Make Your Point > Archived Issues > MALEDICTIONS

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"MALEDICTIONS" Meaning: Maledictions are curses directed at someone. They're mean, rude, vulgar things that you say either to people or about people. Pronunciation: mal uh DIK shunz Part of speech Countable noun. (Countable nouns, like “bottle,” “piece,” and “decision,” are words for things that can be broken into exact units. You talk about “a bottle,” “three pieces,” and “many decisions.” Likewise, talk about one malediction or multiple maledictions.) Other forms: Pick either "maledictive" or "maledictory" for the adjective; they're both correct. The verb is "maledict," as in "to maledict somebody," but it's rare. How to use it: You can use the singular noun, "malediction," and talk about just one malediction, as in "He spoke the words without thought, but she remembered the malediction for years." But it's more common to use this word in the plural. Talk about someone's maledictions, meaning the insults they've spoken, or talk about someone uttering, muttering, or hurling maledictions. (Or thinking maledictions, inventing maledictions, keeping any maledictions to themselves, etc.) You can also talk about maledictions that are spoken against someone. Keeping in mind that maledictions are curses in both sense of that word--both swear words and evil wishes for harm--you can heap, pile, or hurl maledictions on someone, or if you're being particularly formal, you might call down maledictions upon someone. You can also talk about maledictions in general: "We won't tolerate maledictions." "On the political landscape, true debate is rare while maledictions are abundant." Sarah posted a formal plea for her friends to keep their political maledictions off Facebook. A few choice maledictions came to mind, none of which would have moved the conversation forward. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "maledictions" means when you can explain it without saying "swearing at people" or "nasty comments about people." Think of something really frustrating that makes you want to curse, and fill in the blanks: "I (let the maledictions flow / have to hold back the maledictions) when _____." Example: "I had to hold back the maledictions when the hundredth person asked me the exact same question." 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 playing with song lyrics that include words featured in issues of Make Your Point. I’ll give you a few lines from the song, with a blank where our word appears, along with its definition. See if you can come up with it! You can follow the link to see the right answer right away, or just wait until the following day’s issue. Have fun! Yesterday's lyrics: Artist: Owl City Title: Air Traffic Lyrics:    The scent is strong as we move on    And breathe in the pristine crime scene    The false _____ is old like a substitute volunteer    From oh some other year Definition: a fake, superficial layer or appearance Answer: veneer Try this one today: Artist: Sheryl Crow Title: The Last Time Lyrics:   An angry young man is on the _____   There's so many things he'd change Definition: a condition of readiness for a fight Peek at the answer... A Point Well Made: John Dryden:  “Second thoughts, they say, are best.” 1. The opposite of MALEDICTIONS is A. ADDICTIONS B. EDICTS (commands) C. BENEDICTIONS (blessings) 2. Finding her unusually _____, the press generally loaded maledictions on her. A. admirable B. forgettable C. despicable 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. C 2. C Exploring the archives: With a strong vocabulary, there's rarely a need to make your point with maledictions: with nasty curse words hurled at people, or vicious words that slander people. So I hope you don't have a reason to use the following words too often--but can you recall them, just in case? 1. O___l: useless, worthless garbage that reminds you of pieces that fell off of something. 2. F_____s: dumb or ridiculous in a thoughtless, empty way. 3. N________t: somebody who's super-selfish and totally in love with himself or herself.