Make Your Point > Archived Issues > MAGNETISM

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"MAGNETISM" Pronunciation: MAG nit iz um Part of speech: Uncountable noun. (Like “milk,” “rice,” and “education,” uncountable nouns are words for stuff that can’t be broken into exact units. You talk about “some milk,” “the rice,” and “a lot of education,” but you don’t say “a milk,” “three rices,” or “many educations.” Likewise, talk about “the magnetism,” “such magnetism,” “a lot of magnetism,” “no magnetism,” and so on, but don’t say “magnetisms.”) Meaning: Of course, magnetism is that power that magnets have to attract stuff and stick to it. We're interested in the abstract sense. Someone or something with magnetism is very charming and very attractive. We feel naturally and powerfully drawn toward people and things with magnetism. This is an easy word, but I wanted to take a look at it with you anyway because it may be underutilized. Other forms: magnetic, magnetically, magnet How to use it: When you want to emphasize an earthy, natural, powerful, or automatic attraction, then talk about someone or something having magnetism, demonstrating magnetism, using magnetism, resisting magnetism, etc. You can use a possessive phrase to mention someone's magnetism ("James Bond's magnetism," or "the magnetism of James Bond") or something's magnetism ("Hawaii's magnetism," or "the magnetism of Hawaii.") Feel free to add an adjective: natural magnetism, personal magnetism, mysterious magnetism, and so on. Pulled by the magnetism of the glittering bay, my family and I visit Liliuokalani Park again and again. Her crush lost some of his debonair magnetism when she saw him scarfing down lunch and getting bits of it on his shirt. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "magnetism" means when you can explain it without saying “allure" or “power to attract." Think of something that fascinates you endlessly, and fill in the blanks: "(Thing)'s magnetism for me intensified when I (realized/learned) _____." Example: "Futurama's magnetism for me intensified when I learned from Reddit that, and I quote, the writers of the show 'held three Ph.D.s, seven master's degrees, and cumulatively had more than 50 years at Harvard.'" 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: Our game for July is called A Verbal Tour of the US. I’ll ask you a trivia question each day this month about the names of US cities, states, geographic features, etc. Try it out each day, and see the right answer the next day. Happy verbal trails to you! From yesterday:  Word-wise, what do the following cities have in common, along with many others? Waco, TX; Bedford, MA; Dayton, OH; Fargo, ND; Hot Springs, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Antonio, TX; and Topeka, KS. Answer: All of these cities have airport codes that form words! In this order, they are: ACT, BED, DAY, FAR, HOT, LAX, SAT, and TOP. (I counted at least 34 US cities that could have been listed here.) Try this one today: This Tennessee city recently changed its name to the title of a popular country and bluegrass song. Before that, it was called Lake City. What is it called now? A Point Well Made: Andre Gide: “Rather than recounting his life as he has lived it, [the artist] must live his life as he will recount it. In other words, the portrait of him formed by his life must identify itself with the ideal portrait he desires. And, in still simpler terms, he must be as he wishes to be.” 1. The opposite of MAGNETISM is A. REPULSION B. RETRENCHMENT C. RECONCILIATION 2. Some women complain that their success _____, but the reverse seems true to me: success and confidence equate with magnetism, both friendly and romantic. A. causes men to compete with them B. frightens men away C. overwhelms men 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