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The word self-applauding instantly calls to mind the image of a beaming person receiving enthusiastic applause--from herself.
What two-word term instantly calls to mind the image of a lithe beast bearing fangs and claws--made entirely of paper?
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"SELF-APPLAUDING"
Like it sounds, self-applauding people and things are proud and congratulatory of themselves, as if they're clapping for themselves.
Pronunciation:
SELF uh PLOD ing
Part of speech:
Usually an adjective (a self-applauding thing, a self-applauding person; it was self-applauding, he is self-applauding),
but it can also act like a noun,
specifically an uncountable one (her self-applauding, this self-applauding, such self-applauding).
Other forms:
self-applause
How to use it:
Though this word often has a harsh, sarcastic tone ("their self-applauding comments in the interview made us roll our eyes"), it can be gentle, too ("the child somersaulted, finishing with a self-applauding 'ta-da!'").
Talk about self-applauding people and groups of people, self-applauding minds and attitudes, self-applauding wit and humor and confidence, self-applauding comments and speeches, self-applauding messages and articles, etc.
You can also say that someone is self-applauding about something: "He's become so self-applauding about his book sales."
It's less common, but you can also use "self-applauding" like a noun to talk about the act, action, or activity of people appearing to clap for themselves: "We're weary of her self-applauding."
Very rarely, "self-applaud" is a verb: "They're self-applauding their efforts." (You might find it better to rephrase: "They're applauding their own efforts.")
examples:
Nothing dampens my enthusiasm for a new book than a self-applauding introduction by the author.
With a wide, self-applauding grin, Taylor maneuvers the stool, climbs, reaches, and flips on the light.
study it now:
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "self-applauding" means when you can explain it without saying "basking in the glow of your own pride" or "self-congratulatory."
try it out:
Fill in the blank: "There's something unbearably self-applauding about _____."
Example: "There's something unbearably self-applauding about his leisurely walk to the podium."
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 lines of poetry that include words we've checked out together in previous issues. I’ll give you a few lines from the poem, with a blank where our word appears, along with its definition. See if you can come up with it. Each answer will appear in the next day's issue. Enjoy!
From yesterday:
From D. H. Lawrence's poem "Piano:"
"Softly, in the dusk, a woman is singing to me;
Taking me back down the _____ of years, till I see
A child sitting under the piano..."
Definition: a long stretch of time; or a long, far-reaching picture of something in your mind.
Answer: vista.
Try this today:
From Kate Colby's poem "A Body Drawn By Its Own Memory:"
"There’s a devotion called _________
to seeing oneself in surfaces
in a window, a shadow, a standard,
or the immediate space around another body."
Definition: not drooping, continuing at the same strong and steady pace, continuing to be energetic. (Hint: it starts with "un" and ends with "ing.")
review today's word:
1. The opposite of SELF-APPLAUDING is
A. HARROWING
B. HOMELY
C. HUMBLE
2. Those self-applauding poses in YouTube tutorials on makeup _____.
A. are magnified enough to help me to see the fine details
B. remind me of birds preening themselves
C. help me get the right grip on my tools
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 review questions:
1. C
2. B
The word self-applauding instantly calls to mind the image of a beaming person receiving enthusiastic applause--from herself.
"SELF-APPLAUDING" Like it sounds, self-applauding people and things are proud and congratulatory of themselves, as if they're clapping for themselves. Part of speech:
Nothing dampens my enthusiasm for a new book than a self-applauding introduction by the author.
Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "self-applauding" means when you can explain it without saying "basking in the glow of your own pride" or "self-congratulatory."
Fill in the blank: "There's something unbearably self-applauding about _____."
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.
1. The opposite of SELF-APPLAUDING is
To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com
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