Make Your Point > Archived Issues > IMMACULATE

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"IMMACULATE" Pronunciation: im ACK yuh lit 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 “an immaculate record.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The record was immaculate.”) Meaning: A macula is a spot or a blemish--more loosely, a flaw. So, something immaculate has no stains and no spots. More loosely, something immaculate is perfect, without sin or flaw, or absolutely clean. Other forms: immaculately, immaculacy/immaculateness How to use it: Talk about an immaculate house, an immaculately kept lawn, an immaculate report card, an immaculate attendance record, an immaculate plan or a plan's immaculate execution, and so on. Someone might have an immaculate appearance, an immaculate sense of style, immaculate speech, immaculate behavior, an immaculate technique, etc. Having an active and curious one-year-old means our days of having an immaculate living room are over, but I don't mind. I can always go on Pinterest to ogle immaculate spaces. Mr. Chung's desk is immaculate, with piles of fresh Post-it notes lined up just so and papers neatly stacked. I imagine his desk is a reflection of his orderly mind. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "immaculate" means when you can explain it without saying “perfect" or "without flaw." Think of someone you know who does excellent work, and fill in the blanks: "I like to watch (Person) as he/she _____ with immaculate (style/precision/technique)." Example: "I like to watch the folks who work behind the paint counter at Home Depot as they mix, shake, seal, mallet, and label everything with swift, immaculate precision." 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 reviewing recently featured words with some activities created with my favorite vocabulary software: Vocabulary Worksheet Factory, made by Schoolhouse Technologies. It's a simple, flexible program that lets you input word lists and definitions, then create customized, fun worksheets for review. We're starting off with very easy activities, then working our way toward harder reviews throughout the month. From yesterday: View Answer: View Try this one today. It should feel moderately easy: View A Point Well Made: Xenocrates: “I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.” 1. The opposite of IMMACULATE is A. imperfect B. indecisive C. immobile 2. An immaculate resume will _____. A. only make employers cringe B. cast the best possible light on your qualifications C. make people wonder what you were doing in those gaps between jobs 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. A 2. B