Posts under Lexicon Category
By Kate E. Stephenson Cupidity (n.): eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice. While the word may manifest images of a cherubic angel with a heart-shaped bow, cupidity is seriously not cute. There is a fine line between ambition and cupidity. Ambition can be admirable whereas cupidity is just ugly. When drive crosses the line to desperation,… Read more »
By Eileen Ramos Obdurate (adj.): Not changing in response to argument or other influence. It is good to stand your ground but you have to choose carefully about when you should relent and when not to give in. When it comes to your job, be especially cautious; you don’t want to lose your position over a silly argument. It is… Read more »
By Eileen Ramos Resile (v.): 1. To spring back; rebound; resume the original for or position as an elastic body. 2. To shrink back; recoil You have two choices to make; either rebound or shrink away from adversity. To resile is a tricky action because it means to do both. But there is no mistaking which definition forms the root… Read more »
By Eileen Ramos Verve (n.): 1. Enthusiasm or vigor, as in literary or artistic work; spirit. 2. Vivaciousness; liveliness; animation. Not only should you show enthusiasm in your cover letter but you must also display it in the interview as well. And if you can’t then maybe you shouldn’t apply for the job. Take this as a chance to show… Read more »
Gaffe (n.): 1. A clumsy social error; a faux pas. 2. A blatant mistake or misjudgment. We all have made gaffes, some more glaring than others. The best thing to do when you commit a faux pas while on a job interview is to pardon yourself and keep going. Don’t let the embarrassment get to you, just concentrate on the… Read more »
Lexiboost: Kaput: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
Posted on May 13, 2013 In: LexiBoost
By Eileen Ramos Kaput (adj.): 1. Ruined; done for; demolished. 2. Unable to operate or continue. Don’t discard your deletions yet, even if it looks kaput. It might be debris now but it could transform into something fantastic with just some time spent on it. The fragments of a manuscript could be the makings of a stellar poem. The awkward but earnest… Read more »
Lexiboost: Unbidden: Where did you come from?
Posted on May 10, 2013 In: LexiBoost, Lexicon, On the Hunt
By Eileen Ramos Unbidden (adj.): not ordered or commanded; spontaneous. Not asked or summoned; uninvited. You’re in an interview with a prospective employer and things are going well. Your attire is neat and professional. Your body language is open and energetic. You have a great rapport going on with your interviewer. But suddenly, he or she asks you an unbidden question you were not prepared for at all… Read more »
Lexiboost: Doldrums: Snap out of it!
Posted on May 9, 2013 In: LexiBoost, Lexicon, The Mighty Pen
By Eileen Ramos Doldrums (n.): a. A period of stagnation or slump. We all have had the doldrums; those times when our writing isn’t going our way and we aren’t sure it ever will. Writer’s block can be debilitating but with these tips you can boost your writing spirit again. Read a favorite book to rekindle your brain. Start other… Read more »
By Eileen Ramos Ineffable (adj.): Incapable of being expressed; indescribable or unutterable Having trouble communicating what you’re thinking? Have something important and urgent to say but it seems too ineffable for you to try? Maybe you want to show that you are a great candidate for the job in your cover letter but all you can think of are clichés…. Read more »
Lexiboost: Vernal: Spring forward
Posted on May 7, 2013 In: In Honor of..., Lexicon, On the Hunt
By Eileen Ramos Vernal (adj.): Of, relating to, or occurring in the spring. It’s springtime, when flowers and trees bloom and birds are chirping in the vernal air. Take this chance to bring your writing outside so you can both appreciate the weather as well as get some work done. There’s nothing like warm weather to revitalize your writing… Read more »