Friedrich Nietzsche(1844 – 1900), Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, deutscher Philosoph, Essayist, Lyriker und Schriftsteller

Definition: (adjective) Characteristic of rural life. Synonyms: rustic. Usage: The house was very handsome, with a lovely countrified garden. Discuss

«Uomini forti, destini forti. Uomini deboli, destini deboli. Non c'è altra strada.» (Luciano Spalletti)

In der Politik ist es wie in der Mathematik: alles, was nicht ganz richtig ist, ist falsch. Edward KennedyUS-Politiker1932 – 2009

Demokrit(460 – 370 v. Chr.), griechischer Naturphilosoph

Definition: (verb) Be relevant to. Synonyms: concern, bear on, come to, touch on, refer, relate. Usage: All the evidence that pertains to the accident was submitted to the court. Discuss

noun: 1. A flat-bottomed sled curled up at the front. 2. A sharp decline. verb intr.: 1. To ride a toboggan. 2. To decline rapidly.

Definition: (verb) To shake or destroy the courage or resolution of; dispirit. Synonyms: put off. Usage: These difficult economic conditions dishearten people and undermine their hope. Discuss

«Non è vero che la sventura genera sventura; molte volte essa non è che il pagamento anticipato di un dono che vale assai più della caparra.» (Giovanni Papini)

© Michael Scherr(*1973), Werbetexter und Aphoristiker

noun: 1. A small dot made by the excrement of an insect, such as a fly. 2. Something tiny or insignificant. adjective: Tiny or insignificant. verb tr.: 1. To mark with flyspecks. 2. To examine in minute detail, especially to nitpick.

Definition: (verb) Embody the essential characteristics of or be a typical example of. Synonyms: epitomize. Usage: The fugue typifies Bach's style of composition. Discuss

Es gibt viele Menschen, die sich einbilden, was sie erfahren, verstünden sie auch. Johann Wolfgang von GoetheDeutscher Schriftsteller1749 – 1832

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach(1830 – 1916), Marie Freifrau Ebner von Eschenbach, österreichische Erzählerin, Novellistin und Aphoristikerin

verb intr.: To thrust with a weapon; lunge. noun: A thrust with a weapon.

«Tradito umiliato lasciato | Offeso e mortificato | Ma molto peggio ignorato | Col cuore spezzato | Ma sicuro di aver amato anche se non ricambiato | consapevole di aver vissuto una passione che rivivrei.» (Mario Lavezzi)

© Ernst Ferstl(*1955), österreichischer Lehrer, Dichter und Aphoristiker

noun: 1. The front of a shirt. 2. A high, front-on collision or bump on an opponent. 3. An aggressive direct confrontation. verb tr.: 1. To run at and collide with someone. 2. To confront someone aggressively.

Definition: (verb) To break out anew or come into renewed activity, as after a period of quiescence. Synonyms: develop, break. Usage: These political movements recrudesce from time to time. Discuss

«La cultura crea individui, l'industria vuole la massa.» (Gino Paoli)

Therese Keiter(1859 – 1925), geb. Kellner, Pseudonym: M. Herbert, deutsche Schriftstellerin

verb tr., intr.: To raise a trivial or frivolous objection. noun: A trivial or frivolous objection.

Definition: (verb) Mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained. Synonyms: blotch, streak. Usage: Her first words had caused the red of humiliation to mottle his already ruby visage to a semblance of purple. Discuss

© Jürgen Wilbert(*1945), Dr. phil., deutscher Literat und Aphoristiker

Definition: (noun) A small child. Synonyms: kid, minor, child, tiddler, youngster, nestling, shaver, small fry, tyke. Usage: I could not have been much more than a nipper when you last saw me, but now I am all grown up. Discuss

