Make Your Point > Archived Issues > JUNTA

Send Make Your Point issues straight to your inbox.

"JUNTA" Meaning: A junta is a small group of people that takes control of a country and then rules it. More generally, a junta is a group of people working toward a goal together (often a goal that's political.) Pronunciation: HOON tuh 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 junta or multiple juntas.) Other forms: Juntas. An alternate form is "junto." How to use it: For the strict meaning, talk about a state or nation ruled by a junta, a group of citizens defying the junta, and so on. We're more interested in the looser meaning: talk about a junta of crazies, a junta composed of anarchists, the junta that's taken over your favorite website and turned it into something else entirely, etc.  The tone of this word, as you can tell, is usually harsh: by calling people a junta, you're indicating that they're ruthless, violent, power-hungry, or sneaky. But you could use the word lightly, too: "a junta of third grade science-fair winners," "the junta controlling all the good coffee and cookies." He acts like there's a junta of lawyers at his disposal, but I really think he's bluffing. To get anything changed around here, you'll have to contend with the department head and his junta. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "junta" means when you can explain it without saying "council" or "faction." Think of a group of people you find unreasonable or annoying, and fill in the blanks: "You can barely _____ before the junta of _____ (gets involved / steps in / raises a fuss / puts a stop to it.)"  Example: "You can barely write a sentence before the junta of grammarians raises a fuss." 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. Try a question here each day this month, and see the right answer the next day. Have fun! Yesterday's question: Guess the actor and director! “I hate television. I hate it as much as peanuts. But I can’t stop eating peanuts.” “I started at the top and worked my way down.” “I have a grave announcement to make. Incredible as it may seem, both the observations of science and the evidence of our eyes lead us to the inescapable assumption that those strange beings who landed in New Jersey tonight are the vanguard of an invading army from Mars.” Answer: "The actor and director is: Orson Welles." Today's question: "Guess the phrase! Origin: This phrase comes from poker. Poker players 'ante up' at the beginning of a hand by contributing to a small, set amount to the pot before being dealt in. Definition: State your opinion." A Point Well Made: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done." 1. The opposite of JUNTA is A. ARISTOCRACY B. POPULACE C. CONTROL 2. For years, the nation has been under junta _____. A. rule B. economics C. production 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. A Exploring the archives: Today's word is a colorful way to refer to a group of people: you're hinting that they're a group of hostile rebels. Similarly, when you call a group of people a "g___le," you're comparing them to a flock of noisy geese. And call a group a "r___le," to say that they're a disorganized mob.