Make Your Point > Archived Issues > GELID

Send Make Your Point issues straight to your inbox.

"GELID" Meaning: Something gelid is either very cold in a refreshing way or just extremely cold. Pronunciation: JELL id 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 “a gelid fear.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The fear was gelid.”) Other forms: gelidly, gelidness/gelidity Note: You might see the word's close relationship to "gelatin," "gel," and "jelly," but "gelid" doesn't mean "gel-like." Be sure to use "gelid" to mean "cold," and use "gelatinous" to mean "gel-like" or "jelly-like." How to use it: Notice that the first meaning is pleasant and even poetic ("refreshingly frosty") but the second meaning, "extremely cold," when used figuratively is very unpleasant. For that first meaning, talk about gelid air, gelid rain, a gelid creek or river, a gelid color (like a gelid gray or a gelid light blue,) gelid fruits, a gelid smoothie, the gelid crunch of snow under your boots, a gelid glimmer on the frosty store windows, and so on. And for the second meaning, in its figurative sense, talk about a gelid response, a gelid rejection, a gelid fear, a gelid gesture, a gelid glance, a gelid personality, etc. I love the smooth, gelid feel of a marble counter or backsplash. With a gelid shrug and a pointed change of subject, she dismissed my concerns. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "gelid" means when you can explain it without saying "icy" or "invigorating." Think of something cold you love to eat or drink, and fill in the blank: "I could really go for a gelid _____ right about now." Example: "I could really go for a gelid cherry shaved ice right about now. The kind with a scoop of ice cream in the bottom of the cup." 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: Our October game references some material that may be protected by copyright. I appreciate your understanding as I err on the side of caution by not publishing it here! A Point Well Made: Baz Luhrmann: "Worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum." 1. The best opposite of GELID is A. KIND B. WARM C. GENEROUS 2. His gelid reception at the party was _____ considering _____. A. puzzling .. he'd been invited so kindly B. exciting .. the dozens of potential new friends in attendance C. appreciated .. how, as the new kid, he'd barely had a chance to get to know anyone yet 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. B 2. A Exploring the archives: Today's word is the first of many we'll consider that lets us use temperature to speak figuratively. We've done the same with taste (using saccharine and acerbic) and texture (salve) and pattern (variegated.) Could you explain how to use all those words both literally and figuratively?