produce and produce

The distinction between these two words is in the pronunciation.

As a noun, the emphasis is on the first syllable produce and the vowel in pro rhymes with the short vowel in 'hot', 'dot' and 'prop'. It serves as a collective noun where the results of labour and effort give rise to 'produce'

As a verb, the emphasis falls on the second syllable produce where the vowel in 'duce' rhymes with juice and noose. In this context, it refers to the act of bringing something about. This relates as much to agriculture as it does to theatre, crafts and art.

discern

This significant word came up earlier this year in 'Get the Edge' - April 2012 as the noun, 'discernment'.

When a person 'discerns' something they are using acute skills and abilities in observation, critical thinking, judgment and decision-making. Thus, the entire person is fully engaged in the process of taking action, determining the next step, making an informed choice.

It arose in the 14 Century, from Old French, discerner, which found its roots in the Latin discernere meaning 'to divide'.

sceptic

This historical word has been with us since the time of the philosphers in Ancient Greece.  In that context and spelt, always with a capital S as Sceptic, it refers to one of the schools of philosopical thought of the time - Phyrro who believed that the real knowledge of things is impossible.

In today's context, a sceptic is one who doubts the particular view being put forward. Also, one who habitually doubts or questions the authenticity of accepted beliefs. This is extracted to apply to someone who generally mistrusts people and ideas.

Use it when you genuinely need convincing evidence to change your mind or your position.

septic

This word carries a collection of ancient and recent history in its core.

Arising from the Greek  'sepein' which means 'to cause to decay', its origins in English are found in the noun, 'sepsis' which, in medical terms, is the name given to the presence of bacteria that give rise to pus in the body.

In this form, it came into the language via Latin in the 19 Century, at the time that the root-causes of disease were being discovered.

As an adjective, its orgins lie in sepein and its derivative, septos (Greek for decayed) which became septikos (Greek) and septicus (Latin); the latter appearing in the 17 Century.

In recent history, we identify it in relation to sanitation methods, via the 'septic tank'.

fast, four letter word

Here is another common word that has multiple meanings and applications.

Arising from Old English 'faest' for 'strong', and 'tight', the word is found in Old High German 'festi' meaning 'firm' and Old Norse 'fastr' meaning 'solid, together'. All of these languages were related to one another via their common Indo-European link. The word itself carries the history of the settlement of Ancient Briton within it.

As an adjective, its most common meaning is 'rapid'. This can apply to people, events, time and concepts. Thus, it is a flexible, multi-purpose word.

The additional meaning of 'tight' or 'firm', is found in phrases such as 'fast friends', a door 'shut fast' and a 'fast dye' - one that is unlikely to fade.

Look out for it in these contexts and enjoy applying it in contexts that are relevant to you