Function: verb Inflected Form(s): un·der·stood /-'stud/; -stand·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English understandan, from under + standan to stand transitive verb 1 a : to grasp the meaning of <understand Russian> b : to grasp the reasonableness of understand><I thought we understood each other: i was certain we understood...> c : to have thorough or technical acquaintance with or expertness in the practice of <understand finance> d : to be thoroughly familiar with the character and propensities of <understands children> 2 : to accept as a fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty understand that he is returning from abroad>

To reach an understanding is not always easy, particularly when a thing defies definition. So we find other ways to convey - simple words that say without saying, if you follow. Token gifts that hold a greater meaning, inexpressible, experiences ineffable. The ecstatic experience as William James called it is sometimes one that leaves you without language, it leaves you "muette" - tongue-tied, blushing, and shy in the moment.

There are eight words that I would chose, perhaps, but I suppose it all depends on the person for whom you are speaking of or to and maybe trying to find some definition a hold on what was or what is. Then I came across this, which is still in construction (some words are missing, such as Haletement), and which I think captures the idea perfectly well. The words are all in French, but there is an explanation at the top of the page for the site, the home page of which is Ainsi-Dire, a lilting and sad love-story, but with moments of glimmer. The site is divided up into sections... They are: Note: To translate these words, use the most reliable translator that I have found, which is Babelfish-Altavista, click here or, return to the home page, and click on your Flag to have the entire site, including this page, translated into most romance language, but alas, not all world languages at the moment. To translate words into Hebrew, use this link.

a note that never was a blank space;

asa nisi masa;

un bisou;

miel;

sans issue;

soupir - sigh;

les mains;

un petit-saut;

sans issue.

No doubt, this is just the beginning for this site and some words seem to be missing. Perhaps "Haltement" or "Gasp" would be a good word for this list. We'll see. For now, for those of you who enjoy the romantic, the slightly surreal, and the verboten that overcomes despite all obstacles, then Ainsi Dire is worth a look, or more - a real sit-down and read.

Be well, and in the spirit of this week's editorial, I sign off with baisers/bisous/becs and amitees.

s.r.p.

spring, 2008