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The tricky thing about the prefix "in-" is that sometimes it means "into" or "within" (like today's incisive, meaning literally"cutting into") but other times it means "not" or "without." What?! Yes, "in-" can mean "within" or "without." Thanks a lot, "in-."
An incision is a cut, or the act of cutting into something. To be incisive, then, is to be like a sharp knife that cuts into something. Incisive people are very smart in a sharp way. And incisive things are very clear, sharp, and smart.
Pronunciation:
in SIGH siv
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 incisive thing" or "an incisive person."
2. After a linking verb, as in "It was incisive" or "He was incisive.")
Other forms:
incisiveness, incisively
Be careful with the spelling: Something incisive is also likely to be insightful: offering a deep, clear look into something. Still, don't write "insisive." Spell "incisive" like other words related to figurative cutting, like "decisive" and "precise."
How to use it:
Talk about incisive people and their incisive remarks, commentaries, observations, etc. Stories, articles, films and so on can be incisive, and you can have an incisive manner, tone, or style.
examples:
With a quirky sense of humor and degrees in political science, John is an incisive and entertaining social critic.
Now more than ever, we should support publishers of incisive journalism.
study it now:
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "incisive" means when you can explain it without saying "keen" or "piercing."
try it out:
Think of a smart, sharp person or publication. Fill in the blanks: "(Someone or something) (caught my interest / surprised me / impressed me) with an incisive comment: that _____."
Example: "The chapter caught my interest with an incisive comment: that because Shakespeare's style improved over time, his supposed genius was probably just the result of practice."
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.
This month, we're playing with the original and literal meanings of familiar words. I'll give you three words and their original or literal definitions, and you'll match them up. Easy! But then the following day, see if you can recall those old meanings. Hard! :) Our game has two purposes. One, we'll visit the interesting, thought-provoking old meanings of words. And two, we'll remind ourselves of a powerful learning strategy: delayed recalling. Let's play!
First, try to recall from yesterday the original meanings of "enthusiasm" and "east" and the literal meaning of "maintain." Answers appear at the bottom of this issue.
Next, match these words to their original or literal definitions in the answer bank below:
1. "Harass" originally meant _____
2. "Fatal" originally meant _____
3. "Jeopardy" literally means _____
Answer bank:
A. "to wear out."
B. "an even game."
C. "fated."
review today's word:
1. One opposite of INCISIVE is
A. SUPERIOR
B. SUPERFICIAL
C. SUPERFLUOUS
2. As a/an _____, she's known for her incisive _____.
A. movie reviewer .. enthusiasm
B. interviewer .. questions
C. supervisor .. service
Answers are below.
a final word:
To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, 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 game questions:
1. "Enthusiasm" originally meant "possession by a god."
2. "East" originally meant "to find your position."
3. "Maintain" literally means "to hold in the hand."
Answers to review questions:
1. B
2. B
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