catechism •\ˈka-tə-ˌki-zəm\• noun 1. an elementary book summarizing the principles of a Christian religion; written as questions and answers 2. a series of question put to an individual (such as a political candidate) to elicit their views The word catechism has appeared in 22 New York Times articles in the past year, including on July 17 in the obituary "Stephen R. Covey, Herald of Good Habits, Dies at 79": Stephen R. Covey, who won a global following and a five-year run on best-seller lists by fusing the genres of self-help and business literature in his 1989 book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic," died on Monday at a hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was 79. "We believe that organizational behavior is individual behavior collectivized," Mr. Covey said. He expanded the lesson in 2004 in "The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness," in which he urges people to find their own distinctive voices and to encourage others to find theirs. Among his other books, "Seven Habits for Highly Effective Families," published in 1997, advocates that families come up with mission statements. "The Leader in Me," published in 2008, embodies his ideas for educational reform. His goal was to change society, he said, calling his catechism first and foremost an action plan. "What is common sense isn't common practice," he declared. Learn more about the word "catechism" and see usage examples across a range of subjects on the Vocabulary dictionary.