Flexible

Definitions: (1) yielding to influence; tractable; (2) capable of responding or conforming to changing or new situations; (3) adaptable physically, emotionally, or mentally Synonyms: pliable, pliant, supple Too Far: wishy-washy Quotes:• Most moral codes say “either-or” . . . while the universe itself seems to be filled instead with a whole lot of “maybes.” — … Read more

Flamboyant

Definitions: (1) strikingly bold or brilliant; showy; (2) extravagantly dashing and colorful Derivation: French, “flaming, blazing” Too Far: brassy, obnoxious How to Live This Quality Today: Wear bright colors. Quotes:• If a man has any greatness in him, it comes to light, not in one flamboyant hour, but in the ledger of his daily work. — Beryl Markham [nee … Read more

Flair

Definitions: (1) a natural talent, aptitude, or ability; bent; knack; (2) a uniquely attractive quality <as elegance, smartness, or sophistication>; style; (3) instinctive perceptiveness; discernment Derivation: Latin, “smell sweet” Too Far: It is easy to go overboard if your persona is just on the surface and not who you are deep down. Quote: What is success? I think it is … Read more

Fitting

Definitions: (1) suitable or appropriate; proper or becoming; (2) to be in harmony or accord; belonging <I plan on fitting in at my new school.> Synonyms: adequate, apposite, apt, competent, conformable, congruous, expedient, seemly Quotes:• One cannot, and must not, try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present. — Golda Meir (1898–1978) 4th Prime Minister … Read more

Fit

Definitions: (1) adapted for a specific purpose; (2) in good, sound physical and mental condition; healthy; trained; qualified; (3) ready; prepared <fit for duty> Idiom: In fine fettle. Quotes:• The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we … Read more

Firm

Definitions: (1) showing positive determination; resolute; steady; (2) full of or indicating vigorous strength; fixed; stable; (3) unchanging; constant <a firm unshakable faith> Synonyms: pertinacious <holding firm>, robust, rugged, staunch, steadfast, sturdy, tenacious, unfaltering, unyielding Balancing Quality: soft Quotes:• A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. — David McClure Brinkley (1920–2003) American … Read more

Finesse

Definitions: (1) extreme delicacy of performance; skillful craftsmanship; subtle discrimination; (2) smooth and tactful <as in handling a sticky situation>; (3) artful strategy, cunning Synonyms: adroit, crafty  Compatible Quality: sensitive Quotes:• To live means to finesse the processes to which one is subjugated. — Eugen Berthold Friedrich Brecht (1898–1956) German playwright & poet• Our lives are largely made up of a … Read more

Fine

Definitions: (1) of superior or the best quality; of high or highest grade; excellent; (2) characterized by refinement or elegance; polished; (3) sophisticated in appearance; smart; first class; (4) good-looking; handsome; (5) delicate in texture or workmanship; performed with extreme care and accuracy; first rate; (6) showing subtle ability or nicety; discriminating; (7) physically trained or hardened close to the limit of efficiency; healthy; highly skilled or … Read more

Fidelity

Definitions: (1) careful observance of duty; exact performance of obligations or vows; faithful; (2) firm adherence to a person or party with which one is united or bound; loyalty; (3) accuracy; exactness Derivation: Latin, “faith, trust” Synonyms: allegiance, conscientious, constancy, fealty, integrity, trusting, trustworthy Quote: Through fidelity, we situate ourselves and maintain ourselves in the hands of God so exactly as to … Read more

Fetching

Definition: attractive; pretty, charming; pleasing; captivating; (2) to go for and then bring back something <often for someone else> Quotes:• The instruction we find in books is like fire. We fetch it from our neighbors, kindle it at home, communicate it to others, and it becomes the property of all. — François-Marie Arouet de Voltaire (1694-1778) … Read more