--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When you doubt between words, use the…" description: "\"When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the commonest, the most idiomatic. Eschew fine words as you would rouge; love simple ones as you would ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee1/johann-kaspar-lavater-1399_cheeks_when-you-doubt-between-words-use-the-pla_2156640.jpg" --- # When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the… ![“When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the commonest, the most idiomatic. Eschew fine words as you would rouge; love simple ones as you would the native roses on your cheek.” quote by Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee1/johann-kaspar-lavater-1399_cheeks_when-you-doubt-between-words-use-the-pla_2156640.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee1/johann-kaspar-lavater-1399_cheeks_when-you-doubt-between-words-use-the-pla_2156640.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee1/johann-kaspar-lavater-1399_cheeks_when-you-doubt-between-words-use-the-pla_2156640.jpg) > “When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the commonest, the most idiomatic. Eschew fine words as you would rouge; love simple ones as you would the native roses on your cheek.” [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Plain language conveys meaning clearly; ornate words can obscure intent. **In simple terms:** Use simple words for clarity. Key Takeaway Choose everyday language. Themes communication clarity simplicity Mood clear educational Type instructional practical When to use this quote - writing - teaching - public speaking - marketing Key Concepts linguistics rhetoric Questions to Reflect On - When should you use technical terms? - How do you balance simplicity and nuance? A Different Perspective Simplicity may oversimplify complex ideas. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Doubt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doubt/) [Fine words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fine-words/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rose/) [Simplicity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/simplicity/) ## Related quotes > [I know that you doubt my words I swear there will never be regret.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/killswitch-engage/i-know-that-you-doubt-my-words-i-swear-there-will-never-be-regret/) [Killswitch Engage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/killswitch-engage/) > [The fruitfulness of our lives depends in large measure in our ability to doubt our own words and to question the value of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-fruitfulness-of-our-lives-depends-in-large-measure-in-our-ability/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [“If ever you should doubt me or that these are my words, call my name. With nothing save Love and Joy and Grace, call…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pietro-de-la-luna/if-ever-you-should-doubt-me-or-that-these-are-my-words-call-my-name/) Pietro de la Luna > [“What if I can't do this? What if I fail? What if the hope I keep giving to everyone around me turns out to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ellen-es-ceely/what-if-i-can-t-do-this-what-if-i-fail-what-if-the-hope-i-keep-giving/) Ellen ES Ceely > [Words, like glasses, obscure everything they do not make clear. Before using a fine word, make a place for it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-joubert/words-like-glasses-obscure-everything-they-do-not-make-clear-before/) [Joseph Joubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-joubert/) > [Before using a fine word, make a place for it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-joubert/before-using-a-fine-word-make-a-place-for-it/) [Joseph Joubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-joubert/) > [Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/sincere-words-are-not-fine-fine-words-are-not-sincere/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [I see the dance being used as a means of express what is too deep, too fine for words.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruth-st-denis/i-see-the-dance-being-used-as-a-means-of-express-what-is-too-deep-too/) [Ruth St. Denis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-st-denis/) > [It is good food and not fine words that keeps me alive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moliere/it-is-good-food-and-not-fine-words-that-keeps-me-alive/) [Moliere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moliere/) > [Words are one thing - deeds something entirely different. Fine words are a mask to cover shady deeds. A sincere diplomat is like dry…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-stalin/words-are-one-thing-deeds-something-entirely-different-fine-words-are/) [Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-stalin/) > [Fine words dresse ill deedes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-herbert/fine-words-dresse-ill-deedes/) [George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-herbert/) > [Fine words are traded. Noble deeds gain respect. But people who are not good, why abandon them?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/fine-words-are-traded-noble-deeds-gain-respect-but-people-who-are-not/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [Fine words! I wonder where you stole them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-swift/fine-words-i-wonder-where-you-stole-them/) [Jonathan Swift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-swift/) > [I am not imposed upon by fine words; I can see what actions mean.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/i-am-not-imposed-upon-by-fine-words-i-can-see-what-actions-mean/) [George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/) > [The Tao is the center of the universe, the good man's treasure, the bad man's refuge. Honors can be bought with fine words, respect…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-tao-is-the-center-of-the-universe-the-good-man-s-treasure-the-bad/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) ## More by Johann Kaspar Lavater > [Neatness begets order; but from order to taste there is the same difference as from taste to genius, or from love to friendship.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/neatness-begets-order-but-from-order-to-taste-there-is-the-same/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [Habit is altogether too arbitrary a master for me to submit to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/habit-is-altogether-too-arbitrary-a-master-for-me-to-submit-to/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [The horse-laugh indicates brutality of character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/the-horse-laugh-indicates-brutality-of-character/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [Don't speak evil of someone if you don't know for certain, and if you do know ask yourself, why am I telling it?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/don-t-speak-evil-of-someone-if-you-don-t-know-for-certain-and-if-you/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [Before thou callest a man hero or genius, investigate whether his exertion has features of indelibility; for all that is celestial, all genius, is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/before-thou-callest-a-man-hero-or-genius-investigate-whether-his/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [“Si quieres ser sabio, aprende a interrogar razonablemente, a escuchar con atención, a responder serenamente y a callar cuando no tengas nada que decir.