By Definition

DIVIDEDADJECTIVE [HTTPS://WWW.MERRIAM-WEBSTER.COM/DICTIONARY/ADJECTIVE] di·​vid·​ed | \ də-ˈvī-dəd [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divided?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=d&file=divided_1] 1a : separated into parts or pieces 2a : disagreeing with each other : b : directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects divided loyalties Are we as divided as we've been told we are? We'll discuss this in this episode of By Definition.

WORD noun [https://www.merriam-webster.com/saved-words] a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning. Whether written or spoken, words are important. They are carriers of information, inspiration, hurt, and pain. They can influence our mood, reveal the motives of a loved one, encourage us, or cause us to be afraid. Words are powerful. It is words and their meaning that drive the heartbeat of this podcast.

GROUPTHINK noun [https://www.merriam-webster.com/saved-words] group·​think | \ ˈgrüp-ˌthiŋk\ * the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility. * a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics * Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon whereby pressure within a group to agree results in failures to think critically about an issue, situation, or decision. Have we lost the art of critical thinking or has something more pervasive stepped into its place? In this episode of By Definition, we tackle a word that popped into my head early one morning - groupthink. After digging into the definition I felt like I understood something that was bothering me about the dynamics of our world right now.

NORMAL adjective [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adjective] nor·mal | \ ˈnȯr-məl Definition of normal 1       a: conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern b: according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle The normal way to pluralize a noun is by adding -s. 2: occurring naturally Almost from the beginning of this COVID situation, we have been hearing this phrase "The New Normal". It's a phrase that in one sense indicates that what you once knew as normal would no longer exist. But what exactly is normal and should we embrace the "new normal" as we move forward in this brave new world? Join me for some thoughts that you may find surprising.