Make Your Point > Archived Issues > KINETIC

Send Make Your Point issues straight to your inbox.

"KINETIC" Pronunciation: kin ET ick 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 "a kinetic style" 2. After a linking verb, as in "The style was kinetic.") Meaning: Something kinetic is related to movement or motion. More loosely, something kinetic is dynamic, animated, or energizing. Other forms: kinetically, kineticism How to use it: As usual, we're more interested in the abstract meaning rather than the straightforward scientific one. So, talk about a kinetic style, a kinetic theme, a kinetic career, a kinetic stock market, and so on. Say that something has "kinetic energy" when you want to emphasize both the physical and emotional movement and activeness of something. You might also say something is the kinetic center of something else, meaning that the first thing provides the energy and movement for the second thing, as in "Orlando once seemed to be the kinetic center for family-oriented tourism." I used to enjoy joining the kinetic frenzy of post-Thanksgiving shopping, but now I prefer to sit it out and shop online. I have loved every Kurt Vonnegut novel I';ve tried; they make me laugh and cry, and their kineticism keeps my attention. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You'll know you understand what "kinetic" means when you can explain it without saying "active" or "energetic." Think of an exciting, active, energetic place or event that you like, and fill in the blank: "I love the kineticism of _____." Example: "I love the kineticism of the Texas Renaissance Festival." 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: Recall the words as you read their definitions. They will appear in alphabetical order. View Answer: View Try this one today. It should seem moderately difficult: View A Point Well Made: Tom Stoppard: "Responsibilities gravitate to the person who can shoulder them." 1. The opposite of KINETIC is A. unfortunate B. lethargic C. hyperactive 2. As a stodgy old adult, I find that kinetically _____ theme park rides just make me _____. A. whimsical .. dizzy B. thematic .. jaded C. artistic .. angry 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