Constructive

Definitions: (1) promoting further development or advancement; positive formation; (2) able or helping to erect or create; (3) building up and making better; serving to improve Quote:• You must not under any pretense allow your mind to dwell on any thought that is not positive, constructive, optimistic, or kind.  Emmet Fox (1886–1951) Irish spiritual leader• You should tell yourself frequently … Read more

Consonant

Definitions: (1) in agreement or harmony <usually with others>; accordant; congruous; consistent; (2) sympathetic vibration <said of musical tones, but can also be so with personalities>  Synonyms: suitable, unified Consideration: It can be argued that the purpose for existence is to mesh with or be more consistent with observable reality. Science defines itself in these terms: the more accurate the … Read more

Consistent

Definitions: (1) harmonious regularity or steady continuity; uniform; (2) conducting oneself in harmony with one’s belief, character, profession, or custom; (3) recognition of value through time Derivation: Latin, “standing firm or still, existing” Synonyms: accordant, changeless, consonant  Balancing Qualities: Concern, Fairness, Tact, High-minded Too Far: mediocrity     Note: Qualities, often sacrificed in the name of consistency, are flexibility and individuality. In the attempt to be consistent, … Read more

Considerate

Definitions: (1) showing kindly regard for the feelings or circumstances of others; thoughtful; (2) showing care; deliberate Derivation: Latin, “examine,” (perhaps based on sidus: “star”) Quotes:• Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree. — Marian Wright Edelman (1939-) American civil rights activist• Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, … Read more

Conservative

Definitions: (1) inclined to preserve the existing order of things; traditional; (2) marked by moderate or cautious attitudes; safe; (3) a wise melding of the best from the past with the most promising of the future; prudent; (4) protect or maintained in its original state; a preservationist Derivation: Late Middle English, “to keep safe from harm” Balancing Qualities: Flexible, Liberal, Open … Read more

Conscious

Definitions: (1) aware of one’s own existence and of external objects and conditions; (2) able to feel and think; awake; (3) sensitive of oneself as an alert being <knowing what one is doing and why>; (4) capable of, or marked by: thought, will, design, or perception; (5) able to see the light; (6) deliberate; intentional <a conscious effort to do better>deliberate; intentional … Read more

Conscientious

Definitions: (1) paying meticulous attention to adhere to one’s moral sense governing all of one’s actions; careful; (2) influenced or governed by the known, accepted social and scientific principles of correct and incorrect; scrupulous; (3) inclined to honor the internal rules of right and wrong; honest Compatible Qualities: Logical, Reasonable Quotes:• Never should an unfamiliar word be passed … Read more

Conscience

Definitions: (1) the knowledge – or feeling – of right and wrong; (2) the faculty, power, or principle of a person which decides on the morality of their actions; (3) the criticism of oneself by one’s own value-habits – personal positive ideals; (4) the compulsion to act with the intention of doing good      See also: Upright Derivation: Latin, “with knowledge” Quote: When will our conscience … Read more

Connected

Definitions: (1) coherently combined meanings; logically linked ideas; (2) an appropriate relationship, socially, physically, or professionally; interconnected; (3) a thorough set with all parts harmoniously united; joined together in a proper order <as the precise fit of a mosaic or puzzle>; quick-connecting Quotes:• The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each neuron connected to 10 … Read more

Congruous

Definitions: (1) corresponding to what is right, proper, or reasonable; suitable; (2) conforming to the circumstances or requirements of a situation; fitting; (3) agreeing in nature or qualities; harmonious Derivation: Latin, “to come together” Synonyms: commingle, to forge a bond Quotes: • Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. — Edward Everett Hale (1822–1909) … Read more