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Today's ad rem means "to the point" and describes comments and arguments that focus on the ideas being discussed, not the people discussing them. It's the opposite of ad hominem, the argument that attacks the person instead of the idea.
Argue ad rem, not ad hominem, and you'll always stand on t____ f____: firm land, or a solid, substantial basis for your ideas.
make your point with...
"AD REM"
"Ad rem" is Latin for "to the matter in hand" or "to the point." Something ad rem, or something done ad rem, is focused on the issue being discussed (and is NOT focused on the person discussing the issue).
In other words, if you argue ad rem, you attack only ideas and issues. That's a good thing. If you argue ad hominem, or "to the man," you verbally attack the people who disagree with you. That's bad.
Pronunciation:
ADD REM (rhymes with "rad gem")
Part of speech:
It's an adjective ("an ad rem suggestion"),
an adverb ("she speaks ad rem"),
and an interjection ("Ad rem!" or "Get to the point!").
Other forms:
none
How to use it:
To use "ad rem" as an adjective, talk about ad rem arguments, comments, suggestions, and so on.
To use it as an adverb, talk about arguing ad rem, directing your comments ad rem, disputing ideas or claims ad rem, speaking ad rem, etc.
As much as I'd love to hear folks using "ad rem" as the interjection that it is, especially since it means "make your point," I can't recommend it. It's stuffy, and it might confuse or annoy your listeners.
In general, you can also use "ad rem" to mean simply "relevant" or "closely related to the point or the issue at hand," as in "That concern is certainly ad rem in terms of our plan." But why not use "relevant" or "germane" instead? It's more clear.
examples:
On Reddit, low-effort ad hominem remarks may clutter the comments section of a post, but the upvote system ensures that the interesting ad rem comments float to the top.
In their first formal persuasive papers, high school kids often have a hard time arguing ad rem.
study it now:
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "ad rem" means when you can explain it without saying "about the thing, not the person" or "germane."
try it out:
Think of someone you strongly disagree with. Fill in the blanks: "Regarding (Person's) (ideas about something), I'll try to keep my comments ad rem."
Example: "Regarding this author's old-fashioned and baseless commandments about grammar, I'll try to keep my comments ad rem."
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, we're playing "You Know, That Thing!"
This game challenges your powers of recall. Start a timer: twenty seconds if you're an adult, longer if you're a kid or an English language learner. Read the description of each thing, and come up with its name. Try to name all three before your timer runs out. (Scroll all the way down for the answers.)
Ready? Go!
1. Single units of furniture with a bed on top and a bed below are…
2. The speed required for something to break free from the planet's gravitational pull is the…
3. Pain in the hand or fingers caused by the compression of a nerve, often from repetitious movements, is…
review today's word:
1. A close opposite of AD REM is
A. PERTINENT
B. MUDSLINGING
C. INCONTROVERTIBLE
2. In a letter to the editor, delete the _____ to direct your arguments ad rem.
A. sloppy punctuation
B. personal attacks
C. overly detailed reasons
Answers are below.
a final word:
To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@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
Answers to game questions:
1. bunk beds
2. escape velocity
3. carpal tunnel syndrome or median nerve compression
Today's ad rem means "to the point" and describes comments and arguments that focus on the ideas being discussed, not the people discussing them. It's the opposite of ad hominem, the argument that attacks the person instead of the idea.
"AD REM" "Ad rem" is Latin for "to the matter in hand" or "to the point." Something ad rem, or something done ad rem, is focused on the issue being discussed (and is NOT focused on the person discussing the issue). Pronunciation: Part of speech:
On Reddit, low-effort ad hominem remarks may clutter the comments section of a post, but the upvote system ensures that the interesting ad rem comments float to the top.
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "ad rem" means when you can explain it without saying "about the thing, not the person" or "germane."
Think of someone you strongly disagree with. Fill in the blanks: "Regarding (Person's) (ideas about something), I'll try to keep my comments ad rem."
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.
1. A close opposite of AD REM is
To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com.
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