Desire

Definitions: (1) to long for; to want; to crave; to earnestly wish to possess and enjoy <a worthy objective>; (2) to ask for; (3) an alluring person or thing; attractive; fine; (4) exciting to possess because it is pleasing, beautiful, or excellent; (5) sexual appetite; passionate; (6) advantageous, advisable <a desirable reform> Derivation: Latin, “influenced by the stars” Synonyms: eager, hanker, inclination, pine, request, solicit, tantalizing Balancing Qualities: Appreciative, Creative, … Read more

Deserving

Definition: worthy of merit; creditable Derivation: Latin, “to serve well or zealously” Quotes:• Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopher• When someone saves your life and gives you life, there’s gratitude, humility. There’s a time you’ve been so blessed you realize you’ve been given another chance … Read more

Dependable

Definition: capable of being counted on; reliable; trustworthy; levelheaded; steady <especially in an emergency> People Who Exemplify This Quality: Anyone in a crisis-oriented occupation: firemen, emergency medical personnel, police, etc. Quotes:• You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist• Ability … Read more

Demure

Definitions: (1) characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved; (2) sober; sedate; (3) mature; well-mannered Balancing Qualities: self-respect, strong Compatible Qualities: Pragmatic, Farsighted Quote: It’s funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy, and community. Librarians have stood up … Read more

Democratic

Definitions: (1) considering and treating others as one’s equals; not snobbish or prejudiced; (2) existing or provided for the benefit or enjoyment of all <democratic art>; (3) by rule of the majority of the people Derivation: Greek, “power to rule by the people” Quote:• Knowledge is the most democratic source of power. — Alvin Eugene Toffler (1928–2016) American futurist• The best … Read more

Delightful

Definition: giving great pleasure and satisfaction; charming Synonyms: agreeable, beautiful, captivating, enjoyable, gladsome, lovely Quotes: • After many years of great mercy, after tasting of the powers of the world to come, we still are so weak, so foolish; but, oh! when we get away from self to God, there all is truth and purity and holiness, … Read more

Delicious

Definitions: (1) very agreeable to the mind; delightful; (2) highly pleasing to the senses <chiefly to taste or smell> Quote:• Life is delicious; waste not one bite!  — Adrienne Lyn Posey (1986-) American author• Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different … Read more

Delicate

Definitions: (1) beautiful in texture, quality, or workmanship; (2) elegantly mild, light, or soft; (3)slight and subtle <a delicate difference>; (4) sensitive in feeling, understanding, or responsiveness; <delicate demeanor>; (5) having a discriminating distaste for the offensive or unseemly; (6) finely skilled; well done; light-handed; (7) considerate and tactful Derivation: Latin, “giving pleasure” Balancing Quality: firm Too Far: If you keep digging up a delicate plant to see how well the roots … Read more

Deliberate

Definitions: (1) studied and intentional action characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration; done on purpose; premeditated; (2) aware of the consequences; (3) slow, unhurried, and steady; allowing time to plan each individual action involved Synonyms: cautious, premeditated, thoughtful, voluntary, witting Quotes:• There is a time to deliberate… and a time to act. Learn to recognize which is which, … Read more

Delectable

Definition: giving joy or pleasure <especially a delicious food item>; tasty Derivations: Old French from Latin, “to charm” Quotes: • Lovers of painting and lovers of music are people who openly display their preference like a delectable ailment that isolates them and makes them proud. — Maurice Blanchot (1907–2003) French writer & philosopher• Such philosophy as … Read more