«Ero cattolica, siamo tutti cattolici. In Italia si parla molto di cattolicesimo ma non c’è fede. Scarseggia la fede, religione ce n’è d’avanzo. Ho conosciuto un pastore evangelico che mi ha parlato di Gesù. Se avessi incontrato un prete cattolico altrettanto convincente l’avrei seguito. Il mio pastore, che è poi una donna brasiliana, mi ha…

Aus Japan

Definition: (adjective) Lacking pathways. Synonyms: pathless, roadless, untrodden. Usage: They had to traverse the most dreary and desolate mountains, and barren and trackless wastes, uninhabited by man, or occasionally infested by predatory and cruel savages. Discuss

Eduard Mörike(1804 – 1875), deutscher Erzähler, Lyriker und Dichter

noun: 1. Any of various horizontal lines on the side of a ship indicating the depth to which it may be immersed under various conditions. 2. A threshold or limit.

Definition: (noun) Doubt about the truth of something. Synonyms: disbelief, incredulity, mental rejection. Usage: Ghek made no reply, nor did his expressionless face denote either belief or skepticism. Discuss

© Peter Brück(*1957), Kommunikationstrainer, Diversity Management

adjective: 1. Relating to Dante or his writings. 2. Having a hellish quality.

Definition: (verb) Disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed. Synonyms: cark, disorder, disquiet, unhinge, distract, trouble. Usage: She was rather perturbed by the news that her father was seriously ill. Discuss

noun: One who believes in the superiority of one’s country, group, gender, etc. adjective: Believing in or relating to such beliefs.

Definition: (noun) Teacher at a university or college (especially at Cambridge or Oxford). Synonyms: don. Usage: Dessalles, the tutor he had brought from Switzerland, was wearing a coat of Russian cut and talking broken Russian to the servants, but was still the same narrowly intelligent, conscientious, and pedantic preceptor. Discuss

«Se pensiamo a cantautori come Paoli, Tenco, Bindi, Endrigo o De André, erano abbastanza malinconici, non è che fossero proprio spensierati. Erano anche impegnati in quello in cui scrivevano. Quella degli anni ’60 non era soltanto musica allegra, anche se la gente ama ricordare i momenti allegri della propria vita, e tende a cancellare quelli…

Marcus Porcius Cato, der Ältere (Cato Censorius)(234 – 149 v. Chr.), römischer Staatsmann

noun: Complacent materialism and smug conformity.

Definition: (verb) Become bubbly or frothy or foaming. Synonyms: fizz, foam, froth, sparkle. Usage: The champagne effervesced in the glasses. Discuss

Viel Kälte ist unter den Menschen, weil wir nicht wagen, uns so herzlich zu geben, wie wir sind. Albert SchweitzerDeutscher Arzt und evangelischer Theologe1875 – 1965

Lucius Annaeus Seneca(ca. 4 v. Chr. – 65 n. Chr.), genannt Seneca der Jüngere; römischer Philosoph, Stoiker, Schriftsteller, Naturforscher und Politiker; Selbsttötung auf Geheiß seines ehem. Schülers Nero (Römischer Kaiser von 54 – 68)

noun: One who is indifferent or uncaring.

Definition: (noun) The upper part of a column that supports the entablature. Synonyms: capital, cap. Usage: Scattered throughout the ruins were ornately carved chapiters that had once supported a soaring coliseum. Discuss

«La vita del teatro è fatta di condivisione, raccontai a Domenico Modugno della mia passione per la poesia che ho coltivato sin da piccola, quando scrivevo sui diari segreti. Una sera a Cuneo mi disse di avere una canzone già pronta ma che non era convito delle parole, io nonostante la stanchezza del dopo spettacolo…

«Le donne non dovrebbero avere potere sugli uomini, bensì su se stesse.»

