Make Your Point > Archived Issues > NADIR

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"NADIR" Pronunciation: NAY dur Part of speech: Countable noun. (Countable nouns, like “bottle,” “piece,” and “decision,” are words for things that can be broken into exact units. You talk about “a bottle,” “three pieces,” and “many decisions.” Likewise, talk about one nadir or multiple nadirs.) Meaning: The nadir of something is the point where it’s the worst or the lowest. When something is at its nadir, it’s the worst or the saddest that it’s ever been. Other forms: nadirs, nadiral How to use it: Talk about something or someone being at its/his/her nadir or being at a nadir, or something or someone reaching its/his/her nadir or a nadir. I realized I had reached the nadir of my laziness in college when I woke up in the middle of the day on my couch, covered in a melted candy bar. We thought that the state of civil rights in our country had reached its nadir generations ago, but recent events like the murder of an unarmed black boy are making us question that assumption. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You'll know you understand what "nadir" means when you can explain it without saying "low point" or "worst." Think of an unpleasant experience you have had, and fill in the blanks: “_____ reached a nadir when _____.” Example: “The dinner out reached a nadir when the staff refused to remove the undercooked, uneaten chicken dishes from the bill.” 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's game is "guess the common word based on the given literal root meanings." Try it out each day and see the right answer the next day. It can be fun and illuminating to see the literal meanings of words when they came into the language! More than one right answer might be possible in some cases, just so you know. Also, it's okay if you can't come up with most or even any of the answers on your own; just check out the solutions and you'll learn the roots as you go along this month. From yesterday: "gift" + "noun of action" = ? Answer: "DONATION" Try this one today: "off" + "cut" = ? A Point Well Made: Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss." 1. The opposite of NADIR is A. DOMESTIC B. OPINIONATED C. PEAK 2. Clare recalled being at the nadir of her high school years, _____. A. stressed out and losing sleep over exams and college applications. B. too excited about summer vacation to care much about her classes. C. slowly changing her worldview as she realized how sheltered she was. 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. A