Proverb... Read More

criticism crit-i-cism /  krĭt-ĭ-sĭz-əm noun 1. the act of expressing disapproval based on perceived flaws or mistakes; censure Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at very small expense.  Samuel Johnson, 1709 – 1784 2. a comment expressing disapproval, fault or judgement based on perception Criticism is something you can avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.  American Proverb... Read More

plant plant / plănt verb 1.  to put a seed in the ground for growth He who plants a garden plants happiness.  German Proverb 2.  to sow with seeds or trees, shrubs, etc. If you want to be happy for a year, plant a garden; if you want to be happy for life, plant a tree.  English Proverb 3.  to place deeply in the ground or some... Read More

complacence com-pla-cence / kəm-plā-səns noun 1. satisfaction, particularly self satisfaction Often would self-complacence spread Harmonious halos round my head; And all my being own’d awhile The warm diffusion of her smile. From “The Lay Of Marie” by Matilda Betham, 1776 – 1852 2. lack of care or concern The enrichment of Colonel Byrd, even by ways that were devious, was viewed with complacence by his neighbors so long... Read More

protest pro-test / prə-tĕst, prō-tĕst , prō-tĕst noun 1. a public gathering or march for people to express their opposition to something What makes America great is peaceful protests and exercising your constitutional rights. Matthew Dowd, 1961 – 2. an explicit, public announcement of opinion and usually of disagreement Sarcasm is the protest of the weak. John Knowles. 1926 – 2001 3. the act of making a strong objection... Read More

firework fire-work / fīr-wûrk noun 1.  an explosive device, for entertainment purposes, designed to produce sparks, colored lights and noise There was a young man of Herne Bay who was making some fireworks one day: but he dropped his cigar in the gunpowder jar. There was a young man of Herne Bay. Ogden Nash, 1902 – 1971 2.  (fireworks) a showy display of colored lights and noises created... Read More

patriot pa-tri-ot / pā-trē-ət, pā-trē-ŏt noun 1. one who loves and defends his country and supports its way of life Liberty is a constant battle between government; who would limit it, people; who would concede it, and patriots; who would defend it.  Samuel R. Young, Jr., ? etymology Derived from the ancient Greek noun patriotes (fellow countryman). Thanks to Allen Ward for providing this etymology.