Index
Perseverance
The word perseverance comes from Latin perseverantia, which means "to keep going, to stick with something." It's built from per- (meaning “through”) and severus (meaning “serious” or “strict”).
It slid into English through Old French, carrying the spirit of pushing forward - even when it’s hard, even when no one’s clapping.
Picture this:
You.
Eyes tired. Mind noisy. World loud.
Everyone’s posting wins.
You’re just trying to get through the day.
You open the laptop. You show up.
Not because it’s fun.
But because you promised yourself you would.
Even when no one claps. Even when no one asks.
That - that’s perseverance.
It’s about you vs. yesterday.
Choosing to build. Choosing to stay.
Even when everything tells you to quit.
A moment from WandaVision (2021) | Source: Marvel Studios/Disney+
And sometimes, perseverance isn’t just discipline.
Sometimes, it’s love.
Showing up again and again - for someone, for something, for yourself -
even when it hurts.
Like grief.
"What is grief, if not love persevering?"
References:
Carpe Diem
The Latin phrase carpe diem translates to “seize the day.” It comes from the Roman poet Horace, who used it in his work Odes (23 BCE), Book 1, Poem 11. The full line reads:
"carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero",
which means, "pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the next one."
The word carpe is the second-person singular present active imperative of carpō, meaning “I pluck, gather, or harvest,” often associated with harvesting fruits. So, while often translated as “seize,” a more accurate metaphor might be: “pluck the day like a ripe fruit” - enjoy it while it's fresh.
This phrase is all about how life is short and nothing lasts forever. Horace used it to remind people to enjoy the present and not wait for tomorrow. Over time, carpe diem became a kind of life motto - especially after Dead Poets Society made it famous again. In the movie, it’s a powerful reminder to live boldly, make the most of every day, and not let life just pass you by.
Dead Poets Society | Source: Disney/Fox Films
References:
- Carpe Diem (Etymonline)
- Carpe Diem (Wikipedia)
- Carpe Diem (Wiktionary)
- Horace’s Odes (Loeb Classical Library)
- Image Ref (thegriff.ca)
Whiskey
Derived from the Classical Gaelic phrase uisge beatha, meaning "water of life" (uisge = water, beatha = life), the word whiskey travelled from the tongues of Irish and Scottish distillers into English ears as usquebaugh in the 16th century. Over time, it was shortened and anglicized to whisky, and eventually spelled whiskey in Ireland and the U.S.
This golden fire in a glass was not just alcohol - it was seen as spiritual essence, a distilled vitality. A drink not just to intoxicate, but to animate.
References:
Nonchalant
Borrowed from French nonchalant, from non- ("not") + chaloir ("to concern oneself"), which in turn descends from Latin calēre, meaning "to be warm, to heat up."
So “nonchalant” literally translates to "not heated" - emotionally cool, unbothered, untouched by frenzy. Not coldness, but an elegant indifference.
References:
Capricious
From French capricieux, which evolved from Italian capriccio, meaning "a sudden shiver of fear." This word is a fusion: capo ("head") + riccio ("hedgehog") - based on hair standing up like spines.
Later, capriccio took on the meaning of “whim, sudden fancy”, influenced by capra ("goat") - evoking the goat’s unpredictable, skipping nature.
So “capricious” carries the spirit of fear, fantasy, and flippant leaps of emotion. Like a hedgehog spooked or a goat leaping sideways into chaos.
Example: The weather in spring can be quite capricious, with sudden snowstorms followed by warm sunshine.
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Intimacy
From Latin intimus, meaning "inmost, innermost, deepest." Entering English via intimitas (Late Latin) and intimare (“to make known, impress”), the word intimacy is rooted in the idea of sharing what lies deepest within.
Intimacy is not just closeness. It is a genuine openness-a meeting of minds and trust, where people feel safe to share their true thoughts and feelings.
Bonus: Intimate (as a verb) once meant “to hint at,” showing that true intimacy begins where one dares to gently share what matters most.
References:
vāṇiyo | વાણિયો
Inherited from Sanskrit वाणिज्य (vāṇijya), the Gujarati word વાણિયો (vāṇiyo) means "merchant" or "trader". It is derived from the root वाणिज् (vāṇij) which means "to trade" or "to do business". The word has been used in various Indian languages to refer to people engaged in commerce. Sometimes known as 'bania'.
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