Make Your Point > Archived Issues > REPERCUSSIONS

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connect today's word to others: Let's split repercussion into its Latin roots:    1. Re means "back."    2. Per means "through."    3. And quatere--the root of the "cuss" part--means "to strike." So, a repercussion, literally, is "a striking back through." Some unintended effect, or some consequence that seems to strike back at you, is a repercussion. See if you can recall a synonym of repercussion that literally means "a branching outward:" it's r___fication.  (To reveal any word with blanks, give it a click.) make your point with... "REPERCUSSIONS" Although this word has many meanings, we'll focus only on the most common one. Repercussions are effects or consequences that are usually unwanted and accidental. Pronunciation: Either "REE per KUH shunz" or "REP er KUH shunz." 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 repercussion or multiple repercussions.) Other forms: "Repercussion," the singular noun, is the only other common form. But you can also use the verb forms: repercuss, repercussed, repercussing. And the adjective is "repercussive." How to use it: This is a serious, formal word. We usually talk about multiple repercussions instead of just one repercussion.   Talk about people predicting repercussions, risking repercussions, fearing repercussions, facing repercussions, feeling or experiencing repercussions, mitigating repercussions, and so on. And, talk about about changes, problems, actions, statements, decisions and so on that have repercussions, often for people, groups, or things: "a new rule that will have repercussions for all the employees," "a fight that had repercussions for their relationship," "an error that had repercussions for the restaurant's reputation." Or, just describe something as with repercussions: "a new law with repercussions for international trade," "a rise in cost with repercussions for our spending power." Although we usually say that something has repercussions, we can also say that something brings, causes, carries, or incurs repercussions. Lastly, you might talk about the repercussions of something ("We try to predict the repercussions of head injuries") or the repercussions of doing something or for doing something ("Let's explore the repercussions of eliminating this program;" "She'll handle the repercussions for speaking out"). examples: He assured us that apathy in the local elections would have repercussions for our own families. "The Catastrophe of Success" explores the repercussions Tennessee Williams faced when he suddenly became so wealthy that he no longer had to struggle--namely, depression, disenchantment, and "a spiritual dislocation." study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "repercussions" means when you can explain it without saying "backlash" or "adverse consequences." try it out: Fill in the blank: "I would fear the repercussions if I (did something unwise)." Example: "I would fear the repercussions if I skipped any of my daughter's checkups." 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, see if you can associate a snippet of song lyrics with a word we’ve studied before. For example, here's Dave Matthews: "Wasting time, let the hours roll by doing nothing for the fun. A little taste of the good life." Those lyrics call to mind the word LOTUS-EATING. From our previous issue:  In "Real World," the members of Matchbox 20 sing:   "I wonder what it's like to be the head honcho. I wonder what I'd do if they all did just what I said.  I'd shout out an order, I think we're out of this, man, get me some.  Boy don't make me wanna change my tone." Do those lyrics call to mind the term ACID TEST, DICTATORIAL, or HYDRA? Why? Answer: DICTATORIAL. Someone dictatorial bosses people around and tells them exactly what to do. Try this today: In "Ghost," the Indigo Girls sing:   "And the Mississippi's mighty But it starts in Minnesota At a place that you could walk across With five steps down." Do those lyrics call to mind the word FOUNTAINHEAD, IMBROGLIO, or WATERTIGHT? Why? review today's word: 1. A near opposite of REPERCUSSION is A. PLANT. B. CAUSE. C. SILENCE. 2. The _____ are finally _____ repercussions. A. new hires .. creating B. speakers .. emitting C. abusers .. facing Answers are below. a final word: Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each weekday morning by Liesl Johnson, a reading and writing tutor on a mission to explore, illuminate, and celebrate words. From Liesl's blog:    36 ways to study words.    Why we forget words, & how to remember them.    How to use sophisticated words without being awkward. To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: When I write definitions, I use plain language and stick to the words' common, useful applications. If you're interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words, I encourage you to check a dictionary. Also, because I'm American, I stick to American English when I share words' meanings, usage, and pronunciations; these elements sometimes vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. C