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"BEAMISH" Pronunciation: BEE mish 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 “a beamish smile.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The smile was beamish.”) Meaning: To beam is to shine out in rays, like a beam of sunlight, or to smile happily. So, something beamish is cheerful, bright, and hopeful. Other forms: None How to use it: Most commonly, you talk about a beamish smile or a beamish child. Even though other uses are rare, you could talk about a beamish outlook, a beamish personality, a beamish confidence, etc. With a beamish smile, Chelsea walked across the stage to receive her college diploma. My daughter runs up to me, beamish, clutching a fistful of pebbles that she can't wait to hand to me. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "beamish" means when you can explain it without saying “joyful" or "optimistic." Think of something that makes you excited and happy, and fill in the blank: "_____ puts a beamish grin on my face." Example: "Noticing that the windshield wipers are beating in rhythm to the song on the radio puts a beamish grin on my face." 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 reviewing recently featured words with some activities created with my favorite vocabulary software: Vocabulary Worksheet Factory, made by Schoolhouse Technologies. It's a simple, flexible program that lets you input word lists and definitions, then create customized, fun worksheets for review. We're starting off with very easy activities, then working our way toward harder reviews throughout the month. From yesterday: View Answer: View Try this one today. It should seem difficult: View A Point Well Made: Neil Gaiman: “We will do an awful lot for stories – we will endure an awful lot for stories. And stories, in their turn – like some kind of symbiote – help us endure and make sense of our lives.” 1. The opposite of BEAMISH is A. UNFINISHED B. DOWNCAST C. PORTLY 2. In a beamish mood, we _____. A. slogged through the chores one by one B. scrubbed and dusted in a zoned-out stupor C. stood back to admire the perfectly clean rooms 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