Word of the Day

Protean

Pronunciation: \PRO-tee-un; pro-TEE-un\
Function: adjective
Etymology: from Gk. Proteus, sea god (son of Oceanus and Tethys) who could change his form; his name is lit. "first," from protos "first."
Date: 1598

1. Displaying considerable variety or diversity.
2. Readily assuming different shapes or forms.

"Roosevelt's performance in the civil rights meeting illustrated one of the central operating principles of his protean executive style, a style that transformed the presidency, and the nation: a willingness to delay decisions, change his mind, keep his options open, avoid commitments, or even deceive people in the relentless pursuit of noble objectives."

— William Doyle, Inside the Oval Office

Thanks to Constant Comment for today's WOTD entry