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Emblems, or emblematic things, hold whatever meanings we im___ them with. Could you recall that lovely word? It means "to figuratively fill up with."
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"EMBLEMATIC"
Something emblematic is either being a good typical example of something or being a clear representation or indication of something.
Pronunciation:
em bluh MATT ick
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 emblematic figure."
2. After a linking verb, as in "The figure was emblematic.")
Other forms:
emblem(s), emblematically
How to use it:
Pick "emblematic," instead of "symbolic" or "indicative," when you want to emphasize how clear and obvious it is that your emblematic thing represents whatever other idea you're talking about. An emblem was originally a raised decoration on a vessel, and today an emblem is a clear badge, image, or picture that represents something.
Although you can simply talk about "an emblematic thing" or "something that's emblematic," as in "an emblematic character" or "a character who's emblematic," it's much more common to say that one person or thing is emblematic of another thing: "Oxen are emblematic of strength." "He's emblematic of the growing intellectualism in our culture." "This latest stunt is emblematic of a larger trend."
examples:
Still funny every time we hear it, "Title of the Song" boasts all the cliched romantic lyrics emblematic of boy band pop songs.
"Araby," emblematic of the sense of futility and disillusionment that swept through western culture at the time, may be a fine piece of literature but is just no fun to read.
study it now:
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "emblematic" means when you can explain it without saying "evidence of" or "visibly symbolic of."
try it out:
Think of something that made you realize for certain that you'd either succeeded or failed in a specific situation, and fill in the blanks: "_____ was emblematic of my (success/failure) in _____."
Example: "As she gripped the book she'd just finished, my student's broad smile was emblematic of our success in changing her attitude toward reading."
before you review:
Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first.
Well-Named Creatures:
Some names for animals and other creatures define themselves instantly or after a brief moment’s thought: anteater, grasshopper, hummingbird, seahorse, octopus (eight-foot). But other names deserve some exploration; they hold hidden clues about what the animals look like or what they do. And sometimes the names reveal how baffled people were when they first caught a glimpse of the creatures and tried to name them. This month, I’ll give you the literal meaning of a creature's name, and you come up with what it is. Answers will appear in alphabetical order this month. (Oh, and the answers might be animals, birds, insects, or even extinct creatures.) Enjoy!
From yesterday: A "shaggy cat" is not a cat but a c________.
Answer: A caterpillar, named for Latin words meaning "cat" and "hairy/shaggy."
Try this one today: Actually a rodent, a "little bug" is a c________.
review today's word:
1. The opposite of EMBLEMATIC is
A. CONTRABAND
B. CONTRA-INDICATIVE
C. COUNTERPRODUCTIVE
2. Emblematic of her laid-back parenting is the way she _____.
A. insists on correcting the kids' grammar
B. chauffeurs the kids everywhere without complaint
C. lets the kids pick their own clothes
Answers are below.
a final word:
To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@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. C
Emblems, or emblematic things, hold whatever meanings we im___ them with. Could you recall that lovely word? It means "to figuratively fill up with."
"EMBLEMATIC" Something emblematic is either being a good typical example of something or being a clear representation or indication of something. Pronunciation: Part of speech: How to use it:
Still funny every time we hear it, "Title of the Song" boasts all the cliched romantic lyrics emblematic of boy band pop songs.
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "emblematic" means when you can explain it without saying "evidence of" or "visibly symbolic of."
Think of something that made you realize for certain that you'd either succeeded or failed in a specific situation, and fill in the blanks: "_____ was emblematic of my (success/failure) in _____."
Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first.
1. The opposite of EMBLEMATIC is
To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com.
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