Make Your Point > Archived Issues > NEFARIOUS

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"NEFARIOUS" Pronunciation: nih FAIR ee us 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 “nefarious intentions.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "Their intentions were nefarious.”) Meaning: Something nefarious is absolutely wicked, vicious, and evil. Nefarious things generally aren't subtle--they're straight-up, clear, in-your-face wicked. Other forms: nefariously, nefariousness How to use it: Talk about nefarious schemes, plots, plans; nefarious deeds, actions, and activities; nefarious intentions and purposes; nefarious characters and forces, and so on. Despicable Me fans will recognize our word's similarity to "Dr. Nefario," who helps Gru with such nefarious deeds as stealing the moon. Sites like Traffic Monsoon don't immediately appear to have any nefarious intent, but they give off decidedly creepy vibes. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You'll know you understand what "nefarious" means when you can explain it without saying "wicked" or "evil." Think of a fictional character or a real person who terrifies you (or used to terrify you when you were younger) and fill in the blanks: "(Person)'s nefarious reputation is well-deserved: he/she __(does something in particular)__." Example: "Professor Umbrage's nefarious reputation is well-deserved: she took control of a school by warping young impressionable minds with propaganda and flagrantly abusing her power." 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 seem moderately difficult: View A Point Well Made: Pico Iyer: “It’s crazy to impede your neighbor, because he is as intrinsic to your welfare as your thumb is. It’s almost absurd to say you wish to get ahead of your colleague – it’s like your right toe saying it longs to be ahead of the left.” 1. The opposite of NEFARIOUS is A. SLIMY B. VIRTUOUS C. WORTHWHILE 2. Real-life nefarious characters, unfortunately, _____. A. don't strut about singing in detail about their delightfully wicked plans B. can't swoop in dramatically to rid their towns of their worst problems C. aren't able to rally entire schools into a fervid display of support at the football games 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