Make Your Point > Archived Issues > SIMPATICO

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connect today's word to others: The word simpatico looks a little like the word sympathy because they both ultimately come from Greek roots meaning "feeling together" or "suffering together." Simpatico people are likeable or like-minded. In other words, they get along well together: they're g_n__l, or kind, warm, and friendly. (To reveal any word with blanks, give it a click.) make your point with... "SIMPATICO" Simpatico people (and things) are pleasant or likeable, or they get along well together. Pronunciation: sim PAT ick oh 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 simpatico person." 2. After a linking verb, as in "He was simpatico.") Other forms: none How to use it: This is a rare word with a casual tone. Ultimately it comes from Greek, but because it came into English through both Italian and Spanish, it has an exotic flavor. Talk about simpatico people, those who are known for being open, warm, friendly, likeable, and easy to get along with. Or, talk about people being simpatico together or simpatico with each other, meaning they're kindred spirits, they get along well together, they understand each other and share each other's values. You can also talk about simpatico relationships, partnerships, groups, etc., and even simpatico preferences, ideologies, and worldviews. examples: Since that day we first met in middle school, we've been simpatico. "Yeah... no can do. Unfortunately, the kingdom and I aren't exactly 'simpatico' at the moment, so I won't be taking you anywhere."    —Flynn Rider in Disney's Tangled, 2014 study it now: Look away from the screen to define "simpatico" without saying "friendly" or "on the same wavelength." try it out: Fill in the blanks: "Now that _____, (two particular people) are less simpatico." Example: "Now that they're divorced, the two hosts of Flip or Flop are less simpatico." 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 "Sleek Slogans." I'll take a familiar slogan from a company or a product, express that slogan in plain language, and tell you the specific qualities the slogan has (like rhyme or alliteration), and then you come up with the real slogan as well as the name of the company or product. From the previous issue: Rewrite this slogan by using slang, rhyme, and parallelism (the use of balanced clauses or phrases): "Even if you treat our watches roughly, they keep working." Answer: That's a slogan for Timex: "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking."  Try this one today: Rewrite this slogan by using rhyme, concision (the use of as few words as possible), and alliteration (repeated sounds, as in "vim and vigor"): "Because we've stamped small smiles into our products, it's as if you and our products are smiling at one another." review today's word: 1. One opposite of SIMPATICO is A. IGNORANT. B. DISCORDANT. C. TOLERABLE. 2. As filmmakers, Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter appeared to _____ a simpatico _____. A. have .. affection for the macabre B. achieve .. balance between realism and fantasy C. hash out .. disagreement about creative control Answers are below. a final word: Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each weekday morning by Liesl Johnson, a reading and writing tutor on a mission to explore, illuminate, and celebrate words. From Liesl's blog:    36 ways to study words.    Why we forget words, & how to remember them.    How to use sophisticated words without being awkward. To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: When I write definitions, I use plain language and stick to the words' common, useful applications. If you're interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words, I encourage you to check a dictionary. Also, because I'm American, I stick to American English when I share words' meanings, usage, and pronunciations; these elements sometimes vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. A