Word Dictionary [281114]

Word of the day: discreet
Definition: adj. a circumspect in speech or action, esp. to avoid social disgrace or embarrassment. b tactful; trustworthy.
Synonyms: discerning
Etymology: ME f. OF discret -ete f. L discretus separate (as DIS-, cretus past part. of cernere sift), with LL sense f. its derivative discretio discernment (more…)

pronunciation: dɪsˈkri:t

from Oxford: discreet

adj. (discreeter, discreetest)
1 a circumspect in speech or action, esp. to avoid social disgrace or embarrassment. b tactful; trustworthy.
2 unobtrusive (a discreet touch of rouge).
Derivatives: discreetly adv. discreetness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF discret -ete f. L discretus separate (as DIS-, cretus past part. of cernere sift), with LL sense f. its derivative discretio discernment

from Wordnet: discreet

adj 1: marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint; “his trusted discreet aide”; “a discreet, finely wrought gold necklace [ant: indiscreet]
2: unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic; “a discerning editor”; “a discreet silence” [syn: discerning]
3: heedful of potential consequences; “circumspect actions”; “physicians are now more circumspect about recommending its use”; “a discreet investor” [syn: circumspect]

Quote of the day: A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself. by Josh Billings

James Whitelocke

Birthday of the day: James Whitelocke; Sir James Whitelocke SL (28 November 1570 – 22 June 1632) was an English judge.

Joke of the day: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine, they lay down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. ‘Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.’ Watson replied, ‘I see millions and millions of stars.’ ‘What does that tell you?’ Holmes asked. Watson pondered for a minute. ‘Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?’ Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. ‘Watson, you idiot. Somebody has stolen our tent!’

Thought of the day: Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.

Fact of the day: 587 – Treaty of Andelot: King Guntram of Burgundy recognizes Childebert II as his heir.

Biography of the day: Andrea Dworkin; Andrea Dworkin (26 Sept. 1946-9 Apr. 2005), feminist and writer, was born in Camden, New Jersey, to Harry Dworkin, a high school teacher and guidance counselor, and Sylvia Spiegel, a secretary, both of whom were Jewish. Andrea and her younger brother grew up in a financially stressed household, owing in large part to her mother’s health problems. When she was ten years old, the family moved from working-class Camden to a more affluent area in New Jersey that was later named Cherry Hill, and Harry Dworkin took on an extra job at the post office to support them.

Article of the day: Roy King; Roy King (1894–1941) was a fighter ace in the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) during World War I. He was credited with twenty-six victories in aerial combat, making him the second most successful ace in the AFC after Harry Cobby, and the fourth highest-scoring Australian ace of the war. A civil pilot and engineer between the wars, he served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from 1939 until his death. King initially saw active service as a lighthorseman in Egypt in 1916. He transferred to the AFC as a mechanic in January 1917, and was commissioned that year as a pilot. Posted to No. 4 Squadron, he flew Sopwith Camels and Snipe on the Western Front. He scored seven of his victories in the Snipe, more than any other pilot. His exploits earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, and a mention in despatches. Returning to Australia in 1919, King spent some years in civil aviation before co-founding a successful engineering business. He joined the RAAF following the outbreak of World War II and held several training commands, rising to the rank of group captain shortly before his sudden death in November 1941 aged forty-seven.

Did you know: a) that former prime minister of Syria Sabri al-Asali (pictured) was part of the delegation that attended the founding of the Arab League in Cairo in 1945? b) even though the United States Housing Act of 1949 called for building more housing, some projects saw more housing units destroyed than built? c) that Scott Lost, while teaming with Joey Ryan, won the PWG World Tag Team Championship, but lost the championship to himself and Chris Bosh? d) that St Matthew’s Church in Silverhill, East Sussex, was meant to have a large tower with a tall spire, but when money ran out only a small fleche was built?

Source: http://worddictionary.com.au/