Make Your Point > Archived Issues > JUNOESQUE

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"JUNOESQUE" Meaning: Juno is a mythological goddess known as the queen of the gods. She's described as stately and beautiful, intimidating, and tall like a statue. So, a Junoesque girl or woman is tall, beautiful, and intimidating (a little scary). Pronunciation: joo no ESK Part of speech: Proper adjective.  You always capitalize proper adjectives, like “Korean,” “Shakespearean,” and “Christian." (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “her Junoesque beauty.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "Her beauty was Junoesque.”) Other forms: You can use "Juno-like" instead, but can we agree that "Junoesque" is more graceful? How to use it: You'll probably use this word when you want to describe someone precisely in formal language, or pay a sincere compliment to someone (or just flatter someone.) Even if your listeners don't know exactly what it means, they'll probably get the "goddess-like" gist of it. Talk about Junoesque girls and women; Junoesque beauty or grace; a Junoesque pose; a Junoesque form, figure, type, silhouette, or body; Junoesque posture; Junoesque shoulders or arms, etc. You won't see this word applied figuratively very often. But that doesn't mean you can't do it! You might talk about a Junoesque flower, tree, tower, skyscraper, archway, landmark, bird, vase, bottle, light fixture, etc. I love this one hilarious Mystery Science Theater 3000 line: when the Junoesque movie character places her hands on her hips and strikes a dramatic pose, we hear "Okay, we get it! You're shapely!" High heels? Not for me. I know they can make you look positively Junoesque, but I'd just clonk around in them and then trip. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "Junoesque" means when you can explain it without saying "elegant" or "imposing." When you think of feminine beauty, who comes to mind? It might be someone you know, or someone famous. Fill in the blanks: "(Name), with her _____, is Junoesque." Example: "Nicole Kidman, with her perfect posture, is Junoesque." 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: Hallucinations from smoking opium led to this phrase, which originated in the late 1800s. Definition: A goal, hope, or plan so far-fetched that it is extremely unlikely to be realized." Answer: "The phrase is: Pipe dream." Today's question: "Guess the word! Origin: This process, first popularized in the early 1800s, involved casting solid metal printing plates. The fixed nature of the metal plates eventually influenced a much broader meaning for the word: a simplified and pre-conceived conception or image of a person or group perpetuated over time." A Point Well Made: Eleanor Roosevelt: “Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product.” 1. The opposite of JUNOESQUE is A. PETTY B. HOMELY C. UNLUCKY 2. If television is to be believed, then New York City is always teeming with Junoesque _____. A. real estate B. night clubs C. models 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. C Exploring the archives: Hi, readers! I debated whether to write about today's word or not because it's so specific, and because we don't often apply it figuratively. I try to stick to words that can be used just about every day-- words that aren't too narrow, you know? But indulge me on "Junoesque," because it's good to know any word that describes not just what someone looks like but also how she makes other people feel. I also hemmed and hawed over including beau monde, fantast, and hamartia. While they're also super-specific, they do let us talk about people in a precise way (and for that reason, I think, they're worth knowing.)