adj.

The noun tranquility means "a state of peace and quiet," like the tranquility you feel at the shore of a quiet lake or inside a beautiful cathedral.

Tranquility can also describe a person's disposition. How do you reach tranquility? Make peace with yourself, your life, and the people who drive you crazy.

Tranquility can also come from spending time alone, like reading in front of the fireplace on a snowy afternoon. Meditation and yoga can help bring tranquility, by clearing your mind of constant worries.

Associate "tranquility" with a serene landscape or a quiet room. When you think of tranquility, think of a place or state where everything is calm and peaceful.

Word Origin: "Tranquility" comes from the Latin word "tranquillitas," meaning "calmness" or "stillness." This origin can help you remember that tranquility involves a state of calm and peace.
Mnemonic Device: Think of "tranquility" as "tranquil" + "city." Imagine a city that is completely calm and peaceful, without any noise or chaos.

Examples
- The tranquility of the countryside is perfect for relaxation.
- She enjoyed the tranquility of the early morning before the city woke up.
- Meditation helps her achieve a state of tranquility.

# committee /kəˈmɪti/ n. ●●●

A committee is a group of people who come together to work on a project.
Members of a committee commit their efforts to accomplishing a particular task, which can be anything from throwing a party to ending a war.

You could join the Committee to Protect Groundhogs, Bumblebees and Chickadees (yes, there really is one), or you might aspire to a committee that debates questions of national importance.

Committees are often subgroups of larger bodies, and the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Agriculture, which focuses on issues in the farming and poultry industries, is a good example. Committee members become experts on issues in agriculture and the group can then make informed decisions efficiently.

Associate "committee" with a school board or a planning group. When you think of a committee, think of a group of people working together on specific tasks or decisions.

Word Origin: "Committee" comes from the late Latin "committere," meaning "entrusted." This origin can help you remember that a committee is a group of people entrusted with a specific task or function.
Mnemonic Device: Think of "committee" as "com-mittee," where "com-" means together and "mittee" sounds like "meet." Imagine people meeting together to discuss and decide on important matters.

Examples
- The finance committee will review the budget proposal next week.
- She was appointed to the steering committee for the new project.
- The event planning committee organized a successful fundraiser.

# entrust /ɪnˈtrʌst/ v. ●○○

To entrust is to give someone a responsibility you assume she will fulfill. If you entrust someone with the task of getting you to school on time, make sure she’s punctual.

To entrust is to let someone take care of something for you because you believe she will protect it. It could be a duty or a thing — you might entrust a nursing home with the care of your parents or entrust an accountant with your finances.

Entrust is a verb that needs an object, so you always entrust with or to something. If a friend entrusts you with a secret, she trusts you not to tell.

Associate "entrust" with the act of giving someone an important task or responsibility, like asking someone to take care of your pet while you are away.

Word Origin: "Entrust" comes from the prefix "en-" meaning "in" or "into," and "trust." This origin can help you remember that to entrust is to put something into someone's trust or care.
Mnemonic Device: Think of "entrust" as "en-trust." Imagine putting something valuable into someone's trust, like giving a friend the key to your house.

Examples
- She decided to entrust the project to her most reliable team member.
- Parents often entrust their children to the care of teachers during school hours.
- He was entrusted with the company's most confidential information.

# fundraiser /ˈfʌudˌreɪzə/ n.

A fundraiser is a person who seeks out donations to a cause, campaign, charity, or some other venture. If you're a museum fundraiser, your job is to raise money to benefit the museum.

A fundraiser is a volunteer or a paid employee whose job involves soliciting potential donors — people who might be convinced to give money to a charity or organization.

A fundraiser, in fact, might organize a fundraiser, a party that encourages financial support for a cause. Your ticket to a hospital fundraiser, for example, might cost $100, with most of that money going directly to the hospital's charity.

Associate "fundraiser" with charity events or school bake sales. When you think of a fundraiser, think of an event where people come together to support a common cause by donating money.

Word Origin: "Fundraiser" combines "fund," meaning money, and "raise," meaning to collect or gather. This origin can help you remember that a fundraiser involves collecting money for a cause.
Mnemonic Device: Think of "fundraiser" as "fund-raiser." Imagine someone raising a flag to gather money for a cause.

# punctual /ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/ adj.

When someone says “Be punctual,” that means you better be there on time. Five minutes late won’t cut it.

Some people seem to follow an appointment clock instinctively. We call those types punctual. They'll check their watch when you arrive three minutes late.

The word punctual originates from the Latin word punctualis, which means “a point.” To be punctual, you have to arrive at the right point in time. For your appointment. Get the point?

Associate "punctual" with a clock or a schedule. When you think of being punctual, think of someone always arriving at the right time.

Word Origin: "Punctual" comes from the Latin word "punctum," meaning "point" or "dot." This origin can help you remember that being punctual means arriving at the exact point in time.
Mnemonic Device: Think of "punctual" as "punch the clock." Imagine someone punching a clock exactly on time.

Examples
- She is always punctual for her appointments.
- The train left punctually at 8:00 AM.
- He takes pride in being punctual for all his meetings.

# aspire /əˈspaɪə/ v. ●○○

Does your life goal include world domination? Have an ambitious plan that involves gold medals and international fame? Then you definitely know what it means to aspire toward something big.

The verb aspire commonly means to aim or shoot for.

But it comes from the Latin word aspirare, which means “to breathe upon.”
So here's a trick for remembering this word: Think of yourself reaching up towards a spire, that really tall, tapered structure at the top of a church. Or, if you’re in a poetic mood, imagine your wish as a feather that moves forward when you blow on it.

Associate "aspire" with the image of reaching for the stars. When you think of aspiring, think of setting high goals and working hard to achieve them.

Word Origin: "Aspire" comes from the Latin word "aspirare," meaning "to breathe upon" or "to strive for." This origin can help you remember that aspiring involves striving toward a goal or ambition.
Mnemonic Device: Think of "aspire" as "a-spire," like climbing a spire (a tall, pointed structure). Imagine yourself climbing toward a high goal.

Examples
- She aspires to be a successful author.
- Many young athletes aspire to compete in the Olympics.
- He always aspired to greatness from a young age.