Make Your Point > Archived Issues > ZEALOT

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"ZEALOT" Pronunciation: ZELL ut 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 zealot or multiple zealots.) Meaning: A zealot is a person who is so enthusiastic about something that it's extreme or crazy. Zealots are usually focused on a certain cause, as in "religious zealots" or "zealots for educational reform." Other forms: zealots, zealotry, zealous, zeal (extreme enthusiasm) How to use it: Call someone a zealot if that person is obsessively enthusiastic about something. If you're being serious, talk about religious zealots, heartless political zealots, cutthroat business zealots, etc. If you're being informal, talk about zealots for Italian food, Justin Bieber zealots, zealots of online video games, and so on. Although he does avoid eating meat, Bob isn't a zealot for animal rights. If you're a zealot about the official rules, please don't even play Monopoly with us because you're going to have a bad time. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You'll know you understand what "zealot" means when you can explain it without saying "extremist" or "devoted." Think of when you were younger and completely obsessed with something and fill in the blanks: “I admit that at the age of _____, I was a zealot about/for _____.” Example: “I admit that at the age of fifteen, I was a zealot for black lipstick, black fingernail polish, and depressing black clothes.” 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 is "guess the common word based on the given literal root meanings." Try it out each day and see the right answer the next day. It can be fun and illuminating to see the literal meanings of words when they came into the language! More than one right answer might be possible in some cases, just so you know. Also, it's okay if you can't come up with most or even any of the answers on your own; just check out the solutions and you'll learn the roots as you go along this month. From yesterday: “in” + “throw” + “noun of action” = ? Answer: "INJECTION" Try this one today: “out” + “roll/turn” = ? A Point Well Made: Franz Kafka: “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.” 1. The opposite of ZEALOTRY is A. PASSION B. APATHY C. MEMORY 2. Religious zealots unsuccessfully sought to _____. A. pray for the poor and downtrodden. B. squash children's interest in magic by banning books about it. C. hold conferences and retreats to discuss their beliefs amongst themselves. 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. B