Character Traits Terms

“Daniel’s one of the most prepared and conscientious pitchers in Major League Baseball.” Washington Post (Nov 11, 2011)

I’m more concerned when my son hangs around with the rambunctious elements in his class. Slate (Apr 18, 2012)

At 26, she is well educated, solidly middle class, attractive, clever and eloquent.

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of posting malicious Twitter messages directed at British Olympic diver Tom Daley. Seattle Times (Jul 31, 2012)

After striking out the side on 10 pitches Saturday to save a win over Miami, the usually jovial reliever reacted angrily. Seattle Times (May 22, 2012)

In a moment she was once more the tactful, charming hostess. Couperus, Louis

Some of the more timid made towards the door, tables were overturned, tankards clattered on the floor, excited men shouted in unintelligible voices. Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

Big brands can no longer get away with unresponsive customer service, lackadaisical content and poor quality products. Forbes (Aug 4, 2012)

A gnarled beggar pushed me, muttering, then whining uncouth words. Hichens, Robert (Robert Smythe)

Virgin has become complacent and the line needed this shake up to put passengers ahead of profits.

Kids are more impulsive, gullible, and trusting, and don’t focus as much on long-term consequences. Salon (Sep 16, 2012)

Bolt has become the most charismatic track star in years, but he's not invincible. Wall Street Journal (Aug 2, 2012)

"We have a very facetious Liverpool sense of humour, laughing at things which are stupid," says Wells.

He was a quiet, studious man, loving his books, and little calculated for business. Kraszewski, Jo?zef Ignacy

It can look like a shrewd political move in a highly contested political climate. Washington Post (Jul 8, 2012)

His compassionate account of such complex subjects is both engaging and enlightening. Seattle Times (Feb 1, 2012)

He never gets obstinate and quarrelsome, as some men do—only vaguely argumentative and subsequently sleepy. Cambridge, Ada

He was dignified but never pompous, he had the perfect speaking voice.

Suspicion, disappointment, and rage showed plainly in his coarse, sullen face. Chapman, Allen

He was very hospitable in his own home, and detested meanness.  Shorter, Clement K.

He picked at the strike zone with meticulous precision, throwing only 20 balls through the first five innings. New York Times (Jul 25, 2012)

Chinese culture puts a very strong, sometimes superstitious, emphasis on numbers and dates. New York Times (Jun 5, 2012)

Unscrupulous manufacturers and vendors have long realized that they can earn tremendous profits by selling counterfeit or reused products as originals. Forbes (Jul 11, 2012)

“Americans are in a pessimistic mood right now, but things are happening,” Reilly said in a phone interview. Washington Post (Jun 19, 2012)

But just being in social media doesn’t make you sociable. Forbes (Jul 3, 2012)

Humble sea otters can also reduce greenhouse gases, by indirectly helping kelp plants. Scientific American (Sep 14, 2012)

The result, however, is a greener, thriftier washing machine. Forbes (Jul 5, 2012)

When rain scuttled play for good, Bartoli was running away with the opening set, up 4-0, while Sharapova looked listless and bewildered. Washington Post (Sep 5, 2012)

Lewis raised both arms after sinking her short clinching putt, seemingly more relieved than exuberant in the moment. New York Times (Apr 29, 2012)