Make Your Point > Archived Issues > VERNAL

Send Make Your Point issues straight to your inbox.

"VERNAL" Meaning: Something vernal happens during the spring or reminds you of springtime: it's fresh, mild, or youthful in a spring-like way. Pronunciation: VER null 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 “vernal days.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The days were vernal.”) Other forms: vernally, vernality How to use it: When you see this word, people often are using it to talk about things literally related to spring, like the vernal equinox (that day in late March when night and day are about the same length) or vernal pools (temporary ponds that are a type of wetland.) But, used figuratively, "vernal" is a beautiful word with a positive tone. Use it to talk about vernal flowers and blossoms, vernal scenery and a vernal landscape, vernal lushness and vernal beauty, vernal vigor and vernal youth, vernal grace, vernal days and nights, a vernal mood or feeling or atmosphere, etc. Almost every memory of playing in my grandparents' hilly front yard is a vernal one, filled with sunshine. Even playing in the snow, Taylor, with her bouncy mess of curls and bright pink cheeks, is a picture of vernal exhilaration. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "vernal" means when you can explain it without saying "springlike" or "fresh." Think of something you used to do or believe when you were young and innocent, and fill in the blank: "In my vernal days, I _____." Example: "In our vernal days, my sister and I would make sure we gave equal attention to each of our stuffed animals so that none would feel slighted." 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 playing with song lyrics that include words featured in issues of Make Your Point. I’ll give you a few lines from the song, with a blank where our word appears, along with its definition. See if you can come up with it! You can follow the link to see the right answer right away, or just wait until the following day’s issue. Have fun! Yesterday's lyrics: Artist: Ray Stevens Title: Shriners' Convention Lyrics:    "Operator, give me room 321, please.    Hello, Noble Lumpkin?    This here’s the _____ Potentate. …    I said it's the ______ Potentate.    The ____-- Coy!    Dad blame it! This here's Bubba!” Definition: glorious, or very famous and respected (use this one word for each of the three blanks) Answer: illustrious Try this one today: Artist: Jimmy Buffet Title: Everybody's Got a Cousin in Miami Lyrics:    Smoothing off the rougher edges of the culture clash    We got a style, we got a look    We got that old _____ Definition: a style that’s grand or bold Peek at the answer... A Point Well Made: Susan Cain: "We know from myths and fairy tales that there are many different kinds of powers in this world. One child is given a light saber, another a wizard's education. The trick is not to amass all the different kinds of available power,  but to use well the kind you've been granted." 1. Some opposites of VERNAL are A. RUDE and BLUNT B. COLD and STALE C. BLANK and EMPTY 2. _____ of vernal air _____. A. Gales .. nearly knocked us over B. Gusts .. wafted into the open windows C. Salvos .. pelted us, hot and muggy 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 Exploring the archives: Along with beamish, cadent, and halcyon, today's "vernal" is beautiful, expressive, and definitely not used often enough!