creative words

Words.  Sometimes one good word can set you off into a new line of creativity, or simply open up a whole new field of thought.  For this reason I have a word book: a book of words that I find cool and creative, words I want to know.

Here are some words with their meanings and an invented sentence:

1. lapidary: having the elegance and precision associated with inscriptions on monumental stone.  His prose, although seemingly off the cuff, had a lapidary quality that proved unforgettable.

I love this word because only those words that have special meaning to a person or culture would ever get recorded on stone.  It signifies longevity, a phrase or line of poetry that we want to remember over many lifetimes and generations.

2. habitue: a regular visitor of a place.  While I travel I am an incessant cafe habitue. 

This word is simple, however it captures a certain lifestyle for me.  It makes me want to park myself in the nearest cafe with a cup of tea and a nice book.  

3. sotto voce: under the breath - in a private manner ( in music: softly).  In a manner of sotto voce he revealed his darkest secret.

Borrowed from the Italian it literally means "under the voice".  I think of old times, under the dark eaves of a mountain-top castle, planning intrigue.

As an artist, a good word can set you off in a new direction.  One good word can lift the fog of thought and open up a large field of ideas and inspiration.  If a word isn't fun or interesting I don't get caught up in it too much, but if the word has a special meaning or feel I make a point to write it down and give it some time.

Do you have any creative words?