platitude \PLAT-uh-tood; -tyood\ (noun) - 1 : Staleness of ideas or language; triteness. 2 : A thought or remark that is banal, trite, or stale.

"When a platitude they have blindly upheld seems about to betray them they ...Read More

diffident \DIF-uh-dunt; -dent\ (adjective) - 1 : Lacking self-confidence; distrustful of one's own powers; timid; bashful. 2 : Characterized by modest reserve; unassertive.

"But I am diffident. What's the good of saying I...Read More

perspicacity \pur-spuh-KAS-uh-tee\ (noun) - Clearness of understanding or insight; penetration, discernment.

"Perspicacity to see what you want isn't much use without power to get it. And power's not worth much without ...Read More

wastrel \WAY-struhl\ (noun) - 1 : A person who wastes, especially one who squanders money; a spendthrift. 2 : An idler; a loafer; a good-for-nothing.

"When I was a student in Lawrence, Kansas, there was a wastrel in the ...Read More

kismet \KIZ-met; -mit\ (noun) - Destiny; fate.

"You were muttering about kismet, which, as an aside, is probably what Lord Nelson really said to Hardy at Trafalgar. I can't see the old sea dog saying 'Kiss me, Hardy,' ...Read More

ennui \on-WEE\ (noun) - A feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction arising from lack of interest; boredom.

"But she felt crushed by ennui as soon as the rhythm of everyday life re-established itself, and realized that it ...Read More