Make Your Point > Archived Issues > PANHUMAN

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"PANHUMAN" Meaning: Something panhuman involves all of humanity. In other words, a panhuman thing is something that affects everybody, or something that all people have in common. Pronunciation: Like you'd expect, "pan HYOO mun" 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 panhuman behavior.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The behavior was panhuman.”) Other forms: None are entered in dictionaries, but you'll be understood if you say "panhumanly." Note: Some folks prefer a hyphen: "pan-human." How to use it: Talk about panhuman issues and problems, panhuman needs and behaviors and characteristics, panhuman goals and hopes, panhuman reasoning, panhuman flaws, and panhuman types of people (usually in a sentence like this: "Her type is panhuman.") It's always funny how a horoscope describes only panhuman traits and experiences, like "You have a need for independence" and "You'll need to make a decision today." Regardless of which holidays you celebrate, if any, December seems to be the month for panhuman generosity. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "panhuman" means when you can explain it without saying "universal" or "common to all." Think of a book, movie, or other work of fiction that everybody seems to like, and fill in the blanks: "Because it deals with (a certain important or popular idea), (Title) has panhuman appeal." Example: "Because it deals with a yearning for home while exploring the unknown, The Wizard of Oz has panhuman appeal." 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 sampling questions from Orijinz, an awesome series of games about the origins of words, phrases, and quotes. Click here if you want to check them out. They're compact--perfect for stockings. Just saying. :) Try a question here each day this month, and see the right answer the next day. Have fun! Yesterday's question: "Guess the phrase! Origin: Old flintlock muskets had an indentation that held the priming powder. When the trigger was pulled, sparks produced by the steel hammer would strike a flint that exploded the priming powder. But sometimes this initial explosion failed to set off the main charge. Definition: A person who enjoys short term success but ultimately fails to live up to his potential." Answer: "The phrase is: Flash in the pan.” Today's question: "Guess the TV series [from these quotes]! '[If a] homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don’t come crying to me.' 'Say no more! Say no more! Know what I mean? Nudge, nudge!' 'He’s a lumberjack and he’s OK, he sleeps all night and he works all day.' 'It’s passed on! This parrot is no more! It has ceased to be! It’s expired and gone to meet its maker!' 'Spam spam spam spam, spam spam spam spam, lovely spam, wonderful spam.'” A Point Well Made: Walt Disney: “Children are people, and they should have to reach to learn about things, to understand things, just as adults have to reach if they want to grow in mental stature.” 1. A close opposite of PANHUMAN is A. DEEP B. RARE C. COLD 2. _____ will take a panhuman effort. A. Clearing out the overgrown back yard B. Reversing the effects of global warming C. Solving a logic puzzle with half the clues missing 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. B Exploring the archives: Today, we meet "pan-" again, that familiar prefix meaning "all" or "everything." You can probably recall easily some of our previous "pan-" words, like panacea (a cure for everything) and pandemic (a disease that's spread everywhere.) But see if you also recall a "pan-" word meaning beautifully spoken praise, often delivered in front of "everyone" (a large crowd). That one's a little harder to remember, since we can't immediately see why "pan-" belongs in the word.