Make Your Point: TERMLESS

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pronounce TERMLESS:

TERM luss

connect this word to others:

I bet you can list several relatives of the word termless. Think of a word with "term" in it, and you've probably found one! Let's see: we've got term, of course, and terminal, determine, terminology, exterminate... and the Terminator! All of these words, in one way or another, help you define things, limit things, or mark the edges or ends of things.

Termless is a lovely and poetic word. It describes things without limits, without edges, or without end. In one of its senses, it's synonymous with nameless, indescribable, inexpressible, in___able ("extremely hard to put into words"), and inen____able ("extremely hard to narrate clearly").

(To reveal any word with blanks, give it a click.)

definition:

Our English word "term" traces back to the Latin terminus, meaning "an end, a limit, or a boundary line."

"Termless" has been around in English since the 1500s, and it has several useful meanings.

First, since a "term" can be a period of time, something termless can be infinite or never-ending.

Second, since a "term" can be a word or a phrase, something termless can be unable to be named or expressed in words.

Third, since a "term" can be a rule, a limitation, or a condition, something termless can be free from any terms or conditions.

grammatical bits:

Part of speech:

Adjective: "a termless contract."

Other forms:

The adverb is "termlessly," and the noun is "termlessness."

how to use it:

Pick the rare but easily understood word "termless" when you want to sound lofty and poetic, even dramatic. Let's explore its three senses.

First, if things seem to have no boundaries or edges, or no stopping or starting points, you could call them termless. Talk about termless skies, waters, fights, challenges, work, fears, illnesses, bus rides, etc.

Second, if things seem too intense or too amazing to be properly expressed in words, you could call them termless. Talk about termless joy, love, horror, relief, chaos, pride, charm, beauty, etc.

Third, if things have zero strings attached—absolutely no conditions—you could call them termless. Talk about termless agreements, contracts, transactions, truces, surrenders, etc.

examples:

"I was a journalist in the southern Sudan in the mid-1970s, and have followed the tragedy of that sad land ever since. Let me tell you: The gold has been flowing from Saudi Arabia since this termless war started in 1955."
— Harry Minetree, as quoted in Salon, 7 June 2005

"Behind
My father's cannery works I used to see
Rail-squatters ranged in nomad raillery,
The ancient men — wifeless or runaway
Hobo-trekkers that forever search
An empire wilderness of freight and rails.
Each seemed a child, like me, on a loose perch,
Holding to childhood like some termless play."
— Hart Crane, "The Bridge," 1930

has this page helped you understand "termless"?

Awesome, I'm glad it helped!

Thanks for letting me know!
If you have any questions about this term, please message me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com.

study it:

Explain the three meanings of "termless" without saying "infinite," "unnamed," or "unconditional."

try it out:

"Termless" makes for a dramatic, unexpected synonym of "interminable." Let's use it to complain about something that seems to go on forever and ever.

Fill in the blanks: "All through the termless (event or period of time), I (did something)."

Example: "All through the termless PowerPoint presentation, I stayed awake by trying to recall the fifty state capitals."

before you review, play:

Try to spend 20 seconds or more on the game below. Don’t skip straight to the review—first, let your working memory empty out.

Our game for this month is "Spot the Sharper Image."

Which of the two items described below is a real one that you can order from the Sharper Image catalog, and which one did I invent? Scroll to the bottom to see which one is real!

Try this set today:

Item A: Bathroom Mini Golf Game. "Ideal for golfers & anyone using the toilet."

Item B: Cordless Countertop Crumb Blower. "Takes the guesswork out of post-meal cleanup."

review this word:

1. Opposites of TERMLESS include

A. ELECTED and APPOINTED.
B. FINITE, NAMED, and CONDITIONAL.
C. FEISTY, ENERGETIC, and INCORRIGIBLE.

2. "Termless" is a _____ word, one that you'll find in _____, in lines like "_____."

A. corporate .. contracts .. Buyer responsible for termless liability after first $10,000 damages due to equipment malfunction
B. poetic .. Psalms .. The Lord is Good; The Lord is low to Wrath; His boundless termless Love no measure hath
C. cinematic .. movie reviews .. They finally did it. They made a termless two-hour trailer

a final word:

I hope you're enjoying Make Your Point. It's made with love.

I'm Liesl Johnson, a reading and writing tutor on a mission to explore, illuminate, and celebrate words.

From my blog:
On vocabulary...
  36 ways to study words.
  Why we forget words, & how to remember them.
  How to use sophisticated words without being awkward.
On writing...
How to improve any sentence.
How to motivate our kids to write.
How to stop procrastinating and start writing.
How to bulk up your writing when you have to meet a word count.

From my heart: a profound thanks to the generous patrons, donors, and sponsors that make it possible for me to write these emails. If you'd like to be a patron or a donor, please click here. If you'd like to be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com.

A 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.

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