Nichts macht uns feiger und gewissenloser als der Wunsch, von allen Menschen geliebt zu werden. Marie von Ebner-EschenbachÖsterreichische Schriftstellerin1830 – 1916

Definition: (verb) Part; cease or break association with. Synonyms: disjoint, disunite, divorce. Usage: She disassociated herself from the organization when she found out that the president had misappropriated funds. Discuss

«Io amo molto le province. Molto più delle grandi città. Perché continuano ad essere l’unico posto in cui c’è ancora molto pathos, un’emozione palpitante che gestisce in maniera più forte la realtà. Siccome io vengo dalla provincia rivendico molto questo aspetto. Credo che la provincia riesca ancora a tutelare dei rapporti emotivi e sentimentali fondamentali….

In der Politik ist es manchmal wie in der Grammatik: Ein Fehler, den alle begehen, wird schließlich als Regel anerkannt. André MalrauxFranzösischer Schriftsteller und Politiker1901 – 1976

Lisle de Vaux Matthewman(1867 – 1903), Journalist und Schriftsteller

Definition: (noun) Someone devoted to the promotion of human welfare and to social reforms. Synonyms: humanitarian, improver. Usage: A do-gooder to the core, she spends all of her free time and nearly all of her money helping the homeless. Discuss

adjective: Obligatory; binding.

Definition: (noun) Swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities. Synonyms: edema, hydrops. Usage: I must tell you that this thickness and roundness of the waist is caused by a dropsy brought on by over-haste in journeying from the house of Pilate to the Mount of Olives. Discuss

noun: 1. A long piece of writing or speech, especially one that’s tedious or denunciatory. 2. A long strip of material such as wood, plaster, metal, or paper. 3. A tool (a strip of wood or metal) used to level off freshly poured concrete.

Definition: (verb) To form or cause to form a group or cluster. Synonyms: cluster, flock, clump. Usage: The poets constellate in this town every summer. Discuss

«Per molti anni non ho tirato su granché. A ogni contratto mi dicevano: la prossima volta ti daremo di più. Con i primi guadagni veri ho comprato una casa. Poi, con il tempo, ho regalato una casa ai miei genitori. Forse è ancora oggi la cosa più importante che ho fatto nella mia vita.» (Gerry…

Thomas Dewar, 1st Baron Dewar(1864 – 1930), Thomas Robert “Tommy” Dewar, 1st Baron Dewar, Politiker und schottischer Whiskybrenner, der zusammen mit seinem Bruder John Dewar das Familienlabel Dewar’s zu einem internationalen Erfolg machte

noun: News.

Definition: (noun) A wig for men that was fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries. Synonyms: peruke. Usage: He wears an immense periwig, flowing down over his shoulders. Discuss

«Non ci dobbiamo perdere le cose migliori della nostra vita solo perchè non siamo sicuri di meritarcele.»

Arthur Schopenhauer(1788 – 1860), deutscher Philosoph

verb tr.: 1. To hear a confession. 2. To impose penance. 3. To free from guilt. verb intr.: 1. To make a confession. 2. To hear a confession.

Definition: (noun) An abundant source. Synonyms: fountainhead. Usage: The new recruit was a wellspring of ideas and reinvigorated the department with her out-of-the-box thinking. Discuss

«Destra e sinistra si equivalgono: in stupidità.»

© Michael Scherr(*1973), Werbetexter und Aphoristiker

adjective: Twisted; coiled; contorted.

Definition: (adjective) Inaccurate in pitch. Synonyms: sour, false. Usage: Her wailing, off-key vocals made me cringe. Discuss

«Essere innamorata significa fregarmene di tutte le regole: quelle che ci fanno ragionare troppo. Usare l'istinto, dare tutto, magari non subito.» (Laura Pausini)

Liebe auf dem ersten Blick ist ungefähr so zuverlässig wie Diagnose auf den ersten Händedruck. George Bernard ShawIrischer Dramatiker, Schriftsteller und Nobelpreisträger1856 – 1950

© Willy Meurer(1934 – 2018), deutsch-kanadischer Kaufmann, Aphoristiker und Publizist, M.H.R. (Member of the Human Race), Toronto

Definition: (noun) Rule of personal conduct. Synonyms: principle. Usage: I forget who it was that recommended men for their soul's good to do each day two things they disliked: it was a wise man, and it is a precept that I have followed scrupulously; for every day I have got up and I have gone…

© Vytautas Karalius(1931 – 2019), litauischer Dichter, Aphoristiker und Übersetzer deutscher Lyrik

adverb: At any time.