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/si-quieres-ser-sabio-aprende-a-interrogar-razonablemente-a-escuchar/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [The creditor whose appearance gladdens the heart of a debtor may hold his head in sunbeams and his foot on storms.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/the-creditor-whose-appearance-gladdens-the-heart-of-a-debtor-may-hold/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [The craftiest trickery are too short and ragged a cloak to cover a bad heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/the-craftiest-trickery-are-too-short-and-ragged-a-cloak-to-cover-a/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [Who affects useless singularities has surely a little mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/who-affects-useless-singularities-has-surely-a-little-mind/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [Who has a daring eye tell downright truths and downright lies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/who-has-a-daring-eye-tell-downright-truths-and-downright-lies/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [True worth is as inevitably discovered by the facial expression, as its opposite is sure to be clearly represented there. The human face is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/true-worth-is-as-inevitably-discovered-by-the-facial-expression-as/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [Fools learn nothing from wise men, but wise men learn much from fools.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/fools-learn-nothing-from-wise-men-but-wise-men-learn-much-from-fools/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [Who will sacrifice nothing, and enjoy all, is a fool.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/who-will-sacrifice-nothing-and-enjoy-all-is-a-fool/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [The procrastinator is not only indolent and weak, but commonly, false, too; most of the weak are false.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/the-procrastinator-is-not-only-indolent-and-weak-but-commonly-false/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [You may tell a man thou art a fiend, but not your nose wants blowing; to him alone who can bear a thing of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/you-may-tell-a-man-thou-art-a-fiend-but-not-your-nose-wants-blowing/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) [Explore all 245 Johann Kaspar Lavater quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) ## More Cheeks quotes > [Those type of whites who are always going to jail with Negroes are the ones who tell Negroes to be loving and be kind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/malcolm-x/those-type-of-whites-who-are-always-going-to-jail-with-negroes-are/) [Malcolm X](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/malcolm-x/) > [I'm cute - and God I hate that. Because that's not cool. I'm like your niece, and nobody wants to date their niece. It's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelly-clarkson/i-m-cute-and-god-i-hate-that-because-that-s-not-cool-i-m-like-your/) [Kelly Clarkson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelly-clarkson/) > [Regret is an uneven hand, a rough palm at the cheek — tender and calloused.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lorna-dee-cervantes/regret-is-an-uneven-hand-a-rough-palm-at-the-cheek-tender-and/) [Lorna Dee Cervantes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorna-dee-cervantes/) > [My knowledge of pain, learned with the sabre, taught me not to be afraid. And just as in dueling when you must concentrate on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/otto-skorzeny/my-knowledge-of-pain-learned-with-the-sabre-taught-me-not-to-be/) Otto Skorzeny > [If somebody is really trying to take your head off with a baseball bat - I don't know how long you're supposed to stand…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/if-somebody-is-really-trying-to-take-your-head-off-with-a-baseball/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [Let the splendor of diamond, pearl and ruby vanish? Only let this one teardrop, this Taj Mahal, glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rabindranath-tagore/let-the-splendor-of-diamond-pearl-and-ruby-vanish-only-let-this-one/) [Rabindranath Tagore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rabindranath-tagore/) > [They were dancing around the fountain, arm in arm, in an old Dutch dance, their cheeks touching, their hands entwined. They had no music;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-helprin/they-were-dancing-around-the-fountain-arm-in-arm-in-an-old-dutch/) [Mark Helprin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-helprin/) > [I love to go and mingle with the young In the gay festal room--when every heart Is beating faster than the merry tune, And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-parker-willis/i-love-to-go-and-mingle-with-the-young-in-the-gay-festal-room-when/) [Nathaniel Parker Willis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-parker-willis/) > [I was raised to stand up for myself, if I feel I'm in the right. Maybe it would have been best if I'd just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannen-doherty/i-was-raised-to-stand-up-for-myself-if-i-feel-i-m-in-the-right-maybe/) [Shannen Doherty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannen-doherty/) > [Lowly, with a broken neck, The crocus lays her cheek to mire.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-meredith/lowly-with-a-broken-neck-the-crocus-lays-her-cheek-to-mire/) [George Meredith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-meredith/) > [...they'd just tell you to turn the other cheek, wouldn't they?...Trouble is, Mrs. Dowdel observed, after you've turned the other cheek four times, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-peck/they-d-just-tell-you-to-turn-the-other-cheek-wouldn-t-they-trouble-is/) [Richard Peck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-peck/) > [If revenge is sweet, why does it leave such a bitter taste? In disarming Peter, Christ disarmed ever knight. Turn the other cheek.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angela-elwell-hunt/if-revenge-is-sweet-why-does-it-leave-such-a-bitter-taste-in/) [Angela Elwell Hunt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angela-elwell-hunt/) > [John looked ruddy and plump, with a pair of cheeks like a trumpeter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-arbuthnot/john-looked-ruddy-and-plump-with-a-pair-of-cheeks-like-a-trumpeter/) [John Arbuthnot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-arbuthnot/) > [“I clench your love in my butt cheeks, along with all my hard-earned cash.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jarod-kintz/i-clench-your-love-in-my-butt-cheeks-along-with-all-my-hard-earned/) [Jarod Kintz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jarod-kintz/) > [“My face is round, and my cheeks are pinchable, and my ears stick out farther than I'd like.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-perkins/my-face-is-round-and-my-cheeks-are-pinchable-and-my-ears-stick-out/) [Stephanie Perkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-perkins/) Browse all 338 Cheeks quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the commonest, the most idiomatic. 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