Make Your Point > Archived Issues > CATALYST

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explore the archives: You know how I go in alphabetical order to pick words to share with you? Well, I was going to write about castigate for today. But it's such a harsh, negative word--it means "to scold or criticize very harshly." And really, we've looked at so many harsh words recently! So we'll skip it. Here are some close synonyms of castigate, if you'd like to review them: rebuke & upbraid. make your point with... "CATALYST" A literal catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction. A figurative catalyst is anything that speeds something up or makes something happen sooner. Pronunciation: CAT uh list 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 catalyst or multiple catalysts.) Other forms: catalysts, catalytic; catalyze, catalyzed, catalyzing How to use it: Often you talk about one thing acting, being, serving, or working as a catalyst for another thing: "the diagnosis was the catalyst for her healthier habits," "the tragedy served as a catalyst for laws limiting access to deadly weapons." Some people use "catalyst" to simply mean "cause." Although some dictionaries recognize this use, I don't recommend it. Saying "catalyst" instead of "cause" ignores the precise meaning of "catalyst" and substitutes a fancy word for a simple one for no good reason. But it's a matter of opinion. Do what you want! :) examples: I'm not saying that the price of diapers is the reason we're insisting on potty training--but it sure was a catalyst. Raising cancer awareness isn't the same thing as researching cancer cures, and it's hard to know for sure whether the former really does catalyze the latter. study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "catalyst" means when you can explain it without saying "agent of change" or "hastening factor." try it out: Fill in the blanks: "I'd really like to (reach a certain goal or make a certain change,) and _____ may work as a catalyst." Example: "I'd really like to get out and do more exercise, and this beautiful weather may work as a catalyst."  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 with the original and literal meanings of familiar words. I'll give you three words and their original or literal definitions, and you'll match them up. Easy! But then the following day, see if you can recall those old meanings. Hard! :) Our game has two purposes. One, we'll visit the interesting, thought-provoking old meanings of words. And two, we'll remind ourselves of a powerful learning strategy: delayed recalling. Let's play! First, try to recall from yesterday the original meaning of "lingerie" and the literal meanings of "ambush" and "discord." Answers appear at the bottom of this issue. Next, match these words to their original or literal definitions in the answer bank below: 1. "Atmosphere" literally means _____ 2. "Karate" literally means _____ 3. "Menial" originally meant _____ Answer bank: A. "ball of vapor." B. "related to the household." C. "empty hand." review today's word: 1. The literal opposite of CATALYST is NEGATIVE CATALYST. But a figurative opposite of CATALYST is A. IGNITION B. PRIORITY C. OBSTACLE 2. Its proponents argue that the new industrial park will catalyze _____. A. economic growth B. the surrounding neighborhood C. unemployment in the surrounding neighborhoods Answers are below. a final word: To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, 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 game questions: 1. "Ambush" literally means "in a wood." 2. "Discord" literally means "(with) hearts apart." 3. "Lingerie" originally meant "all the linen items in someone's wardrobe." Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. A