Definition: (verb) Plan and direct (a complex undertaking). Synonyms: engineer, orchestrate, organize, direct. Usage: The finance minister will continue to mastermind economic reform. Discuss

Nicolas Chamfort(1741 – 1794), eigentlich Sébastien Roch Nicolas de Chamfort, französischer Dramatiker, Mitglied der Académie Française

adverb: To an excessive degree.

Definition: (noun) A person who is not very intelligent or interested in culture. Synonyms: chawbacon, hayseed, hick, rube, yahoo, yokel. Usage: Many people take one look at Farmer Dan and assume he is an unsophisticated country bumpkin, but his lectures on sustainable agriculture teach them never to judge a book by its cover. Discuss

adverb: 1. Side by side and facing the same direction. 2. Informed; up-to-date.

Definition: (noun) Edible terrestrial snail usually served in the shell with a sauce of melted butter and garlic. Synonyms: snail. Usage: I ordered escargot in an attempt to appear sophisticated, but when the plate of snails was set down before me, I could not bring myself to choke down a single one. Discuss

«Noi siamo in questo momento protesi a dare una dignità anche sotto l'aspetto estetico della donna nel calcio. Perché finora si riteneva che la donna fosse un soggetto handicappato rispetto al maschio sulla resistenza, sul tempo, sull'espressione anche atletica e invece abbiamo riscontrato che sono molto simili. » (Carlo Tavecchio)

adverb: With great speed.

Definition: (adjective) Vocally expressing grief or sorrow or resembling such expression. Synonyms: lamenting. Usage: The men wavered in indecision for a moment, and then with a long, wailful cry the dilapidated regiment surged forward and began its new journey. Discuss

«È una cosa strana che mi lega ad Al Bano, un legame indissolubile… Non riesco a non amarlo, questa cosa che ci lega non smetterà mai.» (Romina Power)

© Stefan Fleischer(*1938), Rentner, vorher Organisator einer Großbank

adverb: In a different direction.

Definition: (noun) A cheap drinking and dancing establishment. Synonyms: honky-tonk. Usage: After dinner, we grabbed a couple of beers at the local barrelhouse and let loose on the dance floor. Discuss

«Daniel Craig è ipnotico, magnetico. E' un gentleman, ha una forte presenza fisica e una durezza che trovo seducente, ma probabilmente anche assai pericolosa. E' un vero uomo. Per questo interpreta James Bond con molta credibilità.» (Eva Green)

© KarlHeinz Karius(*1935), Urheber, Mensch und Werbeberater

Definition: (verb) To cause to lose courage, strength, confidence, self-control, etc. Synonyms: faze, unsettle, enervate. Usage: The look on her father's face unnerved her, and she soon dropped her gaze and meekly waited for him to tell her what her punishment would be. Discuss

Wenn du einen verhungernden Hund aufliest und machst ihn satt, dann wird er dich nicht beißen. Das ist der Grundunterschied zwischen Hund und Mensch. Mark TwainUS-Schriftsteller1835 – 1910

Ralph Waldo Emerson(1803 – 1882), US-amer. Geistlicher, Philosoph und Schriftsteller

Definition: (verb) To cut small bits or pare shavings from (a piece of wood). Synonyms: pare. Usage: For my eighth birthday, my grandfather taught me how to whittle a toy boat from a scrap of firewood. Discuss

«Un gatto è come un amante, devi conquistarlo ogni giorno e non è detto che tu ci riesca.» (Paola Barale)