#Gradwords: What Single Word Would You Give a College Grad?

With college graduation season in full swing, members of the Vocabulary.com community collectively brainstormed some fantastic #gradwords — words you would want to give a recent college grad to set them up for success in life and work.
21 words 379 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. freedom
    the power to act, speak, or think without being controlled
    She was a wonder to Toni Morrison, who marveled at Angelou’s freedom from inhibition, her willingness to celebrate her own achievements. Washington Times (May 28, 2014)
  2. balance
    harmonious arrangement or relation of parts within a whole
    Anxiety is reduced by a feeling of control. And what do studies say about work-life balance? Same thing — a feeling of control is key.
  3. money
    the most common medium of exchange
    Worse yet, according to a recent report in The Nation, much of this borrowed money is going to luxury amenities and facilities. Slate (May 28, 2014)
  4. job
    a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty
    But with job security being a thing of the past, controlling their own destiny is alluring for many. Forbes (May 28, 2014)
  5. persistence
    steady determination
    But union persistence was a key factor in improved conditions and the rise of the Progressive Movement. Seattle Times (May 15, 2014)
  6. fortitude
    strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity
    Polynesian-style voyaging is a rugged art - a feat of mental math, applied astronomy, intuition, physical endurance, mental fortitude and keen observation. Washington Times (May 22, 2014)
  7. interview
    go for a formal discussion in the hope of being hired
    Before you go to a job interview, take the time to review the most common interview questions you will most likely be asked.
  8. kindness
    the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane
    How great it would be if people acted with kindness to all, even those they hate. Seattle Times (May 23, 2014)
  9. humility
    a lack of arrogance or false pride
    “I have no modesty. Modesty is a learned behavior. But I do pray for humility, because humility comes from the inside out.” Washington Times (May 28, 2014)
  10. salary
    fixed payment for services
    For a long time, driving strangers from point A to point B paid terribly. Estimates of the typical cab driver’s salary hover around $30,000. Washington Post
  11. belief
    any cognitive content held as true
    “That was very abnormal,” he said, “and it gave me even more belief in what we were doing.” Washington Post
  12. hope
    grounds for feeling optimistic about the future
    We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
  13. perseverance
    persistent determination
    To be a successful inventor you need three things: intelligence, perseverance, and just a little bit of luck. Holes
  14. compassion
    a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
    "They need to be helped. They need leaders with compassion and humility, leaders they know and trust will go the extra mile for them." US News (May 23, 2014)
  15. bamboo
    hard woody stems of plants used in construction and crafts
    [Be like] bamboo: flexible, but still strong and rooted, when life throws you unexpected twists and turns.
  16. rhetoric
    loud and confused and empty talk
    After graduating I finally had time to read the news again. News is filled with politics and they tossed "rhetoric" into every article. I never could define its meaning but just took it as "a sneaky way politicians talk".
  17. learning
    the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
    Part of NYPL's Mission is to inspire lifelong learning.
  18. equanimity
    steadiness of mind under stress
    Just think, if you manage to stay calm and centered, you may be able to talk some of these loons back to equanimity. Slate (Mar 17, 2014)
  19. perspective
    a way of regarding situations or topics
    Numbers cannot quantify the change in one’s life perspective. Washington Post
  20. discursive
    proceeding to a conclusion by reason or argument
    Her films proceed with a natural, discursive rhythm that seems spontaneous, but they’re also fully and carefully scripted. Slate (Sep 20, 2013)
  21. patience
    good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
    You—you have the patience to wait until you discover what you love, and spend the rest of your life mastering it. Slate (May 28, 2014)
Created on Wed May 28 12:50:49 EDT 2014 (updated Wed May 28 15:22:51 EDT 2014)

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