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Make Your Point > Archived Issues > UNDETERRED

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"UNDETERRED"

Pronunciation: un dih TURD

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 “undeterred progress.”
2. After a linking verb, as in "The progress was undeterred.”)

Meaning:

When you deter people or things, you're stopping, slowing, or discouraging them.

So, when people and things are undeterred, they keep on going without being stopped or slowed or discouraged--even though something might be trying to deter them, or even though they should be deterred.

Other forms:
undeterrability

How to use it:

Talk about someone or something being undeterred by a problem: "She's undeterred by their hateful remarks." "Their economy remains undeterred by the war." "He stood undeterred in the face of rejection and continued to submit his manuscript."

However, your meaning doesn't have to be positive: "The crimes continue, undeterred by amped-up security measures."

You can leave out the word "by" and just use "undeterred" to describe people and things: "Undeterred, he slogged through the required busywork and then turned his attention to his more interesting projects." "Despite aggressive treatments, the illness spread undeterred."



Following her heart, and undeterred by the possibility of failure, Diane opened an art gallery that brought joy to countless people.

Because I'd fallen in love with the house, I was undeterred by the extensive repairs it needed and unfazed by its over-budget list price. 



Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "undeterred” means when you can explain it without saying “not prevented from doing something" or “not discouraged."



Think of a time you overcame an obstacle, and fill in the blanks: "Undeterred by _____, I managed to _____." 

Example: "Undeterred by the super-slow Internet connection at the airport, but occasionally drifting off into a jet-lagged stupor, I did manage to get some work done."



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 thoughtful and thorough reference book that I got them from: Last Words of Notable People!

A Point Well Made:

Plutarch: "Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks."



1. The opposite of UNDETERRED is

A. HINDERED
B. EXPRESSED
C. SILENCED

2. If you love camping, you're probably undeterred by _____

A. the beauty and quiet of starry nights.
B. the possibility of bugs crawling on you.
C. both the solitude and companionship it can provide.

Answers are below.


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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

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