Make Your Point > Archived Issues > ELEMENTAL

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"ELEMENTAL" Meaning: There are several, but let's focus on this one: Something elemental is hugely powerful in a way that reminds you of the forces of nature. Pronunciation: ell ih MENT ull Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “an elemental force.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The force was elemental.”) Other forms: element, elementally How to use it: Talk about elemental forces and powers, elemental music and beauty and imagination, elemental strife and struggles, elemental movement and shifts, elemental greatness and grandeur, etc. Some people are born travelers. As for me, when I'm away, I just feel an elemental longing for home. The road up to the Mauna Kea visitor center is rough and steep, but it's worth it to glimpse the elemental beauty of the stars. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "elemental" means when you can explain it without saying "profound" or "forceful." Think of a particular sound, smell, or sight that you find powerful, and fill in the blanks: "I can't resist the elemental (power/charm) of _____." Example: "I can't resist the elemental charm of a bluegrass band." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month, we're sampling questions from Orijinz, an awesome series of games about the origins of words, phrases, and quotes. Click here if you want to check them out. They're compact--perfect for stockings. Just saying. :) Try a question here each day this month, and see the right answer the next day. Have fun! Yesterday's question: "Guess the phrase! Origin: The key word in this phrase is a fashion accessory that was made from very soft leather, such as goat or lamb skin. In the mid-19th century, it came to be associated with people considered delicate or refined. Definition: To treat gently." Answer: "The phrase is: Handle with kid gloves. Tidbit: A kid is a young goat.” Today's question: "Guess the fictional character [who spoke these lines]! 'The game is afoot.' 'It is my business to know what other people don’t know.' 'You see, but you do not observe.' '“When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.' 'Elementary, my dear Watson.'*" (We'll resolve that * tomorrow!) A Point Well Made: Leo Tolstoy: “If a person knows that he will die in a half hour, he certainly will not bother doing trivial, stupid, or, especially, bad things during this half hour. Perhaps you have half a century before you die—what makes this any different from a half hour?” 1. The opposite of ELEMENTAL is A. MEEK B. FINITE C. STELLAR 2. The sight of the _____ filled Tiffany with elemental awe. A. geyser B. swimming pool C. new bookstore Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. A Exploring the archives: Today's word is useful when you need to talk about something powerful that's, you know, really, really powerful. :) So are juggernaut, maelstrom, and undimmed. Can you recall which of those literally means "lord of the world"?