Definition of terms

CEBU, Philippines - I took time out this week to list key words that might greatly benefit us motorists.  These words are very familiar to us, yet often misinterpreted or misunderstood by the people in the public service sector.  These words are so simple that one cannot believe how people who have supposedly passed “high-standard” service exams do not know what these words truly mean.   I am taking it upon myself to list down these words, supply the meaning based on the dictionary, cite an example and show the appropriate synonyms and antonyms.  Without further ado, here are the words:

Flat (adj.) — smooth and even; without marked lumps or indentations. 

            Example: Road surfaces should be flat.

            Synonyms: level, horizontal, smooth, even, uniform, regular, plane

            Antonyms: irregular, pock-marked, our roads, warp, reason for their poor workmanship

Strict (adj.) — closely conforming to requirements or principles; complied with or enforced stringently. 

            Example:  The licensing office should be strict in issuing licenses only to qualified drivers.

            Synonyms:  stern, uncompromising, firm

            Antonyms: slapshod, vehicle registration and licensing office, careless, drug-testing centers

Vigilant (adj.) — keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. 

            Example:  Our traffic enforcers should be vigilant when on duty.

            Synonyms:  attentive, awake, observant, watchful, wide-awake

            Antonyms: inattentive, ignorant, traffic enforcers, thoughtless, legislators

Efficient (adj.) — achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. 

            Example:  Providing workers with the proper tools makes them efficient.

            Synonyms:  competent, capable, productive, fruitful

            Antonyms: unproductive, useless, public works people, ineffective, department heads

Repair(v.) — To restore to sound condition after damage or injury;

            Example:  There is no reason to waste people’s money to repair already good roads.

            Synonyms:  improve, overhaul, rejuvenate, rehabilitate

            Antonyms: damage, ruin, reclamation area roads, neglect, damage, traffic lights

    These are but a few of the many words people in that sector need to relearn and understand.  I was planning to add more words but I realized that listing more than five words would be too much information for those simpletons to learn, let alone comprehend.  They may beg to differ, probably vocally or violently.  But answer me this, if those of you in those aforementioned departments believe you’re smarter than I paint you to be, how come we, the motorists, are stuck with unrepaired bad roads, unqualified, junkie, reckless drivers, and have to adhere to traffic laws that were written when our grandparents hit puberty?  And to top it off, most, if not all, of those who are supposed to implement the traffic rules have no clue as to what the real road laws are.

For those with the ability to tinker with their electronic ‘air’ tablets, use a search engine and look up the supposed two-wheels versus four wheels law.  Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t show up.  It’s just an urban myth, much like your intellect. (FREEMAN)