Word every Darling should know: Fruition

Why this word?
There are few things in this world that give us a genuine sense of happiness. One of those things just happens to be watching someone’s dream become reality, or rather, come to fruition. As all of you know by now, Darling has officially published its first print edition. Although I am dying to get my hands on my own copy, I have delighted in perusing the thought-provoking and visually-intriguing content in the digital version. The magazine’s success did not come solely from a vision the founders had, but also from hard work, perseverance, talent, faith, patience and hope from volunteers and supporters who believed in the vision as well. This is precisely the reason why we feel such happiness when we experience or witness fruition—it’s the realization of something much-desired, which often requires serious dedication.

Definition: fruition (noun) pronunciation: froo-ish-uhn
1. Attainment of anything desired; realization; accomplishment
2. Enjoyment, as of something attained or realized

Have you been using our weekly words?
- Ubiquitous: Existing or being everywhere
- Meraki: To do something with soul, creativity, or love.

Definition via dictionary.reference.com.

Image via Oh Pioneer!

This is part of our weekly word series, In Other Words. You can catch up on previous words by visiting our archives here.

Word every Darling should know: Ubiquitous

Why this word?
I have always been an advocate for being truly present in any given situation. For example, if I am visiting with my family, I put all technology away and focus on my loved ones. While I would happily live my life with a rotary telephone, a record player, and a vintage typewriter, lately I’ve found myself much more attached to technology than usual. Case in point, I recently took a family vacation to the Hamptons, where we stayed in a beautiful home just minutes from the beach. Despite the relaxing surroundings and presence of loved ones, I kept checking my email. My mother kindly and warmly pointed out my recent technological dependence: “Sweetheart, that phone of yours is proving to be quite ubiquitous.” Ironically, I used my phone to look up the definition of the word ubiquitous: “Existing or being everywhere.” Lo and behold, she was right! My phone was ubiquitous; it was ever-present during lunch, a walk on the beach, a stroll through town, and even on our indiscreet (but quite harmless) stalking of Jerry Seinfeld’s and Paul McCartney’s homes. Now, if only I could be ubiquitous in order to fully appreciate my vacation while also meeting all my editing deadlines.

Definition: ubiquitous (adj.) pronunciation: yoo-bik-wi-tuhs
1. Existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time

Use this word in a sentence: The ubiquitous fog prevented her from driving that night.

Have you been using our weekly words?
– Meraki: To do something with soul, creativity, or love.

Definition via dictionary.reference.com

Image via Pinterest

Darling enthusiastically believes that every intellectual should have an impressive working vocabulary. Knowing the right words not only sharpens our communication skills and opens our minds to help us express ourselves better, but also will benefit our professional and personal lives. Each week we will provide you with a new weekly word to learn. Along with the definition, common usage, and further explanation (if needed), you will be privy to a behind-the-scenes look at how we choose the word each week! To quote Mark Twain: “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”

Word every Darling should know: Meraki

Why this word?
My dear friend, Athena, was visiting the other day and I was preparing a meal for us. When we finished eating, she told me that in Greek, there is a word for the way I do things for those I love. That word is meraki. This is a word that modern Greeks often use to describe what happens when you leave a piece of yourself (your soul, creativity, or love) in your work.

When you love doing something, anything, so much that you put something of yourself into it. Your essence is forever connected to whatever it is you have done. This is often referred to as our passion. But, I’m not referring to how much of ourselves we put into our careers. I’m referring to what we do when we want to share ourselves with those we love. For example: preparing a meal, throwing a celebratory party, gathering with family for the holidays, purchasing the perfect gift for your best friend, or making a home with your significant other.

We put time, thought, and energy into preparing for these occasions. We leave a piece of ourselves behind. That moment shared is the moment when the beneficiary of your gift (whatever gift that may be) will forever feel your presence.

Definition: may·rah·kee (pronounced: may-rah-kee); Greek; adjective
1. To do something with soul, creativity, or love.
2. To put “something of yourself” into what you’re doing.

Further Explanation:
1. Often used to describe cooking or preparing a meal, but can also refer to arranging a room, choosing decorations, or setting an elegant table.
2. There is no English equivalent for this word. Meraki is, unsurprisingly, untranslatable.

Photo credit: http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/24079126283