Exotic

Definition: having the charm or fascination of the unfamiliar; strangely beautiful; enticing Quotes:• The universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose. — John Burdon Sanderson Haldane (1892-1964) British-Indian geneticist, biologist, & mathematician• Deadlines refine the mind. They remove variables like exotic materials and processes that take too long. The … Read more

Exhaustive

Definition: testing all possibilities or considering all elements; thorough; complete Quote: Remind thyself, in the darkest moments, that every failure is only a step toward success, every detection of what is false directs you toward what is true, every trial exhausts some tempting form of error, and every adversity will only hide, for a time, your … Read more

Exemplary

Definition: serving as a worthy model or pattern; commendable Synonyms: excellent, honorable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy Quotes:• Excellence is a better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound and original insights are to be found only in studying the exemplary. — Warren Gamaliel Bennis (1925–2014) American scholar & leadership consultant• The most efficacious … Read more

Exciting

Definitions: (1) producing or stimulating exhilaration; arousing keen interest; thrilling; (2) stirring an emotional or spiritual response; (3) calling to action Synonyms: fiery, invigorating, oomph Quotes:• Dig into life with wild roving abandon, opening your mind to the delicious possibilities that perplex the mind, entice the heart, and excite the spirit. — Maximillian Degenerez, Portuguese artist• Idealism allied with pragmatism, with … Read more

Exceptional

Definitions: (1) unusually excellent, superior, or extraordinary; (2) out of the ordinary; uncommon; rare; titanic Derivation: Latin, “to take out” Saying: The exception proves the rule in cases not excepted.     Note: The Latin derivation of “proves” is ‘tests, demonstrates.” Quotes:• To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail. — Giorgio Armani (1934-) … Read more

Excellent

Definition: being of the very best quality; exceptionally good; first-class; tip-top; of great worth; superior; admirable Derivation: Latin, “out, beyond, lofty” Synonyms: choice, par excellence, prime, sterling, transcendent Quotes:• Persistence is the twin sister of excellence. One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time. — Habeeb Akande (~1990’s-) British-Nigerian writer• When you write down … Read more

Exact

Definitions: (1) observing strict method, rule, or order; meticulous; careful; (2) precisely thought out or stated; definite; (3) highly polished Synonyms: accurate, actual, adjusted, correct, punctual, true Familial Quality: conscientious Saying: Ad unguem (Latin): “to the fingernail”; “to a nicety”; “exactly” (from the use of the fingernail to test the smoothness of marble) Quotes:• Truth … Read more

Evolving

Definitions: (1) reaching a highly developed state by a process of growth and change; expanding gradually; (2) unfolding; becoming disclosed; (3) exhibiting creativity along the time/space continuum; (4) freeing up, giving off, or emitting     Note on Definition (4): One way to evolve the self is by getting rid of what is not needed. The best way to do this is to move toward the … Read more

Even-tempered

Definition: placid; calm; not quickly angered, excited, or disturbed Proverb: He who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. — Proverbs 17:27 Observation: Some female elephants are both so intelligent and so even-tempered that villagers in Thailand have used them as babysitters. — Burkhard Bilger, American New Yorker staff writer Tip: Count … Read more

Euphoric

Definition: experiencing a strong feeling of well-being, relaxation, happiness, and confidence Derivation: Greek, “the power of bearing easily” Quotes:• It’s not possible to experience constant euphoria, but if you’re grateful, you can find happiness in everything. — Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (1973-) American songwriter & record producer• When we feel joyful, euphoric, happy, we are more open to … Read more