Quotes on New Words

The final lesson a writer learns is that everything can nourish the writer. The dictionary, a new word, a voyage, an encounter, a talk on the street, a book, a phrase learned.

I have searched all night and day for new and better words that could express my feelings and fear for the people of this country. I found no new words. I only have no hope-filled insight to deliver. I only have this warning to all Americans: Whatever this country is willing to do to the least of us, it will one day do to us all.

I need to find a catchy new word for feminism, right? Like 'bootylicious.'

A new word is like a fresh seed sown on the ground of the discussion.

For all sad words of tongue and pen, The saddest are these, 'It might have been'.

And as far as I can see the world is too old for us to talk about it with our new words.

A very great part of the mischiefs that vex the world arises from words.

I often recall these words when I am writing, and I think to myself, “It’s true. There aren’t any new words. Our job is to give new meanings and special overtones to absolutely ordinary words.” I find the thought reassuring. It means that vast, unknown stretches still lie before us, fertile territories just waiting for us to cultivate them.

The genius of democracies is seen not only in the great number of new words introduced but even more in the new ideas they express.

When words are scarce they are seldom spent in vain.

Words without thoughts never to heaven go.

To find a new word that is accurate and different, you have to be alert for it.

only through new words might new worlds be called into order