The very common adjective successful is most often used to talk about the attainment of goals or wealth, as a successful career or successful entrepreneur. The synonym fruitful describes things that are or have been highly productive, particularly discussions, collaborations, or intellectual efforts that are constructive or that promise to yield fruit (the metaphorical kind) in abundance. May your writing be fruitful!

The verbs start and commence both describe beginning something or setting something in motion. But the more formal commence is typically reserved for beginnings of a particularly momentous and elaborate sort. Things that are commenced, such as ceremonies, legal proceedings, and commercial operations, are involved and often procedural. A commencement ceremony, though it takes place at the end of an academic year, marks a beginning of a new chapter in life. While commence is a fair alternative to the verb start, it may come across as affected and stiff outside of formal contexts.

In the most general sense, to use something is to employ it for some purpose, the way one might use a fork to eat spaghetti. However, when it is people rather than forks being used, this familiar verb takes a sinister turn. Here we find the synonym exploit. To exploit someone or a group of people is to take advantage of them in an unfair or unethical way. More often than not, exploit implies selfishness and mistreatment—often with a singular focus on profit. However, in highly competitive fields, such as sports and business, exploit may be used in a way that suggests cleverness in making full use of something, such as a competitor's weakness or potential market opportunities.

The adverbs very and eminently both indicate that an action is performed or a relation exists to a high degree. But the adverb eminently, close in meaning to notably, often connotes prominence and esteem. Consider the adjective eminent: a person who is eminent is high in rank or distinguished, as an eminent diplomat. An eminent quality is one that is conspicuous or noteworthy, as in eminent fairness. An eminent feature is one that is protruding or projecting, as eminent rock formations. The common theme of prominence, or standing out, carries over to the adverb eminently. Those who are eminently qualified exhibit a degree of qualifications that set them apart.

The verbs enjoy and relish are close in meaning, but relish has far more flavor. To relish something is to enjoy it with marked appreciation or keen delight. Consider the noun relish, a condiment that one adds to a dish to impart flavor and—we hope—enhance enjoyment. The idea of savoring a special taste or flavor carries over to the verb, even when the tastes and flavors are figurative rather than literal. When someone relishes an experience, for instance, they are making a point to appreciate the distinctive aspects (flavors) of that particular encounter or activity.

When something is unique, it is one of a kind. When something is one of a kind because it is truly better than the rest, it is nonpareil. The adjective nonpareil means "having no equal; peerless," and it suggests exceptional quality or skill. A nonpareil singer, for instance, is one so proficient, they stand alone in their class. Nonpareil can also be used as a noun to refer to a person or thing having no equal, and, in the plural, to those colorful sprinkles that top various kinds of sweet treats, making them just a little better than the rest.

The noun influence refers to a type of unofficial power to direct the actions or thoughts of others; it typically implies deference to one's character, ability, or station. The noun leverage also refers to a type of power, but power of a less mysterious nature, usually derived from an advantage. A company that has the advantage of being the only commercial enterprise in a town might have considerable leverage, or power, in its union negotiations. Leverage comes from the word lever, a rigid bar used to move an object by applied force at a certain point. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the word leverage commonly appears in discussion of politics and business.