Make Your Point > Archived Issues > VALOR

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"VALOR" ("VALOUR" for our British friends) Pronunciation: VAL er 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 valor,” “such valor,” “no valor,” and so on, but don’t say “valors.”) Meaning: Valor is determination and boldness in a dangerous situation. Other forms: valorous, valorously How to use it: This is a great word to know in addition to "courage" and "bravery." Talk about having valor, showing valor, doing something with valor, an act of valor, an award for valor, recognizing valor, honoring valor, and so on whenever you want to emphasize that people are not just swallowing their fear but also acting with swift determination. I don't usually like war movies, but a well-executed depiction of valor--especially if it involves self-sacrifice-- will give me the chill bumps. I will always remember the valor with which my mom approached her cancer treatment. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "valor” means when you can explain it without saying “unflinching” or “boldness." Think of something brave, bold, and determined that you witnessed or heard about, and fill in the blanks: "I was touched by the valor of (person), who _____." Example : "I was touched by the valor of my friend Katie, who gave her kidney to her mom." 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's game content is protected by a copyright, so I can't reprint the trivia questions here--but check out the challenging, endlessly entertaining game; it's called Moot! A Point Well Made: William Wordsworth: “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” 1. The opposite of VALOR is A. FOOLISHNESS B. COWARDICE C. IGNORANCE 2. There's a fine line between valor and _____ with your _____. A. carelessness .. assignments. B. recklessness .. own life. C. forthrightness .. peers. 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. B