A.Word.A.Day		About Us | What's New | Search | Site Map | Contact Us

Home Today's Word Yesterday's Word Archives FAQ

A.Word.A.Day--operose operose (OP-uh-roas) adjective 1. Tedious; diligent. 2. Requiring great effort. [From Latin operosus (laborious, painstaking; active), from oper-, from opus (work). Ultimately from Indo-European root op- (to work, produce) that is also the ancestor of words such as opera, opulent, optimum, maneuver, and manure.] "He (David Brown) is an operose Bachelor of Music, with a reading knowledge of Russian acquired in the national service, who has never been to Russia." Richard Taruskin; Tchaikovsky: The Quest for the Inner Man; The New Republic (Washington, DC); Feb 6, 1995. "'How do you feel?' asked Carol. 'Old, operose and obese,' he said pointing to his paunchy stomach." Linda Varsell Smith; With a Human Touch: Karen Harmony Rainbow; Rainbow Communications; 2003. From the most noble soul to the most dastardly individual, we all share traits that extend over the spectrum. It would be rare to find a person who can be completely characterized by a single word. This week AWAD discusses five adjectives that will help you describe people you may encounter. Can you see the face of a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker in these assorted arrangements of the alphabet? -Anu Garg X-Bonus Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. -Albert Schweitzer, philosopher, physician, musician, Nobel laureate (1875-1965)

Give the Gift of Words This season, share the magic of words. Send a gift subscription of A.Word.A.Day. The Book: A Word A Day is now a book. Find it in your local bookstore or at Amazon.com. "A delightful, quirky collection." -The New York Times Join Us: Subscribe to A.Word.A.Day to receive it in your mailbox every day. Anu on Words: Writer Magazine SF Gate SF Gate Globe & Mail  Interact: Bulletin board AWADtalk Moderated Chat AWADchat Readers' Voice AWADmail