Do you beleive in subtle word definitions?

Question

I have somewhat self defined some of these difference, and although some say they are homonyms, I would like another opinion.

Wisdom vs intelligence

Courage vs bravery

Vitality vs constitution

nimble vs agile

Speed vs quickness

righteous vs virtuous

Sadness vs depression

I believe that they all have a slight variation in meaning to their similar counterpart buti would like others to define them

Answer 1

They are certainly not Homonyms, each one has its own connotations that, while similar, are quite important.

Wisdom is almost street smarts in a way. It is how you deal with situations, your outlook on life, and your general way of thinking.

Intelligence is booksmarts. It is what you learn; information, data, facts, that sort of thing.

Courage is a broader term for bravery in a way. Courage, unlike bravery, encompasses your confidence and confrontational skills. Bravery is more of a "strength in the face of danger." When someone is mugging you and you fight, that is bravery.

Vitality is your ability to take ailments both physical and mental. It involves both physical and psychological damages. Constitution is purely your health. Sickness and wounds destroy your constitution, but if you have a healthy attitude, your Vitality is still high.

Nimble, for me at least, is more to do with your dexterity with hands. Prestidgiation and things like typing or guitar playing involve nimbleness (hope that is a word). Agility is more body-based speed such as dodging or jumping. Card Tricks = Nimble, Parkour = Agility.

Speed is a purely physical trait. It is how fast you run, how fast that ball is falling, that sort of thing. Quickness on the other hand is measured in many things. It can be how smart you are, wit, and more commonly your reflexes.

Righteous and virtuous are the hardest to define, but I will give it a go. To be Righteous is to be noble and dutiful. It is often associated with strength, knights and following orders. Virtuous is more of a moral based thing. A weak man can be virtuous if he follows his heart and his morals. Ghandi is an example of a virtuous man, while say Lancelot would be a righteous man.

Sadness is a reaction. If my dog dies, I am sad. I am not really depressed unless it endures for a long time. Sadness is the cause of an event. Depression on the other hand is long lasting. It is the Juicy Fruit of emotions. Depression is the cause of many things. A depressed person can still live a normal life and not be crying all the time, but they feel as if there is something missing in their life.