Make Your Point > Archived Issues > JOUST

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"JOUST" Pronunciation: JOUST Part of speech: Both a verb ("to joust") and a noun ("a joust," "the joust.") Meaning: Of course, an actual joust is a type of combat that involves two knights bolting toward each other, holding lances, trying to knock each other down: (The image above is shared with the kind permission of The Knights of Middle England.) More loosely, a joust is any kind of struggle or competition that reminds you of this fierce, blunt, fast, one-on-one attack. And when you joust, or when you joust with someone or something, you're engaging in that kind of struggle or competition. Other forms: jousts, jousted, jousting, jouster How to use it: For the verb, talk about jousting with someone else, often over an issue or for a prize: "The house flippers keep jousting with the contractors over the escalating prices." "This company really needs to learn how to joust better with the media." "It's silly how those best friends keep jousting for that girl's attention." For the noun, talk about a joust, a joust with someone, a joust over something, some people's joust, some jousting, endless jousting, etc.: "I think we're all a little weary of the candidates' joust over who has the stronger faith in our country." Jousting is often done between individuals, but you can certainly be more abstract and talk about groups, places, things, sounds, images, tastes, feelings, styles, and ideas that joust with each other. The key to using this figurative meaning correctly is to make sure your joust is one-on-one (not involving three or more parties) even if the conflict is internal, as in "I keep jousting with myself over this decision." If you keep jousting with your math homework, you probably need to re-learn the underlying concepts it requires. We had to joust with the moving company for months over their week-late pickup date, outrageous fees for storage, and excessive damage to our furniture. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "joust" means when you can explain it without saying “combat" or "struggle." Think of two people you know who just don't get along, or two things that clash terribly with each other, and fill in the blanks: "It's painful/annoying/awkward to watch _____ and _____ constantly joust over/for _____." Example: "It's painful to watch this brother and sister constantly joust over who is the better reader. They'd be so much more relaxed if they'd just enjoy the same books together." 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 reviewing recently featured words with some activities created with my favorite vocabulary software: Vocabulary Worksheet Factory, made by Schoolhouse Technologies. It's a simple, flexible program that lets you input word lists and definitions, then create customized, fun worksheets for review. We're starting off with very easy activities, then working our way toward harder reviews throughout the month. From yesterday: View Answer: View Try this one today. It should feel moderately easy. Recall the words as you read their definitions. They will appear in alphabetical order: View A Point Well Made: Henry Rollins: "No such thing as spare time. No such thing as free time. No such thing as down time. All you got is lifetime. Go." 1. The opposite of JOUST is A. implement B. fail C. cooperate 2. Reading a history book gives the impression that the past was one long joust _____. A. through conflict B. for power C. at control 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. C 2. B