Make Your Point > Archived Issues > LAMENTABLE

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"LAMENTABLE" Pronunciation: luh MEN tuh bull 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 “a lamentable choice.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The choice was lamentable.”) Meaning: To lament something is to show that you feel very sad about it. So, something lamentable is so regrettable or sorrowful that it inspires people to express their sadness over it. Other forms: lamentably; lament, lamented, lamenting; lamentation(s); lamenter(s) How to use it: You can be serious or sarcastic with "lamentable". (I feature it here because although it's so easy to understand, you might be able to put it to use more often.) "Lamentable" often gets used fairly loosely as a synonym for "bad" or "unsatisfactory," but considering how its root comes from the Latin word for "weep," I'd suggest using it a bit stricter to talk about things that, seriously or sarcastically, make you cry. So, to be serious, talk about lamentable losses, lamentable changes, lamentable situations and scenarios, etc. And to be sarcastic, talk about lamentable design choices in a house, lamentable feather boas, lamentable toupees, and so on. When the economy tanked, attendance at the learning center dropped by a lamentable 75%. That property would actually be worth more without the lamentable above ground pool. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You'll know you understand what "lamentable" means when you can explain it without saying "regretful" or "saddening." Think of a thing or place that you might like if its major problem could be resolved, and fill in the blanks: "I'd actually like _____ if not for its lamentable _____." Example: "I'd actually like that restaurant if not for its lamentable service. Getting a refill is like asking for the moon, and the servers are just standing around." 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: Recall the words as you read their definitions. They will appear in alphabetical order. View Answer: View Try this one today. It should seem moderately difficult: View A Point Well Made: Sean Bullock: "Stop looking for the perfect relationship and start looking for someone worth building a perfect relationship with." 1. The opposite of LAMENTABLE is A. reunifying B. cheering C. pleased 2. The project started with a lamentable lack of _____. A. direction B. debt C. angst 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