Make Your Point > Archived Issues > UNFLAGGING

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"UNFLAGGING" Meaning: Something that flags becomes slower, less energetic, or dull. So, something unflagging is continuing at the same strong and steady pace, or continuing to be energetic. Pronunciation: un FLAG ing 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 “unflagging pursuit.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "Their pursuit was unflagging.”) Other forms: unflaggingly, unflagged How to use it: Talk about unflagging energy, spirits, vigor, an unflagging pursuit or effort, unflagging devotion or support, an unflagging belief or optimism, unflagging courtesy or courage, and so on. You can also have unflagging supporters or unflagging opponents, and you can even say that a person is unflagging--as long as your meaning is clear about what that person continues to do: "Unflagging, he kept on putting in job applications." My daughter's unflagging energy is adorable at six o'clock in the evening and frustrating by ten. Maybe you, too, have known people who faced the end of their lives with unflagging bravery. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "unflagging" means when you can explain it without saying "staying strong" or "staying energetic." Think of an activity that you love doing, and fill in the blanks: "I could _____ for (a particular amount of time) with unflagging (concentration/energy/happiness.)" Example: "I could browse at office supply stores for hours with unflagging happiness." 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 sampling questions from Orijinz, an awesome series of games about the origins of words, phrases, and quotes. Click here if you want to check them out. They're compact--perfect for stockings. Just saying. :) Try a question here each day this month, and see the right answer the next day. Have fun! Yesterday's question: "Guess the musician! 'Been protested and demonstrated against. Picket signs for my wicked rhymes, look at the times.' 'I am whatever you say I am. If I wasn’t, then why would I say I am?' 'I’m not afraid to take a stand. Everybody come take my hand.' 'So won’t the real Slim Shady please stand up, please stand up?' 'If you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted—one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?'” Answer: "The musician is: Eminem.” Today's question: "Guess the word! Origin: From a Greek word meaning 'one who eats at another’s table.' Definition: A person or organism that itself contributes nothing but lives off another person or organism." A Point Well Made: Goethe: “The day is of infinite length for him who knows how to appreciate and use it.” 1. One opposite of UNFLAGGING is A. BILLOWING B. DROOPING C. SALUTING 2. I found the movie Napoleon Dynamite unflaggingly funny, but my friend who watched it with me _____. A. laughed constantly B. disliked that crudeness of the humor C. sat through it without once even giggling 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. C Exploring the archives: We see the base word "flag" inside today's word, meaning to slow down or become dull. Could you think of an equally powerful synonym of "flag"? It only has three letters, it means to get lower or become less, and it often describes tides. (I love short, forceful verbs like this. A list of favorites you might like is here.)