Make Your Point > Archived Issues > VEHEMENCE

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"VEHEMENCE" Pronunciation: VEE uh munss 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 vehemence,” “such vehemence,” “a lot of vehemence,” “no vehemence,” and so on, but don’t say “vehemences.”) Meaning: Something's vehemence is its strong intensity, often with anger. In other words, vehemence is the quality of ferocity, forcefulness, and fury. Other forms: Vehement, vehemently. You can also use "vehemency" for the noun. Note: "Vehemence" looks like "vehicle" because they have the same root. Vehemence carries your message to its receiver, with power and directness. How to use it: Talk about the vehemence of someone's words, actions, or reactions: "the surprising vehemence of her confession," "the vehemence of his accusation," "the vehemence of their protest," "every word was brimming with vehemence," "this letter shocked me with its vehemence," etc. (If you say "my vehemence," "his vehemence," "our vehemence," etc., then you really mean the vehemence of the person's actions or words.) You can also do something with vehemence, as in "She slammed the door with vehemence." Flip the word order for a more formal expression: "The vehemence with which she slammed the door caught us off guard." As you can see, "vehemence" usually describes people's words and actions. More abstract usage seems rare, but go for it: maybe you're floored by the vehemence of your jalapenos, for example. It's kind of funny to witness the vehemence of students' protests when they find out they have to write their homework answers in complete sentences. (Apparently it's a huge deal.) I'm fascinated by the vehemence with which sports fans react to developments in a game. One minute we're all being normal humans, and the next, some of us are jumping up in the air and hooting at a screen. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "vehemence" means when you can explain it without saying “fervor" or "intensity." Think of something risky or scary that you would never do, and fill in the blank: "If you ask me to _____, I'll vehemently refuse." Example: "If you ask me to ride a roller coaster with you, I'll vehemently refuse. I like my feet on the ground." 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. It should seem difficult: View A Point Well Made: Jeanette Winterson: “A tough life needs a tough language—and that is what poetry is. That is what literature offers—a language powerful enough to say how it is.” 1. The opposite of VEHEMENCE is A. APATHY B. AMORALITY C. ASYMMETRY 2. _____ only _____ the vehemence of their determination. A. Offers of help .. confused B. Taunts from the opposition .. fueled C. Setbacks early on .. misdirected 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