Make Your Point > Archived Issues > MAGNATE

Send Make Your Point issues straight to your inbox.

"MAGNATE" Pronunciation: "MAG nate" or "MAG nit" 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 magnate or multiple magnates.) Meaning: A magnate is a person who is very important and distinguished, usually in the world of business. Other forms: magnates, magnateship How to use it: Talk about someone being a real estate magnate, a media magnate, a lumber magnate, and so on, or just a business magnate or corporate magnate. Instead of specifying the magnate's industry, you can specify that person's place of residence or nationality: "a New York magnate," "a South Korean magnate," "an international magnate." Or, say both the place and the industry: "a Texas oil magnate," "an international fashion magnate." You can also talk about living, dressing, or acting like a magnate, being as wealthy (or as boastful) as a magnate, striving for magnate status, and so on. She hates germs so much that she'll probably become some kind of magnate just to be able to fly in a germ-free private jet.  Do what you want with your money and power, of course, but if you're a corporate magnate who does zilch to help the poor, we're going to call you out on it. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "magnate” means when you can explain it without saying “mogul" or “tycoon." Think of a famous, successful leader in your field (or a field you're interested in), and fill in the blanks: "A (type of) magnate has (achieved something interesting.)"  Instead of talking about a past achievement, you might want to talk about a goal or a wish instead: "I (wish/hope) that a (type of) magnate (would/will) (achieve something interesting)." Example 1: "A technology magnate in China spent a fortune making his office building look like a Star Trek ship. Awesome!" Example 2: "I hope that business magnates will someday funnel so much of their profits into underfunded school districts that the funding gap won't even exist anymore." 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 content is protected by a copyright, so I can't reprint the trivia questions here--but check out the thoughtful and thorough reference book that I got them from: Last Words of Notable People! A Point Well Made: Katie, age 4: “Not all dreams come true. But that’s okay because you can always make new dreams.” 1. The opposite of MAGNATE is A. NONENTITY B. NOBILITY C. NONCONFORMIST 2. His project caught the attention of a several magnates and _____ A. skyrocketed to popularity through their influence. B. got mired in the complex legal requirements they imposed. C. was shut down by their unquestioned political authority. 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. A 2. A