Make Your Point > Archived Issues > UNDIMMED

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"UNDIMMED" Pronunciation: un DIMD 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 “an undimmed hope.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The hope was undimmed.”) Meaning: Of course, something dimmed has become dim: it's become unclear or too dark. So, something undimmed is completely clear or or completely bright; it hasn't become unclear or dark even though the situation very well might have caused that to happen. "Undimmed" is one of those very easy words worth taking a look at for their expressive power. (Sure, it's beyond easy to understand... but could you call it to mind easily when it would best serve your idea?) Other forms: Some dictionaries list "undim," "undimly," "undimmer" and "undimmest," but they all sound a little clunky to me. How to use it: When you say something is undimmed, you're implying that it's continuing to be strong, bright, and clear despite the passage of time or despite difficulties or opposing forces. So, talk about any of these things being undimmed: enthusiasm or zeal, spirit or charisma, confidence, certainty, hope or optimism, dreams, commitment, your love for or devotion to something or someone, your drive or ambition, something's popularity, something's strength or power, and so on. Often you'll use the word "by" to mention the thing that isn't doing any dimming: enthusiasm undimmed by several losses, high spirits undimmed by the diagnosis of disease, confidence undimmed by low turnout at the meeting, etc. And of course, you can be more concrete: a star, a nightlight, the color you painted something, etc. can all be literally undimmed. Britney Spears's popularity today appears undimmed by a kind of scary, weird period she went through awhile back.  Grandmother Parker just turned 95; she's sharp as can be with both her mind and memory undimmed by the years. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "undimmed" means when you can explain it without saying “not dimmed" or "bright." Think of something that you've loved for a really long time, and fill in the blank: "I've got an undimmed fondness for _____." Example: "I've got an undimmed fondness for jelly bracelets. They went out of fashion in maybe 1990... so what?" 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: View Answer: View Try this one today: View A Point Well Made: J. K. Rowling: “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better.” 1. The opposite of UNDIMMED is A. DARKENED B. DEEPENED C. FEARED 2. Undimmed by _____, _____ continues. A. rage .. the rowdy protest B. impending lava flows .. evacuation C. a few hateful reviews .. the book's popularity 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. C